The Ultimate Budget Guide: 6 Free Things To Do In Adelaide These Spring Holidays

You're doing great, Mum and Dad! The school holidays are a beautiful time to slow down, but we know keeping the kids entertained without draining the savings can be a challenge.

That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate guide to 6 Free Things to Do in Adelaide These Spring Holidays!

Spring in Adelaide is magical—perfect weather for getting out and exploring without reaching for your wallet. From epic new playgrounds to fascinating cultural institutions, we’ve found the absolute best no-cost experiences across the suburbs to deliver quality, memorable budget family fun Adelaide style. Get ready for some unforgettable free kids Adelaide adventures!

Experience a day of wonder, curiosity, and learning without spending a cent at one of the country's most cherished museums. The South Australian Museum is a treasure trove of natural history and Aboriginal culture. Kids will be captivated by the giant squid, the Egyptian mummies, and the world's largest collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material. It’s an easy, air-conditioned way to fill a rainy or a hot day.

Why You’ll Love It This is a brilliant all-ages free kids Adelaide activity. The exhibits are engaging and educational, perfect for curious minds from toddlers to teens. Plus, it's right in the heart of the city, easily accessible by public transport.

• Street Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

• Dates: Open daily (check website for specific Public Holiday hours)

• Ticket Information: General admission is FREE for everyone.

• Family Tips: Head straight for the upstairs galleries for the animal exhibits and the ground floor for the famous giant squid! Pack your own snacks to enjoy outside on the lawns of the cultural precinct.

Just 10km from the city centre, this breathtaking park offers not just one, but multiple free kids Adelaide adventures. Morialta is home to stunning waterfalls (especially beautiful after winter rains!), rugged gorges, and the incredible Morialta Nature Playground. The playspace is an epic outdoor adventure zone, perfectly integrated with the bushland setting.

Why You’ll Love It It caters to a massive age range, with separate zones like 'Frog Island' for little ones and challenging climbing elements for older kids (Age 5 - Age 12). Combining a nature-themed playground with a family-friendly bushwalk to the waterfalls is a perfect Adelaide school holiday free full-day trip.

• Street Address: Morialta Falls Road, Woodforde, South Australia 5072

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Entry to the park and playground is FREE. Parking fees may apply at certain times.

• Family Tips: Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the BBQ and picnic areas. The main Waterfall Gully walk is mostly pram friendly for the initial section. Make sure everyone wears sturdy shoes.

Launch into the future! The Australian Space Discovery Centre at Lot Fourteen is a phenomenal, free attraction dedicated to Australia’s role in space technology and exploration. It offers highly interactive exhibits, a mission control viewing area, and engaging presentations from Space Communicators. This is one of the coolest new ways to inspire young minds this school break, with a strong focus on STEM and Robotics.

Why You’ll Love It It’s an ultimate Indoor Day activity that ignites curiosity, particularly for Age 8 and up. The environment is immersive, clean, and perfectly placed for public transport access. Best of all, it's FREE and educational—a win-win for budget family fun Adelaide.

• Street Address: Lot Fourteen Ground floor, McEwin Building/364-370 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

• Dates: Open during SA School Holidays, typically 7 days a week, 10 am – 5 pm. Check the website for exact hours.

• Ticket Information: General entry is FREE. Pre-booking is highly recommended during busy school holidays to guarantee your preferred entry time.

• Family Tips: While all ages are welcome, the core experience is designed for Age 12+. Focus on the regular free presentations for maximum engagement. Use the free city tram to the Botanic Gardens stop for easy access.

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a beautiful, calming oasis right near the city. Spring is the perfect time to visit as the garden bursts into bloom. Walk the paths, explore the tranquil ponds, and discover the magnificent Bicentennial Conservatory. The kids will adore the 'Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden,' an interactive space that teaches them about where food comes from.

Why You’ll Love It It’s a peaceful, pram friendly, central location offering sensory engagement for all ages. It’s also a perfect setting for a DIY scavenger hunt—send the kids off to find a purple flower, a feather, and a smooth stone!

• Street Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

• Dates: Open daily from 8:30 am 

• Ticket Information: Entry is FREE.

• Family Tips: Bring paper and crayons for some nature rubbings on the bark of big trees. The Cafe is lovely, but you can also bring your own picnic rug and snacks.

Head south for one of Adelaide's newest and most accessible outdoor spaces. The Glenthorne National Park Adventure Playground at O'Halloran Hill is a destination in itself. This fantastic new playspace includes a flying fox, a pump track for bikes/scooters, accessible play equipment, and a nature play area set amongst the beautiful bushland.

Why You’ll Love It It’s huge, well-designed, and includes shade and ample seating for parents. It’s a great way to access a stunning nature experience that also has modern, engaging equipment, making it a stellar example of budget family fun Adelaide offers.

• Street Address: Majors Road, O'Halloran Hill SA 5158

• Dates: Open daily.

• Ticket Information: FREE entry.

• Family Tips: The playground is only partially shaded, so a Morning visit is recommended in the warmer Spring weather. Pack scooters and helmets for the pump track!

Ignite your children's inner artist! The Art Gallery of South Australia is always FREE for general admission, but its real gem for families is the Start Program. This free, dedicated family program runs on the first Sunday of every month and often schedules extra activities during school holidays. It features hands-on art-making, guided tours, and storytelling designed for children (Age 3 - Age 12).

Why You’ll Love It It provides structured, creative Arts and Crafts activities that are engaging and educational, making it a perfect Rainy Day Idea or a cultured escape from the heat. It’s located centrally alongside other cultural attractions, making it easy to access.

• Street Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

• Dates: Check the AGSA website for specific Start Program or Holiday dates, as times vary. Gallery is generally open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.

• Ticket Information: General entry is FREE. Start Program workshops are FREE, but Pre Book is essential for workshops and some activities.

• Family Tips: Plan to spend time exploring the general galleries too—kids often love the historical armour and the sculpture work. The nearest paid parking is usually at Wilson Parking on North Terrace.