Big news for little bookworms! A brand-new Little Library is set to open inside the State Library of South Australia in August 2026, creating a free, welcoming space where children aged 0–11 can play, explore, imagine and discover a lifelong love of reading.

Located on the ground floor of the Spence Wing on North Terrace, Little Library has been designed especially for kids and their families, with books at its heart and plenty of opportunities for hands on learning, activities and imaginative play.

Now, this isn’t your average library. The purpose-built space has been created from a child’s perspective, encouraging curiosity through interactive experiences, storytelling, play-based learning and engaging programs and events. Families will also be able to borrow books and resources, making it a fantastic destination for regular visits.

Developed by the State Library in partnership with the City Library and using the help of early literacy research, Little Library aims to help children build important literacy skills while having fun. It will also celebrate local stories, South Australian voices and Kaurna culture, helping children connect with the people, places and stories that make our state unique. How good does it sound?

The colourful new space will feature artwork from talented 91������ý creatives too, and is shaping up to be a wonderful addition to 91������ý’s family-friendly attractions.

We’ll be counting down the days until the doors open in August 2026! Keep an eye out for more details as opening day gets closer.

Opening August 2026

North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, 91������ý, South Australia

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The sad truth…
In 2025, 357 people drowned in Australian waters. Children aged 5-14 years reported a 30% increase. Most drowning deaths in this age group resulted from an unintentional fall into water, reinforcing the need for swimming and water safety skills and knowledge to assist in unexpected situations. Take a look at the 2025 National Drowning Report

These statistics are a confronting reminder for parents to be vigilant by remembering a number of simple guidelines:
– Active adult supervision around water
– Making sure home pools are properly fenced
– Taking children to water familiarisation classes and swimming lessons

The good bits…
5 reasons your children should learn to swim:
– Lessons provide your kids with confidence, which is great for self-esteem
– Your child will learn about water safety in and around water
– Swimming is a great way to exercise
– Earlier development of physical skills including hand-eye coordination and muscle tone
– Enhances social and personal skills

Swimming lessons are also extremely beneficial for children over the age of five as it enhances their knowledge of safety around water as well furthering their skills and stroke development.
The good news too is that generally from the age of about three, the parents and carers don’t need to get in the pool. Until then, be the champion that puts your child’s safety first and jump in that pool!

Below are some of the places in 91������ý you can enrol your kids into Learn to Swim programs. Most starting from the age of 6 months right up to squad swimming. Click each venues website for more information.

Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the deep, explore the world heritage listed railway building, and gain further knowledge about Victor Harbor and South Australia’s marine treasures. The centre provides whale sighting information, education and research support services through a range of mediums. The centre brings together a unique collection of historic treasures, marine, cultural, and aboriginal heritage to deliver an inspiring and enjoyable experience for every visitor.

We love the Dig Pit where kids can dig for fossils!

TICKETS: ���ٱ�������$5.00 | CHILD & CONCESSION $4 | FAMILY (2 adults + 2 children) $15
OPEN: 7 Days 10am – 4:pm

2 Railway Terrace, Victor Harbor

They also deliver enriching indoor activities, including performing arts and educational programs. But Scouting is more than just activities. Scouts empower young people to learn practical life skills and become responsible, outstanding individuals.

Scouting is about fun, friendship, and helping youth make the world better for future generations. With over 70 locations statewide and remote options through our Lone Scouts program, there’s always a Scout Group nearby.

What Makes a Scout?
Scouts empower young people by giving them responsibility. They organise activities, lead groups, and create adventures for friends. This builds confidence, adaptability, and creative problem-solving; we support them along the way.

Who Can Join?
Scouts have five sections that vary in age: Joey (5-8), Cub (8-11), Scout (11-15), Venturer (15-17), and Rover (18-25). No matter how old your child is, they will be surrounded by peers of their age.

Create Unforgettable Memories
Scouts participate in amazing local, interstate and even international adventures!

Positive Mindset
Teamwork, friendship, and positive well-being are at the heart of Scouts. They respect and support each other, helping everyone achieve more together.

Events, Activities, and Adventures
From weekly meetings to weekend events and overseas adventures, the fun never stops at Scouts.

Transferable Real-Life Skills
Scouting offers non-traditional learning through fun activities supported by adults. Young people gain real-life skills in a modern environment.

No Internet? No Worries
Scouts appreciate nature, love the outdoors, and focus on what matters most, without a screen in sight.

Regional/Remote Options
Lone Scouts is an online option for those in remote areas, meaning nobody misses out on joining Scouts.

We Have Fun
Young people love being Scouts. They have fun at meetings, make new friends at events, and create unforgettable memories on big adventures.

Community and Nature
Scouts actively support their community. They host donation drives, join clean-up days, and organise tree-planting events.

Performing Arts
Scouts SA also supports performing arts. 91������ý Gang Show and Comedy Capers let youth act, sing, dance, and have fun on stage.

Sporting Vouchers
Scouting qualifies for Sports Voucher Plus, meaning you can save on membership.

Start Your Adventure
Visit the link below to join a Scout Group near you. Scouts SA is a welcoming community, and look forward to seeing you at their next meeting.

Find your local Scout Group at and be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

Resilient Kidz has been working with young individuals in 91������ý and surrounding suburbs since 2019. Service areas include the Northern suburbs (Salisbury, Elizabeth, Modbury and more), Southern suburbs (Marion, Morphett Vale, Noarlunga and more), Eastern suburbs (Norwood, Magill, Burnside and more), and Western suburbs (Henley Beach, Port 91������ý, Semaphore and more).

Small Group Programs

The inclusive group programs are thoughtfully designed for primary school–aged children of all abilities and experience levels. Resilient Kidz welcomes young people living with disability, developmental delay, or social and emotional challenges — as well as any child who would love to participate in extracurricular activities but may benefit from additional support.

Within a warm and welcoming small-group environment, children are encouraged to build confidence, develop meaningful social connections, and discover their strengths at their own pace. Every child is supported to feel capable, included, and empowered — because every child deserves the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive.

Programs Offered

Resilient Soccer, Resilient Footy & Resilient Basketball
These inclusive sports group programs run for eight weeks, typically commencing in week two of each school term. Suitable for primary school–aged children, the soccer, AFL and basketball groups promote skill development, teamwork, and confidence. Developed by an accredited Exercise Physiologist, the programs provide a sociable, fun, and safe environment where children can play while developing gross motor and sport-specific skills.

Resilient Pilates
Inclusive Kids Pilates supports children in building muscular strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility, while also developing postural and core support and improving body awareness. Developed and facilitated by an Exercise Physiologist with ESSA-accredited ‘Pilates for Paeds’ qualifications, each session blends age-appropriate Pilates exercises with themed warm-ups and mindfulness activities. Suitable for all abilities, Kids Pilates helps build confidence, foster social interaction, and enhance overall wellbeing in a fun and engaging environment.

Resilient Arts & Crafts
The Arts & Crafts program is a creative, imaginative, and playful class enjoyed by many children. Suitable for primary school–aged children of all artistic levels and experience, the program supports sensory exploration, fine motor skill development, and self-expression.

Resilient Baking
The Baking program is a hands-on and engaging experience that helps children develop lifelong food preparation and cooking skills. Classes are suitable for primary school–aged children of all experience levels in baking and cooking.

To register interest or for more information:

Phone: 08 8123 8666

Ever wanted to bite the head off of a T-Rex? Or maybe sip on a delicious chocolate milkshake while under the watchful gaze of a suspended bottle nose dolphin skeleton? Maybe you’ve never thought about it, but our point is, eating out with kids around 91������ý doesn’t have to be expensive, or boring. We love the South Australian Museum, hello FREE, airconditioned, indoor activity.

Heading to the Museum Café is a highlight for our family outings. The relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a coffee break while the kids enjoy a bite to eat. We love how they offer a variety of options to please everyone’s tastes. From healthy choices like the fresh and vibrant ‘Little Dippers Snack Box’, packed with fruits, veggies, and dips perfect for little hands, to more indulgent treats like hot dogs and dino nuggets, there’s something to keep everyone happy.

What we think sets the Museum Café apart is how it combines great food with a fun, educational experience. The kids are fascinated by the museum exhibits, we always have to see the giant squid (any one else?) and after exploring, they’re eager to refuel with a meal that’s as exciting as their museum adventures. The dino nuggets are a particular hit, sparking their imaginations and adding a playful twist to their meal, while the healthy grazing box helps balance out their energy levels. More of a hot dog family? These are huge! Further to this the coffee is great and there is a big range of uncomplicated options for parents too, including a rotating specials board.

The cafe’s location obviously allows us to seamlessly integrate a meal with our museum visit. It’s not just about filling up; it’s about slowing down and enhancing the overall experience. The kids can enjoy their food while discussing their favorite exhibits, making it a great way to combine learning with dining. A lot of people also miss the undercover outdoor seating tucked around the corner. Highly recommend for kids like mine who are professional level crumb droppers. Plus, a bit of fresh air and some lawn to burn around on never hurt.

Give it a try next time you are in the city. The tram makes access easy and you’ll all love the family-friendly environment, ensuring that everyone from toddlers to adults, can enjoy a pleasant meal before diving back into more museum exploration.

Last thing. The cookies and goodies on the counter are the absolute cutest thing ever. I hope they never ever take them away!

Find The Museum Café at South Australian Museum, North Terrace 91������ý City

Follow the Museum on and

The first few years of a child’s development play a hugely important part in just how far they’ll go in learning and in life.

Children go further.

Two years of preschool are better than one, the evidence is clear. With 90% of brain development occurring by age 5, starting earlier builds a stronger foundation for life. The roll-out of 3-year-old preschool in South Australia will benefit children through:

• greater access to 2-years of quality early childhood education and care,
• opportunities for discovery, connection, and individual growth,
• early learning that builds strong foundations in language, social skills, and confidence.

Play more, learn more.

Play is fundamental to helping young brains grow, as it shapes how children explore the world and helps develop their critical thinking. 3-year-old preschool provides:

• quality, age-appropriate, play-based learning and discovery,
• learning through play to build confidence, creativity and social skills,
• qualified early childhood teachers and educators to lead activity.

Supporting development needs, sooner.

Nearly a quarter of South Australian 5-year-olds have started school behind their developmental milestones. With 3-year-old preschool:

• teachers and educators can help identify additional needs earlier,
• the developmental needs of all children can be supported through the available Preschool Boost funding.

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 café stops in the western suburbs West Beach Eatery – always a winner with its outdoor dining and fantastic food and drink menu.

Every Sunday at 1pm and 3pm, the National Trust invites curious minds aged 8 and up to join a journey through the Old Treasury Building at the Adina Treasury Hotel, right in the heart of 91������ý. This tour is quite literally a hidden gem for families wanting to combine a history lesson with a little adventure. It’s an immersive, accessible experience, just right for curious kids (and grown-ups) with a love for local stories and history.

The Treasury building is a must-do experience for families wanting to step into history and explore one of South Australia’s most important sites of political power. From riots to floods and the historic reforms that helped shape the colony, visitors will uncover the events that defined 91������ý’s early years while meeting the colourful characters who left their mark on the city.

Beneath the building lies a network of hidden passages and shadowy corridors where gold was once safely stored, tight spaces filled with stories larger than life. It’s the perfect adventure for families who love real-life tales of colonial times, enjoy hands-on exploration of heritage sites, and have curious kids aged 8 and over eager to discover how 91������ý’s politics and gold history unfolded underground.

Ticket Prices: Adult: $20 | Concession: $18 | National Trust Members, Kids (8–15 years), and Students: $12 | Companion Card holders: Free

Meet at the historic Adina Treasury Hotel, 2 Flinders Street, 91������ý. The tour is pram and wheelchair-friendly.

To book your tickets visit

feature image credit www.nationaltrust.org.au