The summer holidays are here and it’s time to say farewell to packed lunches and school drop offs for a little while. There are plenty of free and low-cost activities on offer to help keep the children entertained over the break. Here is a list of some of the best.

Christmas at the Mortlock (external site) (external site) (external site) | Until 4 January

Step inside the stunning Mortlock Chamber at the State Library of South Australia and marvel at the magic of Adelaide's largest indoor Christmas tree. Standing at 7m tall, it is the centrepiece of the Mortlock's festive celebrations, which also includes a display of National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant treasures. There will also be a wide range of activities and events to enjoy including performances by school choirs, storytelling, crafts and the chance to write a postcard to Father Christmas.

South Australia Police Road Safety Centre (external site) (external site) (external site) | Open all year

Primary-school aged children can have fun while learning how to stay safe on our roads at the Road Safety Centre mock roadway. Free of charge and available to use on weekends and during set times on weekdays, why not consider making a day of it? The centre is located in the West Beach Parks precinct, also home to a mini golf course, high ropes adventure, skate and BMX park and The Square - a new play space with a barbecue area.

Leaf Litter Critters (external site) (external site) (external site) | Until 2 February 2026

Children can design their own critter using real plant materials collected from the garden floor at the Bicentennial Conservatory. But first, budding nature lovers can get inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, also on show in the conservatory at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The exhibition features 100 photographs capturing nature at its most breathtaking. Leaf Litter Critters is free with entry into the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Carrick Hill Christmas Mouse Hunt (external site) (external site) (external site) | Until 4 January

This magical event is back for another year. Explore the historic House Museum as you search for hidden mice tucked away in every room. As you wander through the beautifully decorated spaces, solve clever clues and jot them down to earn a special Christmas sticker. Some mouse master challenges have been added this year, for older children and the young at heart to enjoy. Then once you've finished the mouse hunt, head into the immaculate gardens of this charming estate and wander the Storybook Trail (external site) (external site) (external site).

Australian Space Discovery Centre (external site) (external site) (external site) | 13 December - 25 January

Launch into the school holidays at the Australian Space Discovery Centre, located at Lot Fourteen in the Adelaide CBD. Learn about Australia's role in space while exploring the latest innovations in space technology. Daily activities are available to keep budding explorers and innovators of all ages entertained. Check out the program and start planning your visit now.

Art Gallery of South Australia (external site) (external site) (external site) | Until 26 January

Budding artists are invited to head along to The Studio in the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) to create a comic character inspired by Banyjima artist Layne Dhu-Dickie (external site) (external site) (external site). Will your character be a hero of villain or will they have special powers. Once you've decided, create a sticker of your comic character to add to AGSA's collaborative storyboard.

Moonlight Cinema at Adelaide Botanic Garden (external site) (external site) (external site) | Until 15 February

Fancy watching a film under the stars? Pack your favourite picnic and head to the Adelaide Botanic Garden for Adelaide’s favourite outdoor cinema. With family movies, new releases and some film-buff classics, it’s always a great night out. Grab your tickets now.

Adelaide International 2026 (external site) (external site) (external site) |12-17 January

Sit courtside and enjoy world-class tennis at the Adelaide International.  Many world-class players are confirmed for the field, including Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, Greek superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas and home favourite Alexei Popyrin. Four of the of the world’s top 10 women – Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva and Ekaterina Alexandrova – will star in the women’s event. But there is more than just tennis on offer, with live music, entertainment, food trucks and activities. Before players hit centre court, some will be at the Gawler Place Canopy on Sunday 11 January, where you can grab an autograph or be photographed with your favourite tennis star.

South Australian Museum (external site) (external site) (external site) | Various dates December & January

The Museum's Discovery Centre is open from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Wednesdays to Sundays, every week during the school holidays. Let your imagination take flight with a free Paper Wings and Tiny Things drop-in craft activity, inspired by the Museum’s collections, which is available 10am to noon daily. Each Monday, from 11am to noon, Museum team members will bring out fossils for visitors to hold and discover up close. Or there's the Junior Photography Quest (recommended ages 8 – 14). Bring your camera or phone and gain tips to improve your photography skills as you explore the Museum.

Santos Tour Down Under (external site) (external site) (external site) | 16-25 January

The biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere will celebrate its 25th anniversary when it returns to the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia. This year, both male and female professional cycling teams will take part in the global season opener of the UCI World Tour. But this much-loved event is not just a bike race - it is also home to the Festival of Cycling with a range of events, street parties and participation programs for children and adults.

The Bay Sheffield (external site) (external site) (external site) | 27 & 28 December

Some of the nation's best athletes will head to Glenelg to compete in The Bay Sheffield - the state's richest and most famous footrace. This year the event, which has been run every year since 1887, will make a return to Colley Reserve. Head along and enjoy a carnival atmosphere while watching the athletes compete for lucrative prize-money events in races over 70m up to 3200m.

Adelaide Zoo's Play Wild School Holidays (external site) (external site) (external site) |Until 26 January

Grab your Play Wild booklet and set off on a fun-filled trail that celebrates some of Australia's most iconic native animals. Learn fascinating facts and search for the answers to special questions hidden on signs along the way.

National park playgrounds (external site) (external site) (external site) | Ongoing

Let the children run wild at some of the fabulous playgrounds within our state’s national parks. From Mukanthi Morialta Playground, Cobbler Creek Recreation Park to the newly built Glenthorne National Park Adventure Playground or Para Wirra Conservation Park, there's plenty of play spaces across Adelaide to encourage children to be active outdoors while having fun.