Your first day in Adelaide with kids
This first day in Adelaide stays close to the city centre. The Adelaide Central Market is 0.3 km from the centre and the Art Gallery of South Australia is 0.9 km. Adelaide Botanic Garden, Botanic Park and Adelaide Zoo sit 1.3 to 1.8 km out. Most of the day is free: the market, the gallery, the garden and the park. Adelaide Zoo is the one ticketed stop, with child entry at $27 and under 4s free.
Start at the market and the gallery, then spend the afternoon outdoors. You can swap the zoo for the Botanic Garden if you want a cheaper day, as there is plenty to do in either. Bring hats and water for the garden and park. The market is closed Sunday and Monday, so this plan works Tuesday to Saturday.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Adelaide Central Market
- Late morning: Art Gallery of South Australia
- Afternoon: Adelaide Botanic Garden
- Afternoon: Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla
- Late afternoon: Adelaide Zoo
Morning
Start at Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide · Markets & Family Outings · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.6 stars (13542 reviews)
An undercover city produce market with over 70 traders, school holiday kids activities and a parents room. It is free to walk through and 0.3 km from the centre. It is a good first stop for breakfast supplies or a snack before the day gets busier.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. Opens 7am Tuesday and Friday, 9am Wednesday and Thursday, 7am Saturday.
Late morning
Make art at the gallery Studio
Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide · Museum · Ages 5-15 · Free · 4.7 stars (4353 reviews)
A free state art gallery at 490 North Terrace with a free hands-on Studio for all ages. It is open daily 10am to 5pm. The Studio gives kids something to make, so it works better than a quiet walk-through. Listed ages are 5 to 15.
Tip: The Studio is free. Check the listing for what is on.
Afternoon
Walk through Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide · Nature & Outdoors · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (10862 reviews)
A free 50-hectare city garden with glasshouses, the Rose Garden, wildlife and a free museum. It is open every day and works for ages 0 to 17. The glasshouses give you a break from the sun if the day is hot.
Tip: Open 7:15am to 6:30pm on weekdays and 9am to 6:30pm on weekends.
Afternoon
Let kids run in Botanic Park
Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla, Adelaide · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (2074 reviews)
A free 34-hectare park and tree collection next to the Botanic Garden, open every day. It has a flying-fox colony, which older kids may enjoy spotting. It is more open than the garden, so there is room to run.
Tip: Free guided walks run on Mondays, but the market is closed that day.
Late afternoon
Finish at Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide · Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums · Ages 2-17 · From $0 · 4.4 stars (9786 reviews)
A zoo on Frome Road with more than 2,400 animals, Nature's Playground and daily keeper talks. It is open 9:30am to 5pm, so it may suit an earlier slot if you want a long visit. Child entry is $27 and under 4s are free.
Tip: Adult entry is $49.50, concession $36, and a family or mini group ticket is from $124.
Before you go
- Adelaide Central Market is closed Sunday and Monday, so this plan works Tuesday to Saturday.
- The Art Gallery of South Australia is open daily 10am to 5pm, and Adelaide Zoo 9:30am to 5pm.
- Adelaide Zoo is the only ticketed stop: child $27, under 4 free.
- Adelaide Botanic Garden opens at 9am on weekends, earlier on weekdays.
- Free Botanic Park guided walks are on Mondays only.
Questions parents ask
What should we do on a first day in Adelaide with kids?
Start at Adelaide Central Market, then try the free hands-on Studio at the Art Gallery of South Australia. In the afternoon, walk through Adelaide Botanic Garden and Botanic Park, or visit Adelaide Zoo for keeper talks and Nature's Playground.
Is Adelaide free for families?
Many stops are. Adelaide Central Market, the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide Botanic Garden and Botanic Park are all free. Adelaide Zoo is ticketed, with child entry at $27 and under 4s free.
How much is Adelaide Zoo for kids?
The listing shows child entry at $27, adult $49.50, concession $36 and a family or mini group ticket from $124. Under 4s are free. The zoo is open 9:30am to 5pm and is 1.6 km from the centre. Check the listing for current prices.
More days in Adelaide with kids
- A rainy day in Adelaide with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Adelaide with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- A free day out in Adelaide with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Adelaide with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Adelaide with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Adelaide with kids: all guides