Free family days out in Adelaide

A family day out doesn't have to mean tickets, parking fees and expensive lunches. Adelaide makes free outings unusually easy. Its cultural institutions sit side by side on North Terrace, the Botanic Garden is free to enter during the day, the beaches are a tram ride from the city, and the hills are close enough for a morning walk. This guide brings together the best free options and the small habits that keep costs down.

As always, opening hours, fees and transport arrangements change. We link to official sources on every page; check them before you set out.

North Terrace: culture side by side

North Terrace is Adelaide's cultural boulevard, and it's ideal for families because the major institutions are a few minutes' walk apart.

• The South Australian Museum has five floors of exhibits. The museum says it is open every day from 10am to 5pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday, and opens at noon on Anzac Day. Its Discovery Centre has more limited hours. See our guide to the museum with kids.
• The Art Gallery of South Australia sits next door. The gallery says general entry is free, though charges may apply for some exhibitions, and it opens 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day. See the gallery with kids.
• The State Library of South Australia is also on North Terrace, with its grand Mortlock Wing. Libraries are natural rest stops on a busy day.

Because they're so close together, you can do one in the morning and another after lunch without moving the car, or without a car at all.

Adelaide Botanic Garden

At the eastern end of North Terrace, Adelaide Botanic Garden is free to enter during the day. The gardens say they cover 50 hectares and are open every day of the year, including public holidays, with hours that change between daylight saving and the rest of the year. The Museum of Economic Botany inside the garden is free too. Some events, often in the Bicentennial Conservatory or after dark, need tickets.

Pack a picnic for the lawns of neighbouring Botanic Park, or bring snacks to keep energy up while you explore. Note that the garden doesn't allow bikes, scooters, ball games, tree climbing or pets, so plan accordingly. Our guide to the Botanic Garden with kids has more.

Getting around for free

Adelaide's free public transport options make a car-free day realistic.

• City trams. Adelaide Metro says trams within the city free zone, the area between the South Terrace stop, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and the Botanic Gardens, are free. There's a Botanic Gardens stop about 100 metres from the garden's main gate.
• City connector buses. Adelaide Metro says free city connector buses link city attractions. Routes 98A and 98C run every day in a larger loop extending to North Adelaide; routes 99A and 99C run a smaller inner-city loop on weekdays.
• Jetty Road tram. At Glenelg, the tram is free between the Brighton Road and Moseley Square stops, according to Adelaide Metro.

For trips beyond the free zones, fares apply, but there are savings for families. Adelaide Metro says children under 5 travel free with a parent or carer, and on weekends, SA school holidays and public holidays, two children under 15 can travel free with an adult who's using an adult Daytrip. See getting around with kids.

A day at the beach

Adelaide's metropolitan beaches are free and, on a good day, unbeatable. Pick a beach that suits your family's ages and swimming ability, and in the warmer months choose one patrolled by lifesavers. Surf Life Saving SA says its clubs patrol on weekends and public holidays from about October to March, with dates varying each year. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Our guides to beaches with kids and beach and water safety explain more.

Into the hills

For a change of scene, head to Waterfall Gully, about 8 kilometres east of the city. National Parks and Wildlife Service SA says entry is free. A short bitumen trail of about 300 metres climbs from the car park to the first falls pool and back; it's fine for most families, though the gradient may need some effort with a pram. The longer hike to Mount Lofty Summit is steep and suits fit older children. The park closes on days of catastrophic fire danger and may close on extreme fire danger days, and parking can be limited on weekends. See hills walks and wildlife.

Parks and playgrounds

The Adelaide Park Lands ring the city centre, and suburban councils maintain hundreds of playgrounds and reserves. A playground, a patch of shade, toilets nearby and a packed lunch make a perfectly good day out, especially for younger children. Our guide to parks and playgrounds offers tips for choosing a good one.

Keeping costs down

Free entry is only part of the story. A few habits make a bigger difference to the cost of a day out:

1. Pack food and water. Snacks, sandwiches and refillable bottles save money and meltdowns.
2. Use public transport where you can, and take advantage of free zones and children's fares.
3. Check parking rules. At the Botanic Garden, for example, parking is free on Sundays and public holidays but charged at other times.
4. Set expectations about gift shops and cafés before you arrive.
5. Go early. Popular spots are quieter in the morning, and you'll avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.
6. Look for free programs. Venues often run free family activities, especially in school holidays. Check their websites.

Sample free day plans

City culture day (all ages). Ride the free tram to North Terrace, spend the morning at the museum, picnic in the Botanic Garden, then visit the conservatory area or the gallery after lunch.

Beach day (all ages). Take the tram to Glenelg (fares apply beyond the free zones), play on the sand near the jetty, swim between the flags if the beach is patrolled, and enjoy a packed lunch in the shade.

Hills morning (older kids). Drive or catch transport to Waterfall Gully early on a cool day, walk to the first falls, and continue up the hike if everyone's keen. Check the fire danger rating first.

Our day out finder can suggest ideas based on the weather, your children's ages and whether you want free entry only.

Free events

Many festivals and community events in Adelaide include free family activities. Check event and venue websites for details, as programs change each year.

Key points

• North Terrace puts the museum, gallery and library within a short walk of each other.
• Adelaide Botanic Garden is free to enter during the day, and parking is free on Sundays and public holidays.
• City trams in the free zone and the city connector buses are free.
• Children under 5 travel free on Adelaide Metro with a parent or carer.
• Check hours, fees and fire danger closures before you go.