What's On, Places to Go, Things To Do with the kids

[snifter]

Kids Down Under recommendations

 

Suggestions for the type of thing to post in this thread

 

* Child friendly venues (soft play, play groups)

 

* Child friendly restaurants/cafes

 

* Places for days out

 

* Kids or family events

 

* Play parks or reserves

 

* Sports clubs (e.g soccer, footy, cricket, gymnastics, dance, karate, tennis, BMX)

 

* Organisations such as your local Scouts, Guides and Surf Lifesaving club.

 

 

Please try and include basic information such as location, costs, when it runs (if applicable) and any other information you feel will help. If you are suggesting a play park/reserve please try to include if its toddler/older child friendly or both, has shade, a BBQ and if there are toilets.

 

 

Please note this list is not exhaustive and only includes some of the most common suggestions. Please drop a PM to @snifter or @Blossom if you are unsure about something you wish to post and recommend here. Thank you.

Edited April 10, 2015 by snifter

[snifter]

Princess Elizabeth Play Park on South Terrace. Big thumbs up from our family

 

 

 

 

We visited this one recently and loved it Great play park for kids and toddlers. Pics in this post were taken on my phone so not the greatest quality but it gives you an idea. Also the park was busy, just I was being careful and only taking pictures when other peoples kids were not clearly visible in the shot.

 

Its in the parklands surrounding the CBD and is worth a morning or afternoon out, perhaps with a picnic or BBQ and the bikes loaded onto the car too to go cycling around the parklands later Or combine it with visiting somewhere else in the city and make a day of it.

 

There is roadside parking, some with a 3 hour time limit depending on the day/time but usually on weekends a longer park can be found with ease.

 

 

 

Has really good facilities including

 

* toilets

* undercoving seating

* BBQ's

* seating

* open space hardcourt play area

* sandpit

* toddler play equipment

* equipment for older kids

* in ground mini trampolines

* kids castle and slide

* climbing net

* climbing frame

* swings for all ages, including a dish swing

The set of in ground mini trampolines were popular as was the kids castle and big slide. Dish swing squished a few kids in . Also lots of lovely planted trees and shrubs with stepping stones and other things to walk over.

 

Please note its not a fully fenced play park, only the road side is fenced in with it curving back around part of the play park. The rear of the park opens out onto the parklands and a large green space for kids to run, kick a ball or ride their bikes round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can read a review and see lots more pictures of the playpark here: http://playandgo.com.au/index.php/princess-elizabeth-playground-south-terrace-adelaide/

Edited March 15, 2015 by snifter
added title

[snifter]

Kurrangga BMX park - Adelaide Parklands -

 

This is a a BMX track situated in the Adelaide parklands, on the corner of Unley Rd and Greenhill Rd.

 

Has BBQ facilites, picnic tables, shade and a water tap. I saw one of those space age toilet blocks not too far away also. Parking is on street, right next to the track.

 

This is a BMX track for every level and age. Its a good introduction track for little ones as the beginners circuit is lovely and simple and the intermediate is pretty low key also. The advanced one however is rather bonkers looking and will require a good skill level and confidence.

 

The track has lots of shade though during summer it can be rather dusty. Everyone using the tracks must wear a helmet and follow in a clockwise direction. Cyclists have priority around the track and pathways so make sure you mind out for people cycling through

 

Beginners track

 

 

 

 

Intermediate track

 

 

 

Advance track

 

 

 

 

Read a review of the BMX track here: http://playandgo.com.au/index.php/kurrangga-park-bmx-track/

 

 

This BMX track isn't too far from the Princess Elizabeth play park I posted about above (its a short car ride or a bike ride away, can also be walked weather permitting, its about a 15-20 minute walk through the parklands). You could combine both the play park and BMX track in one visit to make more of a day of it, and then enjoy the parklands after

[Guest wen66]

The BMX track looks great. We're going to need a bike rack:smile:, as I have a bigger boy who would love to play on these....x

[snifter]

The BMX track looks great. We're going to need a bike rack:smile:, as I have a bigger boy who would love to play on these....x

 

Thinking about where you live, if I am right, then you have a couple of good but more full on racing tracks closer to home. They usually offer taster nights and also can be used outside of training and race nights so kids can just kick around on them

 

 

 

One in Happy Valley. The other in Hallet Cove

[Guest wen66]

Thanks Snifter. Will check them out. Looking for good family/ mountain biking trails. OH has been out doing the big boy stuff but ideally my youngest needs flat, wide pathways as he's still rather wobbly...:biggrin:x

[snifter]

Thanks Snifter. Will check them out. Looking for good family/ mountain biking trails. OH has been out doing the big boy stuff but ideally my youngest needs flat, wide pathways as he's still rather wobbly...:biggrin:x

 

You can do a nice flat trail from Happy Valley oval along a ways. It's not miles, just a nice bike ride for all. The path runs from behind the bmx track so you can't miss it

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

Here are 5 free things to keep kids occupied in the Onkaparinga region.

[snifter]

School holidays are about to start and if anyone is wanting some autumnal colours and a woodland walk with the kids you could head up to Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and soak up the colours there.

 

Can park at the top or the bottom car park (we prefer the top, no clue why as getting back is always an uphill trek) and then head down to the left to walk through the woods and come out into some very non gumtreed landscape. Lots of other routes to take down/up the hill, all with different plants, shrubs and trees planted. The fern gully is a lovely walk but pretty steep.

 

Can easily spend an afternoon walking and letting the kids run through the leaves, have a packed lunch out and head home before rush hour.

 

Nice website with a video clip and some good pics - http://www.salife7.com.au/adelaide-hills/gardening/special-interest/the-mount-lofty-botanic-gardens

 

Also this page has opening times etc.

 

http://www.southaustralia.com/info.aspx?id=9000663

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

This might be fun for the school holidays...

 

The Arts Centre, Port Noarlunga

 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYs - Fun Plaster Painting Workshop

@ the Arts Centre

Paint a plaster figurine or flower pot to take home.

... Friday 17 April 2015, at 11am or 2pm

$10 per person including materials and face painting.

BYO art smock or old shirt to paint in.

Bookings essential for all school holiday entertainment.

Phone (08) 8326 5577, book online at www.onkaparingacity.com/arts or email artsbookings@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

[flossybeth]

http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=849&c=43994

 

Who doesn't want to have a wander through an hour of Hairy Maclary?

[snifter]

Tamara, sounds fun. I'll ask my neice if she'd like to go as she loves that sort of thing.

 

flossybeth, thank goodness it runs for a while as may not get to it in the holidays but perhaps once schools are back. Looks lovely.

Edited April 10, 2015 by snifter

[snifter]

http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=849&c=43994

 

Who doesn't want to have a wander through an hour of Hairy Maclary?

 

We went today! We made an afternoon of it as we took the tram in, had lunch at Sushi Train (yum) then walked over to North Tce.

 

It was a lovely exhibition although doesn't take very long to browse them all. Well, not if you have a kid in tow who isn't quite so appreciative as you are of the art work There was a short trail of pictures to follow to find the gift shop selling some books, cards, puzzles and magnets of the collection. Magnets were a good buy for $1.50 but we already have the books and didn't really want a card of the artwork. Although we may go back another day and I'll get one then when I can browse. They had free postcards, bookmarks and activity books for kids which was nice.

 

We ended up going all the way round the libraray including the Mortlock Wing which I adore. They also had a display for Anzac Day.

 

A few pics from the library. There was no photography of the actual artwork allowed, so alas no pics of those included.

 

 

[snifter]

Winter school holidays ideas listed here

 

http://playandgo.com.au/index.php/winter-school-holiday-activity-guide-july-2015/

[splodgerocks]

I am the owner of Splodge Kids entertainment, Diagonal Road, Warradale - opposite Marion Aquatic centre (near Marion shopping centre)- just letting you all know we have just released our school holiday programme for October - I would love to meet some of my fellow Poms so have a look and say hi to me (Debbie) when you are in! http://splodge.com.au/pages/school-holidays

[snifter]

The Little Foodies market trail is running again in the upcoming school holidays.

 

Its a great way to pass a couple of hours in the city, wander Central Market, let the kids eat their haul after and then head off and do something else in or around the CBD after perhaps.

 

We've done it a couple of times now and will be going again in October for the trail.

 

Also the Little Market Chefs is running again. Proved popular last time round.

 

 

 

 

BIG MARKET ADVENTURES FOR LITTLE FOODIES

 

Little Market Chefs – $18 plus booking fee (5 – 12 years)

Gouger Street Dining Area (near Zuma Cafe)

Tuesday 4 October – 9am, 11am, 1pm

Thursday 6 October – 9am, 11am, 1pm

Tuesday 11 October – 9am, 11am, 1pm

Thursday 13 October – 9am, 11am, 1pm

Little Market Chefs is back these school holidays! Here at the Adelaide Central Market we are passionate about starting from ground level and teaching the next generation how to prepare healthy, easy and tasty meals together with nutritional advice. Why? Because good health starts in the kitchen! All of the produce will be fresh from our stalls and the team from Sprout will ensure the classes are not only fun and interactive but have an educational focus too. Each class will include a small take away meal of the dish they prepare.

Book here for Little Market Chefs

 

 

Market Trail – $8 plus booking fee (4+ years)

Collect your map from Gouger Street Dining Area (across from Providore and next to Lucia’s)

Tuesday 4 October, Thursday 6 October, Friday 7 October, Tuesday 11 October, Thursday 13 October, Friday 14 October (self guided, between 9am and 1pm)

The Market Trail is back due to popular demand! The trail has been specially formulated for little foodies to learn about the local and imported produce that the market has on offer. With ten pit-stops, each little foodie will receive a market bag, map and will visit the selected stalls to receive a sample item. The sample items range from cheese, yoghurt, a piece of seasonal fruit and sweet treat. You can’t beat the Market trail for value these school holidays at only $8 plus booking fee, or $10 on the day).

It is recommended that you book your place in advance as tickets are limited, however, when available, bookings will be accepted on the day (in Gouger St dining area). Please note some sample items may contain nuts and it is the parent or carer’s responsibility to check all items offered by stalls.

Book here for the Market Trail.

 

 

My Market Bag Workshops – FREE (4+)

Grote Street Dining Area

Friday 6 October – 9am – 12pm

Friday 7 October – 9am – 12pm

Help your little one find their inner artist with our Market bag decorating workshop these school holidays! Your child will decorate their very own calico Market Bag (and it’s theirs to keep for all of their future Market trips!). Smocks provided.

 

 

Paint A Pot, Plant Some Seeds Workshops – FREE (4+ years)

Grote Street Dining Area

Thursday 13 October – 9am – 12pm

Tuesday 14 October – 9am – 12pm

Join us for our pot painting and seed planting workshop these school holidays. Your little one will be able to paint their own pot before planting their own seedling. The workshops also include a conservation and environmental focus provided by Conservation Education Services. The workshops are free and bookings are not required (however places are limited and a short wait may apply).

 

 

Big Balloon Giveaway – FREE (all ages)

Friday 7 October – From 10am

Friday 14 October – From 10am

Note: A parent or guardian is expected to supervise children in their care for all school holiday activities at all times.

[flossybeth]

I've just bought our tickets for the Capri cinema again with Scoopon ($5/child, $9/adult or $25/family); I think we're intending to see The Secret Life of Pets and Pete's Dragon. We were almost sold on Miss Peregrine's House for Peculiar Children until the last seconds of the trailer, so we'll have to wait for the DVD before I get to see that one.

 

Scoopon also have half day surfing lessons - although if this weather doesn't let up we'll be needing to learn how to sail not surf.

[snifter]

@flossybeth I've seen that trailer lots and wasn't sure which bit you meant. So I watched again. I get what you mean now Still want to see it in the cinema if we can. Not sure of the rating though.

[snifter]

Here is the Scoopon link for anyone interested

 

https://www.scoopon.com.au/deals/70443#/

 

Good value, lovely old cinema with wonderful friendly volunteer staff. Plus good coffee and Haigh's chocolate

[snifter]

Adelaide Botanic Gardens have a holiday programme if anyone is interested

 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-holidays-at-adelaide-botanic-garden-october-tickets-27343057822

 

 

 

Adelaide Botanic Garden’s stacked School Holiday Program program is back this October, with a range of activities suitable for 5-12 year olds kicking off on Tuesday 4 October!Activities have been designed to promote fun, hands-on learning about plants, people and the environment, and parents are encouraged to book early – spots will sell out! All Children must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver at all times.

Head to the Botanic Gardens of South Australia website to download the program flyer and/or for phone booking details.

Fresh & Fabulous Food (5–12 year olds, 1.5 hours) $20, bookings essential

Get your hands dirty creating fresh and healthy food in a fun and exciting way using pulses and fresh produce from our Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden. Will be held on the Kitchen Garden lawn, with some activities in the Lecture Theatre of the Goodman Building.

The Loaded Dog (5-12 year olds, 45 minutes) $10, bookings essential

Based on one of Henry Lawson's most loved tales, this lively performance about three gold miners and their dog Tommy will have young ones in stitches. Meet at the Friends Gate unless it's raining, in which case it will be held in the Lecture Theatre of the Goodman Building.

Garden Critters (5-12 year olds), 1 hour, $10, bookings essential

Take a guided walk in the Garden to collect curious botanic bits such as seedpods and leaves, then create a cute critter to take home. Will be held in the Lecture Theatre of the Goodman Building. Note: bring a box with you to ensure your handiwork keeps safe on the way home.

Bird Brain! (5-12 year olds), 1.5 hours, $10, bookings essential

Who are you calling "Bird Brain"? Some of the cleverest animals are birds! Join Charles Darwin on a musical adventure exploring the relationship between birds and the habitats in which they dwell. In exploring fascinating adaptations to rainforests, wetlands and deserts, the fantastically feathered provide an awesome understanding of the natural world. As the only survivors of the dinosaur family, birds also give us insight into the world in which T.Rex once stomped and roared! Meet at the Bicentennial Conservatory's northern entry.

Making Fire, Making Glue, 1 hour, FREE, no bookings required

Learn how Aboriginal people make fire using just what is around them in the Australian bush. Make your own glue from plants! Meet on the Schomburgk Pavilion unless it’s raining, in which case it will be held in the Lecture Theatre of the Goodman Building.

Dreaming Story Telling, 1 hour, FREE, no bookings required

Listen to Aboriginal Dreaming stories and understand what they can teach us about life. Learn how to identify tracks and traces in the environment. Meet at the Lecture Theatre, Goodman Building.

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

This might be useful for those of us with children or grandchildren to entertain.

 

I have read about playground upgrades but this has a list of them which is really useful.

 

Have fun! (and have fun trying to extract the little ones from the play areas!!!)

 

Family fun at the new Community Activity Hub at Tidlangga/Park 9. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Local

SA’s playgrounds, like you’ve never seen them before: The suburban playgrounds that have had a facelift in 2016

 

 

 

Messenger Community News

December 20, 2016 11:12am

• Adelaide — the city of million-dollar playgrounds?
  
• State’s ‘best’ playground about to get better?
  
• The nature playground that’s right next to one of Adelaide’s biggest shopping centres
  

BE they big or small, traditional or hi-tech, our councils have been spending big this year on playgrounds, in an attempt to lure families into the great outdoors.

 

Here is our pick of the crop from across the Adelaide region.

Young friends play at the new playground at Civic Park in Modbury. Picture: Stephen LafferBlackwood Hill Reserve: The Blackwood park had a $35,000 upgrade including a slide, climbing poles, noughts and crosses panel, fireman’s pole, swings and bumblebee twin rocker.

Civic Park, Modbury: A new $670,000 playground was completed this month. It has three play zones, a three-storey tower, climbing frame, large rope swing and sound and music elements built-in to the play equipment. Opposite Tea Tree Plaza and nestled in the district’s premier park, there’s also plenty of shade to keep cool.

Cobbler Creek, Salisbury Heights: Flying foxes and tree houses make-up the $1 million playground recently built at Cobbler Creek Recreation Park. There’s tyre swings and slides as well as picnic tables, barbecue and a toilet nearby.

Edwardstown Oval: The reserve at the corner of East Tce and Wood St, South Plympton received a $343,000 overhaul. It includes snakes and ladders-themed playground including three-metre snake sculpture, log balance beams, swings, a maze made from railway sleepers, sandpit,

slide, and sports courts for netball, basketball and soccer.

Falcon Ave Reserve, Mile End

Bring the snags and sauce to this community reserve — and don’t forget your sunscreen as shade is minimal. West Torrens Council spent $270,000 on the reserve which includes a barbecue, lawn, a track that perfect for kids’ bikes and a small playground (swings and climbing equipment). Unfortunately the park was twice targeted by thieves shortly after it opened. They stole more than $10,000 worth of trees, contributing to the shade issue.

Glenelg foreshore: A $981,768 playground which opened next to the Glenelg Town Hall included climbing walls and nets, tunnels, sand and water play, a climbing structure, trampolines, hide and seek pods and a carousel.

Young mates check out the new playground at Sandison Reserve, Glenelg East. Picture: Bianca De MarchiJervois Street Reserve, South Plympton : The $940,000 South Plympton reserve includes courts for 3-on-3 basketball and netball, flying fox, fitness equipment, bike track, water and sand play area, climbing frame, wooden caterpillar, slides, basket swing, acoustic drums and a walking path.

Jubilee Park: Onkaparinga Council put the final touches on its new $230,000 playground, which has disabled toilets and wheelchair access, at Jubilee Park in November.

The playground is next to the Port Noarlunga adventure playground and has a basket swing, wheelchair-friendly carousel, speaking tubes at wheelchair height where sound travels from one end to the other, a climbing net and water play elements.

Katherine Street Reserve, Fullarton: Trampolines, slides, nature play area, sand pits, swings and boardwalks - this playground which opened in November is already proving popular with families. While there are no toilets or barbecue, there’s plenty of shade if you wanted to spend an hour or two there.

Kegworth Reserve, Melrose Park: Mitcham Council spent $81,000 on the Stephen St, Melrose Park reserve. It has slides, monkey bars, climbing net, activity panels, scramble net, swings, seesaw, spinner and 3m-high net climber.

Lowie’s Loop, Paralowie: The 1km Lowie’s Loop was designed by Salisbury Council and SA Health’s OPAL Program to connect children with nature. It features duck footprints around the housing estate that children can follow, a cubby house-style playground and sheltered barbecue. The park is at the Boardwalk at Greentree housing estate off Walpole Rd, Paralowie.

MacKinnon Parade/ Park 9, North Adelaide: There’s a small fruit orchard at this playground, allowing children to learn about food production. There’s handball courts, a basketball court and a petanque piste. There’s also some cool stuff to climb on. Adelaide City Council spent about $650,000 upgrading the playground.

One of the attractions at the new Jervois St Reserve playground. Picture: Keryn StevensMortlock Park, Colonel Light Gardens: The Sturt Ave, Colonel Light Gardens park had a $43,000 revamp. It has a basket swing, arched net climber, balance walkers, stepping pads, chin-up bars, commando climber, leap frog, parallel bars, rollover bars, vertical rope climber and clear wall rock climber.

Parkour Course, Hackham West: The $50,000 parkour course at Hackham West, which was funded by a Community Benefit SA grant and Parkour SA, opened in May. The Warsaw Reserve park includes boulders, concrete culverts, scaffolding and vertical stumps. Parkour is a sport where participants move quickly through an area while negotiating obstacles.

Pipkin Park, Elizabeth East: A $110,000 playground featuring unconventional play equipment including a man-made mountain with a rope and net, and a frame tunnel that children can climb through or over has been built at a new nature-play park in Elizabeth East. The Pipkin Park Nature Play Space opened in October and was designed in consultation with Elizabeth East Primary students and their families, a local occupational therapist and Canadian nature play consultant Adam Bienenstock.

Young friends try a new water feature at the upgraded Jubilee Park. Picture: Emma BrasierRamsey Place, Noarlunga: A $210,000 nature playground at the heart of Noarlunga Centre was opened in October. The Great Garden at Ramsay Place includes slides, jungle ropes, water features and musical instruments.

It is the first stage in the council’s $1.3 million plan to breathe new life into the space between its offices, Colonnades Shopping Centre, Hopgood Theatre and Noarlunga TAFE.

Sandison Reserve, Glenelg East: The Augusta St, Glenelg East reserve got a $263,640 overhaul, including a toddler play area, giant slide and tree house, swings with toddler seat, seesaw, 4x4 car and cockatoo rocker.

Strathcona Reserve, Clapham: The Strathcona Ave, Clapham reserve had a $76,000 upgrade. This included a curved slide, scramble net bouncers, climbing wall panel, balance net, arched bridge, swing, spinner, Tassie devil rocker, blue dinosaur slide.

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

School holidays are upon us!

 

This event is still in progress in Port Noarlunga..until the end of the month.

 

 

 

[h=1]sand sculptures in adelaide | alice in wonderland by sand sculpting australia | 14 – 30 apr 2017[/h]February 25, 2017

[h=1]Sand Sculptures in Adelaide: Alice in Wonderland[/h][h=3]Sand Sculpting Australia is back again in Adelaide this April, and this time they present ‘Alice in Wonderland’ – a life sized sand tribute to Lewis Carroll’s enduring children’s classic – celebrating 150 years of magical entertainment.[/h]See 350 tonnes of sand at Port Noarlunga transformed into popular scenes from the children’s classic!

Walk amongst the popular tale carved by seven Australian and three international sand sculptors and follow Alice through the Hall of Locked Doors, down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. Scenes such as the Mad Hatters Tea Party, Flamingo croquet, Chesire Cat, the Queen Of Hearts procession and the Caterpillar will all be on display.

[h=3]Win a family pass![/h]

Integrated with the sand sculptures will be a full range of children’s activities including sand sculpting workshops, face painting, children’s activity sheets, the family game zone and more.

[h=3]Plus, over the four day Easter long weekend they will host the very popular Sandsational Easter Egg Hunt where all children receive a bag of eggs (included in your entry fee)![/h]

[h=2]Tickets to Alice in Wonderland – Sand Sculpting Australia[/h]Tickets: Adult $10.50 | Concession $8.50 | Child $5.50 | Family (2a + 2c) $26.50

[h=3]Book tickets on the Sand Sculpting Australia website here.[/h]

---

For more information and all enquiries please visit the Sand Sculpting Australia website.

What: Alice in Wonderland – Sand Sculpting Australia

When: Friday 14 to Sunday 30 April 2017 | 9am – 5pm

Where: Port Noarlunga Esplande (Off Clarke Street) | Port Noarlunga

Who: Everyone