Pack your bags and check in to Crowne Plaza 91������ý, right in the middle of all the city fun! Snuggle into comfy rooms with floor-to-ceiling views, splash around in the heated outdoor pool (yep, even in winter!), and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast before heading out on your city adventures.

You’ll be just a short walk from family-friendly favourites like Rundle Mall, the 91������ý Zoo, and Illuminate 91������ý. After a big day out, head up to Koomo for dinner with a view or treat yourselves to a sky-high kids’ high tea at Luna10.

With friendly service, spacious rooms, and everything you need right at your fingertips, Crowne Plaza 91������ý makes your winter weekend away with the kids easy, cosy, and full of fun.

And while you’re there, make your stay at Crowne Plaza 91������ý even more memorable by booking in for their high tea experience.

Head up, up, up to level 10 of 91������ý’s tallest building for a super special high tea at Koomo and Luna10! With awesome views over the city and a tower of tasty treats, it’s the perfect way to feel fancy while having fun.

You’ll get to try TEN different yummy goodies – think sweet surprises, savoury bites, and treats made from fresh South Aussie ingredients. Parents can enjoy a glass of bubbles or a fancy tea from Brackendale Tea Co. while kids sip on juice and pick their favourites from the high tea stand.

The hottest (and brightest) event in 91������ý this winter is of course Illuminate 91������ý.

This city-wide celebration of light, art, music, and technology transforms 91������ý into a glowing wonderland every July – and it’s a must-do for families! From giant interactive light installations and colourful projections on buildings, to immersive experiences and night-time adventures, there’s something to wow kids (and grown-ups) of all ages.

Rug up, grab a hot choc, and wander through the city streets as they come alive after dark. With many free outdoor experiences and ticketed events that are perfect for curious minds, Illuminate 91������ý is the ultimate winter night out with the kids.

Let the lights lead the way!

find out what’s on and where

Universal Kingdom: The Next Era has taken over 91������ý Zoo after dark — and it’s packed with prehistoric fun for dino-loving kids (and their grown-ups). Dash through the Raptor Run, meet the mighty puppet T. rex, dig for fossils, and explore a glowing dinosaur world like no other.

Thu 03 July – Sun 20 July 2025 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday only)

more info here

Looking for something new to do as a family this winter? Join the vibrant Paint and Palate Street Art Tour with Flamboyance Tours and see the CBD through fresh eyes (and tastebuds)!

We had a blast exploring with Katina, discovering stunning street art by 91������ý’s own Jimmy C and other talented local artists. But the fun doesn’t stop there, your family will love sampling delicious local treats and sweet surprises along the way!

Katina was great with the kids, really taking time to explain the meaning behind the art in a way they would understand.
Great for kids over 5 years (make sure they’re in comfy walking shoes though), this 2-hour tour runs Monday to Saturday at 2pm.

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞!

Book now for a colorful and tasty two hours:

Located on level one, Rundle Place you’ll find a whole lot of family fun!

Strike Bowling��– not your average tenpin bowling alley. From bowling to laser tag and karaoke to escape rooms, they’ve got the fun covered for everyone. Throw in a fully-equipped cocktail bar, gourmet kitchen offerings and parade of party packages into the equation and it’s your one-stop shop for the ultimate entertainment experience.

Hijinx Hotel��– an immersive interactive game experience. With 15 quick play challenge rooms, this where you come to play, not stay.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq��– It’s dazzling, it’s delightful, it’s a spectacle for (all) the ages! Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is a real prize for your eyes – a kaleidoscopic circus of cocktails, arcade and ticket games that give old fun a new life!

And when it’s time to eat, you can’t go past the delicious food at Doughballs. One of our all time favourite family friendly restaurants with one of the best kids meal offerings in all of 91������ý. Read our full review here

more info here

The 91������ý Central Market is always a hive of activity and are a great place to explore piles of scrumptious fresh food from a variety of cultures. There’s loads for kids to learn, mountains of foods to choose from and plenty of activities to enjoy. Some of the activities include face painting, cooking demonstrations, small goods appreciation classes, live entertainment and more!

click here to find out what’s on and what not to miss

2025 Top Ten

1. Grazing In The Valley, Woodcroft
2. Lil Mamma’s Cafe, Gawler
3. The Wistow on High, Strathalbyn
4. Village Grounds, Alberton
5. Long Shot & Co,��Noarlunga
6. What The Croque! Cafe, Daw Park
7. The Gooby Goose, ��Happy Valley
8. Bracegirdles, Hahndorf
9. Cafe Bonython, 91������ý City Fringe
10. Artisan Oak Cafe, Littlehampton

2024 Top Ten

1. Village Grounds, Alberton
2. Coffee Barn & Gelateria, Moonta
3. Port Hughes General Store, Port Hughes
4. The Experience Cafe, Broadview
5. Cafe Bonython, 91������ý
6. Little Cafe on Churchill, Ovingham
7. Sisterhood, Somerton Park
8. Tweety Bird Cafe, Plympton
9. Boy & Bloom, 91������ý
10. Ten Talent Cafe, Marion

2023 Top Ten

2. Pelican Bistro Goolwa
3. The Gooby Goose – Happy Valley
4. Cafe Bonython – Bonython Park Playground
5. Mahalia Coffee – Robe South East
6. Bean & Bikkie Co – Hahndorf
7. Nosso Cafe – Westlakes
8. Bunnings – Windsor Gardens
9. Melo Cafe – Windsor Gardens

Notable mention to Village Grounds Cafe, Alberton, who decided to withdraw in order to let someone else have the lime light this year. PS Their communit, babyccino’s, coffee, light menu, snacks, indoor and out door play spaces are epic.

2022 Top Ten

5. Cafe Bonython – 91������ý, Bonython Park

Illuminate 91������ý, held annualy every July transforms 91������ý into a vibrant tapestry of art, music, and innovation.

This captivating winter festival brings together local, national, and international talent to illuminate the city’s streets and landmarks with awe-inspiring displays and immersive experiences.

From free to ticketed events, this is one of the KiA team’s favourite festivals of the year!

to check out the full program and book tickets – click here

click here for more info

TreeClimb 91������ý is a must do! Don’t worry if it’s a bit chilly, you’ll soon be up in the trees and working up a sweat!

Kids can tackle the Kids Course while adults or kids that are tall enough can do the Grand Course or Family Experience. If you don’t want to climb, don’t worry, there is an onsite cafe with plenty of delicious food and decent coffee.

Find out more here

The sights, the sounds, the smells!

The 91������ý Central Market is a must visit while you are in the city – your family will get to indulge in delicious local South Australian produce including fruit & veg, desserts, cheese, meals and cuisines from around the world and if you time your visit well, your kids can join in with free weekend activities such as cooking classes or face painting. 

Click here for all the info

Cirque du Soleil returns to Australia with its most unique production CORTEO, set to charm audiences for the very first time.

Heading to 91������ý from October 2-5, 2025, this exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca (who also directed LUZIA), first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005.

Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the artist with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

Get ready for an action-packed weekend as the 91������ý Entertainment Centre transforms into a monster truck mayhem zone this 2–3 August 2025!

Watch fan favourites like Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, and more come to life in a spectacular glow-in-the-dark experience – plus, meet the fierce new villain, Skelesaurus™!

With special kids pricing, this high-octane show is a must for families looking to turn up the heat this winter! 

The City Library is always a great spot to find kid-friendly programs and events right in the heart of 91������ý. Check out LEGO Club, Family Story Time or the program that runs every Saturday offering a range of activities including board games and LEGO, badge-making and bracelets, to puzzles and crafts.

You’ll find it at Level 3, Rundle Place, Rundle Mall,

Named for the iconic South Australian, the accessible playground in Rymill Park is fully fenced, spacious and is full of equipment suitable for all abilities.

find all the info here

It would be remiss of us not to include this 91������ý icon first up! Head to the Oval to see AFL, cricket, some of the world’s best performers, OR take your sport mad kids on an 91������ý Oval Tour complete with Kids Trail.

Click here to find out more.��

Starting at Bonython Park, this amazing Children’s Trail heads west along the river from the playground & follows the story of The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek with interactive storyboards & activities for the kids to do along the way.

Find our more here!

Another 91������ý icon! Catch all the latest movies, plus be entertained by the organ before the movie starts. You’ll find this lovely art deco theatre on Goodwood Road.

Click here for more info. 

South Australia is blessed with some of the best family friendly beaches, including many that you can drive on. Enjoy a perfect family day out by packing all of the essentials in the car and driving it straight onto the beach instead of lugging it all from the carpark. These beaches are a hot spot for public holidays and hot summer days, so why not head on down for your next family day out.

Click here to find out more. 

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly dining here in 91������ý. Rainbow toasties, pizza, kid-friendly platters, ice cream, donuts, freakshakes – our fair city has them all! Check out our Family-Friendly Eats page for our favourite places to dine with kids.

We all know that 91������ý is well known for March Madness, specifically the Fringe Festival! Find a show to suit the whole family, or go child free, or just take the kids to the Garden of Unearthly Delights to enjoy the food and atmosphere. There is something for everyone!

Here are our top picks for kids shows!

We love anywhere that we can see some cute & cuddly (& sometimes scaly & scary) native animals! Gorge Wildlife Park is no exception. Head for the hills! Pack a picnic & spend a day wandering the park with the kids, they will love it!

Find out more here.

While we’re on the topic of animals…head to the Hills for the kids to cuddle baby farm animals, milk a cow, have a tractor ride, ride on a pony & more! We love Hahndorf Farm Barn & you can read all about it here.��

Winter is no time to stay home in 91������ý! The city comes alive with Illuminate 91������ý and their curated program of free and ticketed light events. Will you head to the Botanic Gardens at night, see the installations along North Terrace or warm up with coffee and warm treats at Base Camp? This is the perfect family friendly winter event!

Click here for all the info. 

Swings, slides, water play, climbing structures, wooden castle structures and a fun fire truck to play on. What more could you want? This playground really does have it all and it’s perfect for using up a few hours of the day. This playground is perfect for all ages with various different areas and something to suit all abilities.

Find out more here!

There are so many walks to do in Kuipto Forest, as well as trees to climb, hidden teepees to find & firepits to keep warm. Spend a few nights camping or just go for the day. Read more about Kuipto & other bushwalking adventures here. 

You can also have fun at the Treeclimb course at Kuipto!

The Largs Bay Foreshore Ice Cream Playground was upgraded in 2024 and brought to life an amazing concept which feels like came straight from the imagination of us as kids! There is also a kiosk right next door with amazing food and drinks, so it’s the perfect location for a day trip!

Find out more about the playground here!
And more about the kiosk here!

Melbas has gotta be some of the best chocolate in 91������ý! Take a drive up to the 91������ý Hills to visit their factory & stock up on their delicious treats. Or head to their new store & cafe in the Barossa for heaps of yummy fun. They also regularly have fun events & special activities in school holidays so keep an eye out.

Get the delicious details here.

One of our absolute favourite things to do in winter with the kids is rug up and head into the city for Illuminate 91������ý.

From 2–20 July, 91������ý transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with light installations, music, and creative tech from all over the world. There’s something truly magical about seeing the kids’ faces light up (literally!) as they explore the streets after dark. With a mix of free and ticketed events, it’s a brilliant way to shake off the winter chill and make some unforgettable family memories.

Check out the program here

Winter Whalefest is a month-long celebration of the annual whale migration to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

With over 25 events, it’s a chance to learn from marine conservation leaders, experience marine wonders, and enjoy educational and cultural activities.

Perfect for the whole family!

here’s what you need to know

The perfect winter indoor activity – mini golf!

Hey Caddy at West Lakes is a fully indoor 18 hole mini golf course. Perfect for the whole family, you can also grab food and drinks while you are there. If you parents and your older kids want something else for a challege, give the X-Golf Simulators a go!

Click here for all the Hey Caddy info. 

91������ý’s biggest fan-built LEGO® exhibition returns these July school holidays!

Held at St Clair Recreation Centre on 5 & 6 July, BRIXPO features over 100 amazing LEGO® displays, fun activities like the “Yellow BRIXPO Road,” plus free parking, a café, and a great playground.

A must for LEGO® fans big and small. This is a super popular events so book your tickets early.��

book here

Stay cosy at home and create some Winter craft! We’ve added a few ideas for you to try here

There are only two types of days that aren’t fun at Woodhouse – when it is 40 degrees in summer or when it is torrential rain in winter. Every other day is 10/10 fun for the whole family! Thankfully, the days of torrential rain are far & few between, making Woodhouse Adventure Park the perfect place to visit over the cooler months. The kids won’t be complaining they are cold for long, once they are having a blast on the tube slides or climbing, crawling and navigating their way around Challenge Hill!

And if they are still cold, have a campfire in one of their firepits! Even better if you choose to camp the night and do it all again the next day!

Find out more about Woodhouse Adventure Park here.��

AFL Max is Australia’s first indoor football skills, entertainment and education centre. The 5,500m2 indoor venue is all about getting kids active and having fun – with activities to keep both the footy-mad and not-so-mad entertained for hours!  The venue is filled with trampolines, rock climbing walls, interactive screen games, inflatables, skill tests and challenges that keep the fun going until the final siren!

This place is outstanding fun, with a seemingly endless amout of space to explore and don’t forget to challenge the staff for a skill comp or two….they are always up for some fun!

For all the footy fun check them out here.

Winter = Rain

Rain = Waterfalls

Waterfalls = some great family friendly hikes and wonderment!

It’s incredible how many waterfalls there are close to 91������ý – you don’t have to drive too far or hike for too long to find some great waterfalls that really put on a show after a bit of rain. The kids will LOVE seeing them in full flow.

Check out out favourite waterfall spots here. 

The Bluff at Encounter Bay gives you one of the best vantage points for whale watching. The walk to the top isn’t too strenous and can be easily done by families. At the top you get a 360 degree view over the whole bay which is perfect to spot the migrating Southern Right Whales. Pack your binoculars and walking shoes and if you are lucky you might get to see a Humpback whale as well. No toilets here, but there are cafes on the esplanade just before you reach The Bluff car park.

This look out is located at the end of Kings Beach Road in Encounter Bay. It’s a newly built platform and has a walking trail back towards the bluff. To the right of the platform is part of the Heysen trail, which takes you to Kings Head which has some stunning cliff views. This one is a great place to stop for some whale watching on the family walk.

Freemans Lookout is definitely one of our favourite spots for whale watching, not only are there frequent sightings the lookout itself has seats, a telescope and information boards. There are also cafes not too far away in Port Elliot so perfect for that before or after whale watching coffee.