How lucky are we to have SO much on offer across SA this summer! Especially when you look at all the incredible things being offered up by our local councils and their libraries — many of them free. It’s not too hard to keep the kids entertained when you check out this smorgasbord… and once you scratch the surface, you’ll find even more.
Apart from their regular programs there are plenty of holiday sessions for the whole family. With a huge variety of events and activities, kids across SA will use their imaginations and flex their creative muscles this summer. Think Baby Bounce for teeny tinies, Family Storytime, Math Magic Family shows, Monster Mash Hip Hop, Claymation workshops, or even Kitchen Chemistry, a Twilight Ghost Tour and more for the older kids!
Check with each location for full details — but don’t wait to book your spot as sessions are super popular and fill up quickly.
Here’s just a few of our favourite things on offer across SA right now…
City of Port Adelaide Enfield
It’s allllll about Monsters these hollies at City of Port Adelaide Enfield. See the full program of Monster Madness activities, plus kids aged 5 to 13 can join the Monster Reading Challenge to win awesome prizes and let them learn about waste management, sustainability and how to be less of a bin monster with Bin Monsters; Marc McBride Monster Drawing Workshop and a fun-filled performance with Essential Talent: Monster Performance.
City of Prospect
Catch a favourite flick with the whole fam at the Prospect Sunset Cinema or soak up all the outdoor action with the Prospect Summer Busking and Street Entertainment program. Plus, school holiday activities (including Leah Grant workshops) and local events galore, the Summer Reading Club (for all ages) where you can go in the draw to WIN $250 to spend in a local business and much more!
Image credit :: Newmarch Gallery
Campbelltown City Council Library
Get crafty with Craft Box Challenge where your biggest challenge is the clock! The kids will have a blast getting creative and problem-solving in these uber fun sessions, plus plenty of other activities for all ages, including Chinese Calligraphy for 8 years and up, and their Summer Reading Club. Note: preference is given to residents.
District Council of Yankalilla
If you’re near Yankalilla, head into their library for the following activities… create a scrapbook or felt book mark and listen to a talk about the Weird Fishes of the Fleurieu including an art workshop. Suitable for all ages. Parental supervision required and bookings are essential! One booking per family.
City of Burnside Library
There’s oodles of options for the kids here, with the hands-on sessions of Snakes,Lizards and more! presented by Animals Anonymous; a special storytime and craft session with Gina Dawson, author of ‘Helping Dogs’; Mini-ninjas gym program for pre-schoolers which is full of yoga, climbing, balancing and tunnels; or Yoga with Tammy from Blooming Hearts for ages 7 and up.
Whyalla City Council Library
For the chance to win some cool prizes for 14 years and under, get the kids to tackle the summer holiday challenge which will have them completing activities in the library, at home and around Whyalla.
City of Playford
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, let the kids run off some steam with fitness challenges, movement games, team problem solving challenges, some footy skills and recreational activities all run by AFL Max! Join “word” renowned singing palaeontologist Professor Flint: Flint’s Fossil Making Adventures! for this unique mix of art, craft and science on 15 January with two available sessions suitable for ages 5-12 years. Or head along to see the fantasy and mythical Comics Workshop with George Rex on 22 January.
City of Tea Tree Gully
There’s something for everyone! Bring a little magic into their lives, with simple tricks from The Amazing Magic Mikes in Wynn Vale; or add a splash of colour with workshops on painting with Watercolours for Kids; plus plenty of outdoor play at St Agnes Reserve and Gifford Reserve.
Teens wanting to make a boho beach or overnight bag can do the Sewing for beginners class at Holden Hill; while older kids can get extra support to help them get their L plates with the Learner Drivers Permit session.
The Barossa Council
Beading, Woodwork, Gratitude Journals, Beach themed storytime, printmaking & Manga and more are on offer in The Barossa for school holidays and don’t forget to drop into The Rex, their leisure pool with a beach entry!
District Council of Robe
It’s all happening in Robe, with Footy clinics for ages 5 to 12; plus gingerbread decorating, fitness hubs, drama space themes, Surf Lifesaving Come and Try sessions, Kokedama workshops, Adelaide Strikers Cricket Blast and more.
Wattle Range Council
From Vacswim at Millicent Swimming Lake, to Beachport Twilight Bowls, Penola Makers Market are just a few of the great activities to keep the kids entertained while you are travelling in our area.
Image credit :: Mount Gambier Point
City of Mount Gambier
Are your kids into science experiments? Let them explore the wonderful world of chemical reactions with Boil and bubble magic potions! Or get creative with Tie Dye sessions, a session making their own magic wand, handmade soap and plenty of other workshops! There are family movie sessions, or they can let their imaginations run wild while creating their own miniature worlds to take home.
City of Onkaparinga
Magic potions, magical mini fairy and elf gardens, unicorns, dragons… everything fantastical that will entice imaginative little beings is being offered up at the libraries in the City of Onkaparinga! Plus, the kids can learn how to make a simple electronic brush car, their own robotic brush bot, Mayor’s Summer Reading Club Finale and bucketloads more.
Image credit :: City of Onkaparinga
It’s impossible to include everything on offer from our local councils… so now it’s over to you to scout around all in the incredible offerings in your area this school holidays.
Happy adventuring!
Em xx
Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council
District Council of Coober Pedy
District Council of Franklin Harbour
District Council of Karoonda East Murray
District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula
District Council of Loxton Waikerie
District Council of Mount Remarkable
The Rural City of Murray Bridge
City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters
District Council of Orroroo Carrieton
District Council of Peterborough
Municipal Council of Roxby Downs
Southern Mallee District Council
District Council of Streaky Bay
Corporation of the Town of Walkerville
