Finding things to do with the kids that are fun, affordable and close to home can sometimes feel like a mission. But have you checked out what your local council has to offer lately?
Across Adelaide and South Australia, local councils offer much more than parks and playgrounds. Families can access toy libraries, free sports equipment, community gardens, library programs, school holiday workshops, swimming pools, youth activities and plenty of opportunities to connect with other local families.
We've rounded up some of the best family-friendly council services and programs across Adelaide, including where to find them and how to get involved.
Toy libraries
Play without the price tag.
If your kids are constantly asking for new toys, but your house is already overflowing with them, a toy library could be just the thing! Much like a regular library, toy libraries let families borrow toys, puzzles, games and play equipment to enjoy at home before returning them and trying something new. It's a great way to keep little ones entertained, encourage learning through play and save money, all while avoiding the mountain of toys that seem to take over every room.
There are currently 75 toy libraries of various sizes in South Australia and many of them are run or supported by councils – from Whyalla and West Torrens to Coober Pedy and Coorong.
Here's some of our favourite toy libraries in Adelaide
- Unley Toy Library
- Burnside Toy Library
- Mt Barker Toy Library
- Tea Tree Gully Toy Library
And for more information about Toy Libraries click here
Community Gardens
Growing more than vegetables
Got little gardeners at home? Community gardens are a lovely way to get kids outdoors, teach them where their food comes from and have a bit of fun getting their hands dirty. Many are supported by local councils and give families the chance to learn about growing fruit and veggies, caring for plants and looking after the environment. Some gardens also run working bees, workshops and family-friendly activities, making them a great way to meet other locals while watching something grow.
Check with your local council to see if there's a community garden nearby that your family can get involved in.
Seed Libraries
Growing greener communities.
If gardening from home is more your style, have you been to your local seed library? Several local government areas (LGAs) and councils across South Australia host public seed libraries where community members can borrow, grow, and return or donate seeds. Encouraging families to grow their own food, learn about sustainability and discover the joys of gardening by making seeds and growing resources available to borrow or share.
- City of Tea Tree Gully: Hosted at the Tea Tree Gully Library, offering free vegetable, herb, and flower seeds with over 50,000 packets distributed.
- The Barossa Council: Features the Lyndoch Seed Library in partnership with the Lyndoch Sustainable Community Group at the Lyndoch Library.
- City of Marion: Available at the Cove Civic Centre library, letting members take free vegetable seed packets each month.
- City of Onkaparinga: Features seed libraries at the Woodcroft Library and the Willunga Environment Centre.
- Rural City of Murray Bridge: Operates a monthly seed library and swap session at the Murray Bridge Library.
- City of Victor Harbor: Runs the Sow. Grow. Eat. Repeat! seed library program at the Victor Harbor Library.
- Town of Gawler: Provides a seed library located inside the Gawler Library at the Civic Centre.
Sports Equipment Libraries
Making active play accessible.
From basketballs and soccer balls to cricket sets and outdoor games, equipment libraries help families get active without having to buy everything themselves. The Sports Libraries operate much like a traditional library. Instead of borrowing books, residents can borrow sports and recreation equipment, use it in the park and return it for others to enjoy.
Sports Libraries are located at
Langman Reserve in Burnside
Tregenza Oval in Linden Park
Webb Street Reserve in Rose Park
Story Time at your Local Library
Little moments that make a big difference.
Regular story time sessions support early literacy, language development and a love of reading, while giving parents and carers an easy way to connect with other local families.
Check with your local council library to find a story time near you
Bike Tracks and Trails
Get out an explore.
Many councils maintain bike paths, shared trails and dedicated riding tracks that are perfect for a family adventure. Whether your little ones are still mastering their balance, your big kids are ready for a longer ride, or you just fancy a weekend pedal together, local trails are a great way to explore your neighbourhood, enjoy some fresh air and discover new favourite spots without spending a cent.
Here's some of our favourites:
Golding Oval Pump Track
Happy Homes Reserve
Amy Gillett Bikeway
or to find one near you visit www.localcouncils.sa.gov.au/news/the-best-cycling-trails-to-enjoy-close-to-home
Exercise Equipment and Free Classes
Get moving together
Many councils have installed free outdoor fitness equipment in local parks and reserves, making it easy to get moving without the cost of a gym membership. From exercise bikes and cross-trainers to strength and stretching stations, these outdoor spaces are a great way to add some movement to a family walk or let older kids have a go while you work out. It's a simple way to enjoy the outdoors, get active and make the most of your local parks.
Here's a few to check out
Thorndon Park Reserve
Goldenfields Reserve
Hugh Johnson Blvd Reserve
CC Hood Reserve
or find one near you here
Free Workshops, Courses and Programs
Discover a new passion or make a connection
Your local council might offer a whole range of courses and workshops designed to get kids learning, creating and having fun. From art and craft sessions to cooking, science, coding and hands-on creative workshops, these activities are a great way for kids to try something new, build confidence and discover a hidden talent. Best of all, many are affordable and run right in your local community, making it easy to find a new activity without travelling too far from home.
Councils also offer a wide range of youth programs that provide welcoming spaces with connection and belonging in mind. From homework clubs and school holiday activities to youth centres and mentoring initiatives, these council-led programs support positive youth development while strengthening connections among young people, their families and the wider community.
Here's a few we've found:
City of Salisbury - Digital literacy and technology programs
Explore creativity, tech, and innovation with our exciting Term 3 programs from game design to robotics and 3D printing, there’s something for every curious mind. > more info here
City of Port Adelaide Enfield offer a free after-school program MOVE & GROOVE, designed to keep all school-aged children and teens safe and active, a homework club that provides a free tutoring service for refugee students and small business mentoring for teens. > more info here
City of Onkaparinga is also investing in young people through its How to Adult program that equips young people with essential life skills to support a successful transition into adulthood, covering important areas such as financial literacy, first aid, healthy relationships and consent. > more info here
Council owned Swimming Pools
Make a splash close to home
When the weather heats up, there's nothing better than a trip to the local pool to keep the kids happy and cool. Council-owned swimming pools and aquatic centres can be a great option for affordable family fun, whether you're spending the afternoon splashing in the shallows, racing down waterslides or helping little ones build their confidence in the water. Many also offer swimming lessons, holiday programs and family-friendly facilities, so there's plenty to enjoy beyond a quick dip.
Here's three of the best council pools to check out this summer
Summit Aquatic & Leisure Centre
Salisbury Aquatic Centre
Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre
Check out your local council's pool for opening hours, entry prices and what's on offer this season.
And for updates on your local council run swimming pool click here
Intergenerational Play Groups
Connecting young and old
Craft, gardening, storytelling and games that bring children and older residents together.
City of Charles Sturt Young at Heart Intergenerational Playgroup
Bringing together different generations can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. All are welcome to join this facilitated playgroup with their child (0-5yrs) for some quality time together. Come and learn new skills each week and celebrate being young at heart.
To find out more about what it going on at your local council, visit
Local Councils | Where everything comes together.
