Planning a family day out

The best family days out often come down to the unglamorous details: knowing the cheapest way to get there, packing the right things, keeping everyone safe in the sun and water, and having a plan that fits your children's ages and energy. The guides in this section cover those details for families in and around Adelaide.

The guides in this section

• Getting around Adelaide with kids: free travel for under 5s, free kids with an adult Daytrip, student fares, the free city tram zone and connector buses.
• Sun safety for kids: the UV Index, Cancer Council's five SunSmart steps, sunscreen tips and planning around peak UV.
• Beach and water safety: patrol seasons, swimming between the flags, active supervision, jetties, rips and emergencies.
• Planning a family day out: an eight-step routine covering ages, weather, details, timing, transport, packing, budget and backups.

Getting there for less

Adelaide's public transport is generous to families. According to Adelaide Metro, children under 5 travel free with a parent or carer; children aged 5 to 14 pay student fares without needing ID; and on weekends, SA school holidays and public holidays, two children under 15 travel free with an adult using an adult Daytrip. City trams within the free zone and the 98 and 99 city connector buses are free, and the Jetty Road tram at Glenelg is free between Brighton Road and Moseley Square.

Staying sun safe

Cancer Council Australia says Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and recommends sun protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, which in Adelaide covers much of the year. The five steps are simple: slip on clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Peak UV is usually between 10am and 4pm.

Staying safe in the water

Surf Life Saving SA says its clubs patrol on weekends and public holidays from about October to March, and there are lifeguards at Glenelg from December to the end of March. Choose a patrolled beach, swim between the red and yellow flags, and supervise children actively, within arm's reach for little ones.

Bushfire season

In the warmer months, check the Country Fire Service fire danger rating before any outing to the hills. Parks such as Waterfall Gully and Cleland Wildlife Park close on catastrophic fire danger days, and Waterfall Gully may also close on extreme fire danger days.

A planning checklist

1. Choose a destination suited to your children's ages.
2. Check the weather, UV and fire danger.
3. Confirm opening hours, fees and facilities.
4. Plan transport, using free services where you can.
5. Pack water, snacks, sun protection and spare clothes.
6. Agree on a meeting point at busy places.
7. Have a backup plan.

How to use these guides

Every guide is written in plain English, with practical tips for different ages and a short list of key points at the end. Facts such as opening hours, entry arrangements, transport rules and safety advice come from official sources, listed with links at the bottom of each page. We don't publish ticket prices, because they change often; check each venue's website for current fees.

Find a day out in seconds

Our free day out finder suggests Adelaide ideas based on the weather, your children's ages, how long you have and whether you want free entry only. Each suggestion links to the guide with the details. It runs entirely in your browser.

The essentials for any day out

Whatever you choose, a few checks make the day smoother:

1. Check opening hours and closures on the venue's website.
2. Check the weather and UV Index. Cancer Council Australia recommends sun protection whenever the UV is 3 or above.
3. In the warmer months, check the fire danger rating before heading to the hills; some parks close on catastrophic fire danger days.
4. Plan your transport. Adelaide Metro's free city trams and buses and free travel for under 5s help keep costs down.
5. Pack water, snacks and sun protection.

About these guides

Family Friendly Network is independent. We're not a venue, council, tourism body or government agency, and no venue pays to appear in our guides. Information changes, so always check with the venue before you go. Read more about us and our editorial policy.

Why planning pays off

A little planning saves money, avoids disappointment and keeps everyone safer. Knowing that two children under 15 can travel free with an adult Daytrip on weekends could save a family a significant amount on a day in the city. Knowing the UV forecast means packing hats before you leave, not buying them at the beach. Knowing the fire danger rating means you won't drive to the hills only to find a park closed. And knowing where the flags are means children swim where lifesavers are watching.

None of this needs to be complicated. Our guides set out the essentials so you can check them in a few minutes, then get on with enjoying the day.

Days out with the extended family

Planning matters even more when grandparents, cousins or friends join in. Choose venues with seating, toilets and shade, agree on meeting points and keep the plan flexible enough for different ages and energy levels.

Where to go next

Ready to choose? Our days out guides and nature and culture guides are full of ideas.