Adelaide school holiday activities: free and cheap 2026

Choose a flexible outing or a scheduled workshop

For Adelaide school holiday activities that keep spending down, start with the South Australian Museum, The Studio: Make An Impression or the Discovery Trail at the State Library of South Australia. At the time of writing, these options include free activities alongside paid workshops; check the current details before visiting.

Choose one main activity rather than trying to fill every hour of the day. A flexible outing suits families who want to follow the kids’ interest, while a scheduled workshop gives the day a clearer shape.

Free museum activities and a timed session

At the South Australian Museum, the Aussie Doco Discovery Trail and Nature Origami are each listed as FREE at the time of writing. Check the current programme before visiting, especially if one activity is the main reason for your trip. For a low-spend plan, pick the activity that most appeals to your children and leave room to change course.

Meet the Residents of the Discovery Centre is also listed as FREE, with the schedule given as Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1pm - 1:15pm (excluding Labour Day). This is the more timing-dependent choice, so use it as an anchor for your outing rather than assuming you can catch it whenever you arrive.

Choose between hands-on art and a library trail

The Studio is AGSA’s free, hands-on activities space for art lovers of all ages. At the time of writing, The Studio: Make An Impression is listed as Free for 4 Jul - 8 Nov 2026; check the current details before visiting. Consider this option if your children would rather make something than follow a trail.

The Discovery Trail at the State Library of South Australia is listed as Free, bookings not required. It is an alternative for families who prefer a trail to an art activity. Keep the plan loose enough to stop when the kids have had their fill.

Compare workshop ages, costs and session times

At the time of writing, Create a Pin Hole Camera is listed for 5 to 12 years old, with pricing of $15 general admission | $10 Museum Junior members and Nature Photographer exhibition ticket holders. The published sessions are Tuesday 29 September, 11:30am - 1pm; Friday 9 October, 1pm - 2:30pm; Saturday 10 October, 11am - 12:30pm. Check dates, places and prices before visiting, and choose a session that fits your child’s age and your budget.

Paint and Plants is also listed for 5 to 12 years old, with pricing of $20 general admission | $15 Museum Junior members and Nature Photographer exhibition ticket holders. Its published sessions are Thursday 1 October, 11am - 12:30pm; Saturday 3 October, 11am - 12:30pm; Thursday 8 October, 11am - 12:30pm. Choose by your child’s interest rather than treating the higher-priced option as the better one.

Before you go: check the details and total cost

Before you go, confirm your chosen activity’s date, booking requirements and any accompanying-adult costs. Check access arrangements too, particularly if you are bringing a pram or need step-free entry.

Set a whole-outing budget that includes transport, food and any optional extras. Pack what your family needs and keep a backup plan, so a change of mood does not turn into an expensive replacement outing.