With the upcoming new Women’s and Children’s hospital development encroaching on the old Road Safety Centre site, a brand new facility opened in 2024. Forming part of the West Beach Parks precinct on Military Road has allowed the new centre to open up to the wider community and help continue to disseminate vital road safety messaging. There is a mock roadway with traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and other traffic management applications, making a fantastic spot for young riders to bring their own bike/scooter and helmet and practice their riding skills in a safe environment. 

The mock roadway at Thebarton Police Barracks is now closed to the public.

The (new) Road Safety Centre features a mock roadway where young pedestrians and cyclists can learn about road safety in a safe and fun environment.

The mock roadway helps children to become familiar with:

• Signage on the roads
• Pedestrian safety
• Road rules

The roadway includes intersections with traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, a roundabout, train crossing and traffic signs. All intersections are fitted with tactile ground surface indicators and pedestrian crossings are fitted with audio-tactile facilities to cater for persons living with disability.

The mock roadway is free of charge and is available for community use on:

• Weekends
• Between 8am and 10am on weekdays (including school holidays)
• After 3pm on weekdays (including school holidays)

The traffic lights operate seven days a week between 8.00am and 10pm and participants need to bring their own bike and helmet.

Things to consider:

In our opinion the only thing missing would be access to a toilet within the road safety school during all opening hours. In saying that though, there are two toilet options close by (especially if you choose to stay on your bike or scooter)! The first option are toilets located at the Square Playground, just around the corner. Or the second option is to head to West Beach Social (at the caravan park entry) for toilets located here.

Find it at: Military Road West Beach

Once the kids tire of the safety centre, they can ride a few hundred metres to one of our favourite nearby caf̩ stops in the western suburbs West Beach Eatery Рalways a winner with its outdoor dining and fantastic food and drink menu.

What a beautiful playground for kids of all ages! Renovated back in late 2012, the Bonython Park Playground has a some very cool features not found in the typical suburban park. Some of the best equipment includes two 25m flying fox lines fun for kids of all ages and an extensive water play area complete with pumps, gates and a watermill. Kids love playing and experimenting with water and this is a safe and interactive water zone to suits kids as young as 1, while still entertaining the older ones.

The huge ‘mouse wheel’ can accommodate numerous energetic kids, there is a variety of swings and we love the wheelchair accessible carousel, water play troughs, communication boards and a nest swing that make this park a good one for kids of all ages and abilities. You also have to love the shade thrown by beautiful big old gum trees in this park.

The playground backs onto a well kept oval for plenty of open space and a kit of the ball or fly of the kite and there are both toilet and BBQ facilities here.

Perhaps the star of the show (for parents) is Cafe Bonython, located directly at the playground. It’s got fabulous coffee, indoor play and so many treats and initiatives for the kids. We would happily brunch or lunch here any day of the week, in fact it is one of our absolute favourite places to eat with the kids. They even do Birthday Parties

Worth noting, this one is not a fenced playground an that it is situated on linear path and the Torrens River. It’s a fair distance however there are also some duck ponds on the other side of the park, so its just a reminder to keep your eyes on the little people.

To top off a great park, you will see city trains cross a small river bridge a very short walk away and you are situated under the flight path so it makes for some excellent plane spotting, depending what direction the air traffic are taking off / landing on the day that you visit.

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is a fabulous recreation park with a large playground and over 17km of fantastic mountain/BMX paths for riders of all abilities. We took the youngsters there recently and they had a ball on the playground as well as riding the junior tracks, with the 4 year old even having a great time on the intermediate track.

The ‘Kites and Kestrels’ playground is found at the end of many of the bike paths. The natural form playspace features multiple ‘raptor-themed birds nest’ climbing structures in the middle of the play area which give a really cool birds eye view from above. There are also large sandpits built to look like birdsnests from above, slides, a flying fox, rockbed, balance frames, swings, toilets, BBQs and more. The playground is well suited to kids of school ages, with a few areas that might be tricky if you bring toddlers.

Parking for the playspace and most bike paths is best accessed from the main entry and car park at the corner of Bridge and Smith Roads, Salisbury East.

Along with the 17km of bike tracks, there are also smaller, bitumen rolling ‘bike park’ for younger kids which was popular. The smooth surface makes it easier to get started on undulations, as the rest of the tracks at Cobbler Creek are all dirt.

For more bike riding locations, paths and BMX spots around 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, see our post at Bike Tracks for kids and families in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½.

Better known as Helicopter Park to many, Glover North Playground is located on Lefevre Terrace in North 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. With a large helicopter as its centrepiece, smaller kids can slide out of the chopper’s belly as one of the many pint-sized highlights located at this much loved playground. There are also plenty of swings, see-saws, climbing frames and sand play equipment including the popular diggers in the huge sandpit.

Much of the playground’s fun is best suited to younger kids aged 1-5 years, however older kids will also enjoy the larger climbing frames, rope bridge and forts. Most of the equipment has softfall rubber matting or barkchips to break any falls. There is a range of equipment that isn’t common elsewhere with Heaps of things to climb on, slide down, walk across and more.

One of the best fenced playgrounds near the CBD, Helicopter Park has shaded, grassy picnic spots, drink fountain, toilets and BBQ facilities. Keep in mind that most of the play equipment is not shaded. There are also horses agisted in the nearby parklands which the kids love – take care though as patting and feeding is not recommended.

There is also a super cute Little Free Library where you can ‘bring a book, take a book’ so be sure to bring one along with you next time you visit.

Looking for some green space and a playground in Norwood to take a break and entertain the little ones? James Coke Park is a great destination. Tucked behind Norwood Mall with easy parking, it’s safe, shady and fun for all.

James Coke Park Playground is a simply gorgeous green space guaranteed to please the whole family. The park is a safe, fully fenced and shaded space tucked in behind Norwood Mall – the perfect spot for a picnic.

There’s something for all younger ages at James Coke Park, with play equipment and space suitable for crawlers and toddlers right up to school aged kids (best suits 1-7). Playground facilities include a double see-saw/rocker, drums and music making equipment, swings (including toddler size), climbing apparatus and slides. All equipment is on rubber matting for soft falls.

Within the fenced area there’s also plenty of room for imaginary play, with lawn space, garden beds and park benches, plus picnic tables undercover. If you’re happy to sit outside the fenced area, there are more park benches and lush lawn, with summer shade from date palms. The playground’s location behind Norwood Mall is ideal. There’s plenty of easy parking and the Mall is conveniently close for toilet breaks or for additional snacks, ice cream, treats or a much deserved cup of coffee.

Jubilee Playground is one of the biggest and best playgrounds in the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ area. It’s an oldie but a goodie and most of the awesome play equipment that forms a castle is made out of wood which makes it even cooler! With HEAPS of things to keep kids from toddler to high school amused and has different sections for different abilities, it is easy to see why this is a local favourite.

We Love:

• The huge wooden castle and surrounds that provides heaps of places for kids to run, hide and have fun,
• Smaller kids “Tot Lot” section fenced off,
• Musical bells,
• Swings including a cool adult/child seated swing (see pic above),
• Climbing frames including rock climbing wall and modern climbing frames,
• Ship, rocket, fire pole, lighthouse and other cool structures,
• Tunnels, balance boards and numerous slides,
• Wheelchair accessible (although some areas have bark chips),
• New modern section of playground includes water play and a giant giraffe!
• BBQs,
• Toilets 250m away including disabled access,
• Lots of green space available for ball games, picnics, flying kites etc,
• Fencing around a lot of the equipment,
• Heaps of seating, benches and tables – some with shelter.

The new, modern area of the playground is outside of the wooden section and adds yet more equipment and more interest to Jubilee Playground. With everyone’s favourite water play (pack a spare change of clothes!) plus some more ‘regular’ playground items like swings, a net climbing frame and Cosi’s giant giraffe!

Hot tip – get there early if you’re planning a party or a bbq as it gets busy on the weekends. Bring a change of clothes for kids who love water play – honestly, bring a change of clothes either way coz they WILL find the water!

Meet 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo’s New Panda Duo: Xing Qiu & Yi Lan

Xing Qiu (shing chee-yull) and Yi Lan (ee-lun) are settling into their new home at 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo’s Bamboo Forest, since arriving on 21 January 2025!

Xing Qiu, a three-year-old male, is a handsome guy with a chill yet playful vibe. His name means “Star Autumn,” a nod to the twinkling sky on the night he was born. Yi Lan, also three, is a little ball of energy with a name that means “idly blissful”—fitting for such a fun-loving panda!

Handpicked in collaboration with the Zoos Chinese conservation partners, these two are not just here to steal hearts—they’re also a future breeding pair, bringing fresh hope for panda conservation.

Go and say hi to Xing Qiu and Yi Lan—you’ll find that this duo are much more lively and active in the cooler weather, early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

If you haven’t been to 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo in a while, you might be surprised by how much has changed. From the new Penguin Bay to the Red Panda Runway and Tamarins on the Run tunnels, the primate boardwalk where you can sit for hours watching the siamang and gibbons swing and play above your head to the cheeky meerkats and of course our two famous Pandas – you won’t know where tolook first!

The zoo is home to over 250 different species of native and exotic animals including their famous Giant Pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni and newest arrivals – three adorable Sumatran Tiger cubs! Sisters Marni and Susu and brother Ketambe have been prowling, pouncing and playing together since their debut in April 2023!

Set aside a few hours or a whole day of exploring, discovery and fun with plenty of opportunities to get up close to the animals. It can be a long day of walking and sightseeing so make sure you pack extra snacks, water and sunscreen as you make your way around the jungle-like gardens.

The lovely botanic setting means lots of shady areas and perfect for laying out a blanket for a picnic. Bring your own lunch, or grab a range of tasty treats, snacks, drinks and hot meals at the onsite cafes. 

If you want to get closer to some of your favourite animals, there are some incredible experiences available for loved ones of all ages. Hand feed a giraffe, go behind the scenes to feed the adorable Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies, mingle with meerkats and even inspect an insect (a great one for the under 6s). Check out the range of experiences online here.

Run wild at Nature’s Playground

This is an absolute highlight for the kids! Part of the Variety Children’s Zoo, it’s a wonderful environment where little ones of all ages and abilities can let their imaginations run wild exploring the natural world. It’s always one of the highlights of our day at the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo. Click here for all the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo Nature Playground info.

Head’s up! Free Flight Bird Show

Swoop in for a flying sensation at 11:30am daily on the Central Lawn to see some of the feathered 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo residents and hear about their incredible features. It’s a great time to sit and eat your lunch.

Relaxed Zoo Mornings For Inclusive Experiences

During a Relaxed Zoo Morning experience, the zoo’s gates open earlier with reduced human noises on site to ensure a quieter and calmer environment for the autism and autistic community.

The experience is held quarterly on the third Saturday morning of month, and allows guests one and half hours to explore the zoo at their own pace before opening to the general public.

The Relaxed Zoo Mornings program is part of Zoos SA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) charter, which aims to create an environment of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusiveness.

Kids in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Top Tips for visiting 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo

• Bring lots of snacks and water. Water bottles can be refilled at stations around the Zoo!
• Hats and sunscreen are a must.
• 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo is very pram friendly and they also have Zoobarus (available for hire for $15.)
• Check the daily schedule for the day you visit to make sure you don’t miss any of the animal presentations or meet the keeper experiences > 
• If you’re interested in an animal experience , they often sell out.

Open 9:30am – 5pm every day of the year (including Christmas and Boxing Day!)

A Zoos SA membership pays for itself in just 3 visits!
Get a 365-day adventure with unlimited visits to 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo AND Monarto Safari Park plus discount at the Zoo Shop and café.

Cost:
Members – Free
Cub (0-3 years) Free
Child (4-14 years) $22.50
Adult (15+ years) $42.50
Concession (15+ years) $31
Family (2 adult + 2-3 children) $107

There’s also a great range of family combination passes you can buy,  for more information.

If your littlies can’t get enough of the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Zoo, you could also enrol them in the A to Zoo sessions for pre-schoolers! Find out more here.

For more information and to book tickets online visit

The Princess Elizabeth Playground is fantastic for all ages, from toddlers up to adults.  Located on South Terrace opposite Willcox St in the city, it is definitely a big favourite with us (and most of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ judging by numbers!). It is one of many well-equipped kids playgrounds in this area and reopened in late 2014 after a complete upgrade.

There is so much to do, and the park is a huge hit with kids and parents alike. There is heaps of awesome new equipment, ranging from the very popular mini-trampolines and large climbing net, spinning swing, pod swing and an amazing medieval looking castle complete with a twisting tunnel slide. The opportunities for kids to get their imaginations going are endless.

There are also more swings, see-saws, spring rockers and a large multi-play structure including monkey bars, climbing ropes, wobbly platform boards and sliding poles.

The HUGE downside in my opinion is that it isn’t fully fenced and there are nearby busy roads (and take extra care when events like the Royal Show are on because cars will be driving on the playing fields close by) – I know it encourages people to get out and use the fields more, but still think many people wouldn’t be so keen!

General park facilities include a toilet block, BBQ facilities, bench seating, drinking fountains, and plenty of shady spots. A large sports field for running around or ball games top off this well-equipped facility.

This park is beautiful to visit in spring when the blossoms are out.

If you’re looking for a nice playground for school aged kids in the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills, with full facilities then this might be it! Woodside Playground is located right on the Main Street next to the Woodside Oval and sports complex. It has all the usual playground equipment – slides, a small ‘flying fox’, climbing frames and swings all within a fully fenced play area. In addition, it’s right next to the skate ramp, toilet block and large enclosed area with BBQ facilities and covered seating, with plenty of car parking.

Best for 5-12 year olds.

Our favourite local cafe is The Olive Branch Cafe  in Balhannah and for another destination in the area check out Melbas Chocolate Factory just on the other side of Woodside.

AL Vincent Playground in Vincent Reserve, Bridgewater is one of those hidden local gems that most people would never know about unless you lived nearby, but it’s a superb spot with a reasonable range of play equipment for toddlers to older kids. It’s well shaded by big gum trees for plenty of shelter on sunny days, fully fenced and bark chipped around all equipment for safer falls. There is a larger play equipment setting suitable for 5-10 years that includes monkey bars, climbing equipment, sliding frames, a bridge and slide. Slightly off from that, there is a more toddler suitable frame with smaller slide, toddler friendly stairs, abacus, covered fort and a spring rocker. There’s also baby and regular swings, as well as a few picnic tables across the reserve and plenty of space for unstructured outdoors play, both in open grassed areas and between the trees.

No toilet or bbq facilities onsite at Vincent Reserve playground Bridgewater. The playground is a no-dog zone.