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A kid-friendly itinerary for 48 hours in Adelaide

Adventures in Adelaide are guaranteed with this jam-packed list activities in the South Australian capital. If you’ve only got a weekend in Adelaide, we’ve pulled together this kid-friendly itinerary for 48 hours in Adelaide.

DAY 1

Morning:

On the first day of your 48 hours in Adelaide, head to the super centrally located Adelaide Zoo. Home to more than 2500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, Adelaide Zoo is awesome for kids. It’s Australia’s second oldest zoo and there are plenty of interactive animal experiences that allow visitors to get close to the animals, such as the opportunity to hand feed Giant Pandas or help healthy hippos with their daily mouth check. There’s also a playground for kids aged four and over, located just inside the zoo entrance.

Monkey Around Adelaide Zoo.
Saying hello to the residents of Adelaide Zoo. Credit: supplied

Lunch:

The Adelaide Central Market has more than 80 stalls, cafes and restaurants and is the perfect place to satisfy everyone’s huger! Plus, you can feast on free samples too… after lunch, of course.

kids looking at fruit & vegetables at Adelaide Central Market
There’s so much fresh produce at Adelaide Central Market. Credit: Shutterstock

Afternoon:

The South Australia Museum has a wide range of interesting exhibitions spread out over five floors and kids are encouraged to get hands-on and learn about the world in an interactive way.

Evening:

Take your pick from one of the many restaurants located on Rundle Street. From casual eating to fine dining, there’s plenty to choose from and buskers add entertainment to this shopping strip as you peruse where to eat.

Balls sculpture on Rundle Mall, Adelaide  on a sunny winters day
Snap a pic at the silver balls on Rundle Mall. Credit: Shutterstock

DAY 2

Morning:

To start the second half of your 48 hours in Adelaide, jump on a tram to the beach-side suburb of Glenelg. Adelaide’s beaches are always buzzy and kids will love the water features in the centre of Mosely Square. If you’re looking for action, try The Beachouse with waterslides, dodgem cars, carousel and arcade games.

Lunch:

In winter or summer, try one of the many local cafes around Glenelg or head over to Glenelg Surf Lifesaving Club for a sit-down lunch with views. Delicious pub fare presented beautifully will keep the adults happy and kids have their own nippers’ menu (with healthy choices starred).

People swimming and lying in the sun on Glenelg beach
Fun in the sun at Glenelg Beach. Credit: Shutterstock

Afternoon:

Visit South Australia’s only aerial SkyMate structure Mega Adventure Adelaide. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to do something a bit more laidback like the SkyWalk (83 steps to the top of the viewing platform to enjoy uninterrupted views across the Adelaide Hills and Western shoreline), or a bit more adrenalin infused (like take a leap of faith from the ParaJump).

Evening:

The State Library comes alive at night (every night throughout the year) when stories about curious characters and hidden gems from the library’s collection are projected onto the exterior wall building. Get lost in the fantasy before strolling to Gouger Street, home to a range of multicultural eateries, for dinner to finish off the weekend.

Interior of public State Library of South Australia with rows of bookshelves
Adelaide State Library feels like Hogwarts! Credit: Shutterstock

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