12 Rainy Day Activities in Adelaide for Kids
Adelaide gets its fair share of rainy days, especially through winter and early spring. When the weather turns, having a reliable list of indoor activities can save your sanity. Here are 12 tried-and-tested options that'll keep kids entertained regardless of what's happening outside.
Museums & Learning
1. South Australian Museum — North Terrace
Free entry, world-class exhibits, and enough to fill 2–3 hours. The Australian Aboriginal Cultures gallery is one of the most significant in the world, and the natural history exhibits with megafauna skeletons captivate kids of all ages.
Price: Free (donations welcome) Ages: All ages Tip: The Egyptian mummy room is a guaranteed hit with primary school kids.
2. MOD. — University of South Australia
A free museum of discovery aimed at teens and tweens, but engaging for younger kids too. Interactive exhibits about science, technology and the future. Exhibitions rotate regularly so there's always something new.
Price: Free Ages: 8+ Tip: Check their website for current exhibitions — some are better for younger kids than others.
3. National Railway Museum — Port Adelaide
A hidden gem for train-loving kids. The collection includes full-size steam locomotives, diesel trains, and model railway displays. Kids can climb aboard some exhibits and there's a miniature train ride on weekends.
Price: Adults $15, Kids $7 Ages: 2+ Tip: Visit on a Sunday when the miniature railway runs.
Active Play
4. Latitude — Hindmarsh
Latitude is Adelaide's largest indoor entertainment venue — trampolines, rock climbing, ropes course, dodgeball, and a dedicated kids' zone all under one roof. It's the go-to for burning off energy indoors.
Price: From $22 per hour Ages: 3+ Tip: Weekday mornings have dedicated toddler sessions with lower music and fewer kids.
5. Mega Courts Indoor Sports — Findon
Indoor soccer, basketball, netball, cricket nets and a play area. Great for active kids who'd rather play sport than bounce on trampolines. Birthday parties are popular here.
Price: From $10 per child for casual play Ages: 4+
6. Zone Bowling — Multiple Locations
Classic family bowling with bumper rails for the little ones. Adelaide has several locations, all with arcades and food options. Tuesday deals make it particularly affordable.
Price: From $15 per game Ages: All ages Tip: Marion and Woodville locations tend to be less busy than the city.
7. Lollipop's Playland — Kurralta Park
Multi-level play structures, ball pits, slides and a separate toddler area. The cafe is decent and there's Wi-Fi for parents. Unlimited play time means you can settle in for the afternoon.
Price: From $14 per child Ages: 0–11 Tip: Tuesday mornings are quietest.
Creative & Cultural
8. Art Gallery of South Australia — North Terrace
Free entry and a surprisingly kid-friendly gallery. The Start gallery on the ground floor is designed specifically for children, with interactive art activities that change seasonally. The main galleries are spacious enough for prams.
Price: Free (special exhibitions may charge) Ages: All ages Tip: Pick up the free kids' trail sheet at the front desk — it turns the visit into a scavenger hunt.
9. The Beehive — Various Pop-Up Locations
A creative play space that pops up in different Adelaide locations. Think sensory play, messy art, construction zones and imaginative play — all designed for under-5s. Check their social media for current locations and sessions.
Price: From $15 per child Ages: 0–5
Food & Entertainment
10. Adelaide Central Market
Not just for adults — kids love the Central Market. Sample your way through the stalls, grab dumplings, pick up fresh fruit, and watch the fishmongers at work. The covered market is perfect for rainy days and exposes kids to food culture.
Price: Free to browse Ages: All ages Tip: Saturday morning is the liveliest, but weekdays are calmer with a pram.
11. Hoyts Cinema — Various Locations
Junior tickets and Tuesday specials make cinema affordable. For really little ones, check if your local Hoyts runs Babies' Day screenings — lights dimmed (not dark), sound lowered, and no judgement if your baby makes noise.
Price: From $10 kids' tickets Ages: 3+
12. iFLY Indoor Skydiving — Penrith
A unique experience for thrill-seeking kids. The vertical wind tunnel simulates freefall without jumping from a plane. Instructors are patient with nervous first-timers and the experience lasts longer than you'd expect.
Price: From $89 for first-timer package Ages: 3+
Making the Most of Rainy Days
- Plan ahead — check opening hours and book online where possible. Rainy days = everyone has the same idea
- Pack snacks — avoid overpriced venue food by bringing your own where allowed
- Layer up — moving between heated indoor venues and cold wet weather means layers are essential
- Combine activities — the North Terrace cultural precinct (museum, art gallery, library) lets you visit multiple free venues in one trip
- Membership pays off — if you visit play centres or attractions regularly, annual memberships usually pay for themselves in 3–4 visits
Find more Adelaide activities on Family Action.