Greater Adelaide

Greater Adelaide Family

✨ Plan an art-making visit, borrow toys for fresh play at home, explore stories and science, or find thoughtful support for parenting and family wellbeing. Across Greater Adelaide, families can choose from free cultural activities, specialist programs, counselling, carer connections and practical help for challenging circumstances.

🎨 Create, discover and learn together

The Studio — Art Gallery of South Australia

Make art together at this free, hands-on space for all ages in the Art Gallery of South Australia on North Terrace. The current activity, Make An Impression, runs until 8 November 2026. Families needing mobility support can reserve a wheelchair through Gallery Security, with loans available free of charge.

Adelaide Planetarium — School Holiday Programs

For a space-focused family outing, the planetarium at Adelaide University’s Mawson Lakes Campus presents sessions during the school holidays. Bookings are essential and sessions are suitable for children aged four and over. Children under 16 need to attend with a paying adult; children aged three and under may join daytime sessions free while seated on a carer’s lap.

Crocodile Club — South Australian Museum

Children under five and their families can explore nature, science and early literacy through this free early-learning program. Self-guided activity packs and trails combine books with simple activities, making the museum’s Adelaide CBD setting an option for learning together at your own pace.

Little Library — State Library of South Australia

Settle in with a book, share stories and songs, or encourage play-based discovery in this North Terrace library space for children aged 0–11. Books are available to browse and borrow. The space opens Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Check individual events before visiting, as some have separate bookings or costs.

Mitcham Library Service Toy Libraries

People caring for children can borrow toys and games through Mitcham Memorial Library in Hawthorn and Blackwood Library. The collection spans puzzles, costumes, sports gear, ride-ons, baby play items and construction sets, along with literacy, maths and science resources. It is a practical way to rotate activities at home without buying everything; membership fees apply.

🌱 Parenting and early development

The Dad Factor — AnglicareSA

Fathers and male caregivers across metropolitan Adelaide can join this six-session group program to consider parenting relationships, communication with children, behaviour, stress, anger and relationships. For participation details, contact AnglicareSA on (08) 8305 9424.

Peaceful Parents — AnglicareSA

This four-week group program introduces parents and caregivers to mindfulness practices, emotional awareness and strategies for managing stress in parenting. AnglicareSA offers it in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs. Enquiries can be made on 1800 569 094.

Tiny Tots — Can:Do 4Kids

Babies and toddlers from birth to age two who are deaf or hard of hearing can attend specialist early-intervention group therapy with a parent or caregiver. Tuesday sessions at Can:Do Hindmarsh support speech and language, social skills, family connection and contact with peers.

Autism SA Supports and Services

Autistic people, parents, carers and families can access support and therapeutic services through Autism SA. Delivery settings include Tonsley and Elizabeth, as well as homes, schools, childcare centres and kindergartens across metropolitan Adelaide. Referrals may come directly from individuals, parents or carers, or from a range of professionals.

🤝 Support for children, young people and carers

Young Carers Program — Carers SA

Young carers aged 5–25 can receive free support through one-to-one coaching, six counselling sessions, peer groups, age-based social activities and young carer breaks. Options are available in metropolitan Adelaide, regional South Australia and online. Contact Carers SA on (08) 8291 5600 for program information.

iKiDs — Relationships Australia South Australia

Children and young people aged 4–18 whose parents have separated or are separating can access counselling and tailored support. Up to six fortnightly appointments are offered during business hours, either by telehealth or in person at Adelaide CBD, Elizabeth, Marion or Port Adelaide. Support can also involve parents and schools. Fees may be waived for concession card holders and people experiencing hardship.

Family Retreats — Camp Quality

Registered Camp Quality families affected by cancer can apply for free short family breaks, subject to booking schedules and available places. South Australian retreat locations include West Beach and Victor Harbor. Accommodation is covered, while each family is responsible for arranging its own travel.

🧡 Specialist family and cultural support

Community Safety and Wellbeing — Aboriginal Family Support Services

Aboriginal families in Adelaide and across South Australia can take part in culturally responsive programs and workshops covering parenting, connection to culture, grief and loss, nutrition, health, wellbeing, routines and rules. Aboriginal Family Support Services also provides emergency relief to eligible families in greater metropolitan Adelaide.

Reconnect — Aboriginal Family Support Services

Aboriginal young people aged 12–18 in Adelaide who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can receive support from youth workers. The program works with young people and their families to strengthen relationships and wellbeing, as well as family, community and cultural connections.

Together4Kids — Relationships Australia South Australia

This specialist metropolitan Adelaide service supports children aged 0–12 who are accompanying a parent accessing homelessness or family and domestic violence services. A professional working in one of those services must complete an initial assessment and referral; families cannot self-refer.

Safe Start — Relationships Australia South Australia

Families living in Adelaide’s west or inner north may receive free support when they are expecting a baby or caring for a child within the first 1,000 days of life. Assistance can include an initial call, home visits, help attending specialist appointments and referrals to group programs. Access is referral-only through approved Child and Family Support System referrers, including the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Department for Child Protection.

📌 Check before you take part

• Age and eligibility: Confirm that each child fits the stated age range and any location, registration or family-circumstance requirements.
• Bookings and referrals: Reserve planetarium places in advance, and ask specialist services whether a referral, assessment or registration is required.
• Costs: Free entry does not always mean every associated event or expense is covered. Check current membership fees, event charges, travel costs and any fee-waiver arrangements.
• Access needs: Ask the provider about physical accessibility, communication supports and other adjustments before attending.
• Supervision: Check whether a parent, carer or paying adult must stay, particularly for activities involving younger children.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, activity, service or community group serving Greater Adelaide? You are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local families can find accurate, practical information about what you offer.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on adelaide.sa.guide.