The ultimate winter school holiday guide
Posted 21 June, 2020
Samuel Smith
With many SA restrictions easing just in time for the 4-19 July school holidays, parents are breathing a collective sigh of relief.
After months keeping the little ones busy at home, no longer does the living room have to be the epicentre of all activities.
Slowly but surely, life is returning to South Australia’s city streets, suburbs and regional centres. To celebrate, kiss the couch goodbye and spend the winter school holidays exploring mind-boggling museums, thrilling adventure parks and South Australia’s stunning landscape.
From whale watching to aerial acrobatics, here are 11 ways to get out and about with the kids during the winter break.
1. Visit the South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum has reopened with a brand-new exhibition focussing on our favourite 4-legged companions.
Dogs: a story of our best friend is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages, showing how dogs have evolved over thousands of years, from wolves to man’s best friend.
The exhibition runs every day from 10am–5pm and includes a great range of interactive experiences. Kids can learn about dogs from a scientific and cultural perspective, inspecting skeletons, watching short films and even selecting the ideal dog for their lifestyle, with the help of an interactive digital program.
On the sillier side, kids (and small, uninhibited adults) can test their flexibility, climbing through doggy doors, playing in a kennel and taking selfies in an interactive farm scene.
Just don’t blame us if a pitstop at the local pet store is requested on the drive home.
2. Watch whales in the wild
As far as awe-inspiring sights go, nothing compares to watching 23,000kg southern right whales heave themselves out of the ocean.
For an experience the kids will never forget, head to Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula or Eyre Peninsula for the southern right whale migration. You can spot the gentle giants throughout July, August and September each year. Some of the best places try your luck are The Bluff and Encounter Bay in Victor Harbor and Penneshaw and Kingscote on Kangaroo Island.
Find out more.
3. Experience the ultimate adventure playground
Have your kids reached that frustrating age when suggestions to ‘go play outside’ are met with overt eye-rolling, rather than giggles of delight?
If so, fret no more – Mega Adventure Adelaide is here to help. You won’t find any seesaws or slippery dips here. A swing? Yes, but it happens to be SA’s largest, and reaches speeds of 70km/h.
Designed by real-life adventurer, Alex Blyth, whose hobbies include mountain climbing and trekking across the South Pole, Mega Adventure Adelaide is the ultimate boredom buster.
Highlights of the giant playground include a mid-air rowing boat, floating BMX bike, sky-high picnic table, Parajump, giant swing and a 30m-high crow’s nest.
Find out more.
