Things to Do in Adelaide

Top Attractions & Activities in Adelaide

Looking for the best things to do in Adelaide, or the top attractions in Adelaide Australia has on offer? RedBalloon has hand-picked a range of activities in Adelaide to suit every kind of visitor. Thrill seekers can take on a Tandem Skydive over Adelaide, get behind the wheel of a race car with V8 Race Car Driving, or try Rally Driving on a dirt track just outside the city. Prefer your adrenaline with a side of scenery? A Gliding Introductory Flight over Gawler or a Helicopter Flight shows off Adelaide from a whole new angle. For a slower pace, our Wine Tastings & Tours range takes in some of the best cellar doors in South Australia, capped off with an Ultimate Penfolds Experience for the wine lovers in your life.

Things to Do in Adelaide with Kids

Adelaide isn’t just a wine and dine destination, it’s one of the best cities in Australia for family days out. For animal experiences the whole family will love, Adelaide Zoo is a 15-minute walk from the CBD and home to Australia’s only giant pandas, while Monarto Safari Park offers the country’s largest open-range safari experience, and Gorge Wildlife Park is perfect for smaller children keen to hand-feed native wildlife. Little ones wanting to catch a wave can try a Surfing Lesson at Moana Beach, while the whole family can spot local dolphins on a Glenelg Dolphin Watching Cruise. These are also some of the easiest school holiday activities in Adelaide to book at short notice.

Things to Do in Adelaide CBD – Indoor activities

For things to do in Adelaide city that don’t depend on the weather, the CBD has plenty of indoor activities to fill a few hours. Test your wits at an Escape Room Experience, get hands-on at an Adelaide Pottery Wheel Clay Session, or strap into a Boeing 737 Flight Simulator without ever leaving the ground. A 90 Minute Virtual Reality Experience in the CBD is another good option when Adelaide’s famous sunshine decides to take the day off.

Adelaide at Night: Nightlife & Date Ideas

What to do in Adelaide at night comes down to what kind of evening you’re after. For couples, a sunset Port River Tall Ship Cruise or a shared plate at one of the city’s dining experiences makes for an easy, memorable date night. Want something a bit more energetic? Book a Spirit Tasting or Beer Tasting with friends, or enjoy an indulgent Dining Experience for a night out that feels distinctly Adelaide. Wherever you experience Adelaide nightlife, gifting the night out (rather than planning it yourself) tends to go down even better.

Wine & Dining Experiences in Adelaide

South Australia’s reputation for food and wine starts in Adelaide. For a proper Adelaide food experience, a guided Wine Tasting & Tour is the obvious starting point, especially when it includes a stop at the Ultimate Penfolds Experience or a Wine Blending Session at The Lane Vineyard in nearby Hahndorf. Prefer something a little more refined? Our High Tea range is a favourite experience for Adelaide locals treating mum, a friend, or themselves. For couples looking for a dining experience with a view, dining cruises and tasting menus around the city cover everything from casual to special-occasion.

Unique & Adventurous Things to Do in Adelaide

If you’ve already ticked off the obvious tourist attractions, Adelaide still has plenty of unique experiences up its sleeve. Take to the skies over the Barossa on a Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast, get a bird’s eye view on a Barossa Valley Helicopter Flight & Wine Tour, or go the other way entirely with an Adelaide City Kayak Tour. For something a little different again, a guided First Nations Cultural Cruise from Glenelg pairs coastal scenery with First Nations story telling – a genuinely memorable cultural experience most visitors never think to book.

Free Things to Do in Adelaide

Adelaide is generous with its free things to do. Stroll the fern-filled Adelaide Botanical Garden, walk the length of the Torrens Linear Park, wander the stalls at Adelaide Central Market, or spend the afternoon at Glenelg Beach with fish and chips in hand. If you want to turn a free day into an unforgettable one, pair it with an affordable RedBalloon experience. The Adelaide Zoo Full Day Experience starts from under $50*.

Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale

Adelaide’s biggest advantage is what’s right on its doorstep. The Adelaide Hills are just 40 minutes from the CBD and home to cellar doors, day spas and the historic township of Hahndorf. Further north, the Barossa Valley is Australia’s best known wine region, while McLaren Vale covers the coastal wine country south of the city. Each makes an easy half or full day trip, and each has its own range of RedBalloon experiences worth building a visit around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do in Adelaide at night?

For a relaxed evening, try a sunset cruise or a dinner experience in the CBD. If you’re after something more active, an escape room or laneway bar tour makes for a fun night out with friends.

What are the best kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide?

Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park and Gorge Wildlife Park are consistently rated as some of the best kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide, alongside beach days at Glenelg and a surfing lesson at Moana Beach.

What are the must-do activities for families visiting Adelaide?

A day at one of Adelaide’s wildlife parks, a walk along Glenelg Beach, and a browse through Adelaide Central Market cover the classics. School holiday periods are the easiest time to book family-friendly experiences in advance.

What are the top attractions in Adelaide?

Adelaide Zoo, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Central Market, Glenelg Beach and the Adelaide Hills wine region are consistently ranked among the city’s top attractions.

Are there any free things to do in Adelaide?

Yes, the Botanic Garden, Torrens Linear Park, Adelaide Central Market and most of the city’s beaches, including Glenelg and Henley Beach, are free to visit.

Which beaches are best to visit in Adelaide?

Glenelg is the most popular for its cafes and jetty, Henley Beach is known for its relaxed foreshore, and Moana Beach is a favourite with surfers thanks to its consistent breaks.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Adelaide?

Skydiving over Adelaide, a hot air balloon flight over the Barossa, and rally driving are among the best outdoor adventures on offer near Adelaide.

What cultural experiences can you find in Adelaide?

A First Nations guided cultural cruise from Glenelg, a visit to the National Wine Centre, and Adelaide Central Market’s food culture are all worthwhile cultural experiences in the city.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide for activities?

Adelaide’s mild climate makes spring and autumn (September to November and March to May) the most comfortable months for outdoor activities, though summer suits beach days and events like the Adelaide Fringe Festival draw crowds in February and March.

What family friendly activities are available in Adelaide?

Wildlife parks, beach days, and market tours make up most of Adelaide’s family friendly activities, with plenty of indoor options like escape rooms and pottery classes available for wet-weather days.

Explore More of South Australia

Adelaide is the perfect base, but it’s just the beginning of what South Australia has to offer. If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, venture in the Adelaide Hills for cellar doors and day spas, or further out to the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale for some of the country’s best wine regions. Craving wildlife and coastline? Kangaroo Island is home to sea lions, koalas and pristine beaches, while the ancient gorges of the Flinders Ranges make for an unforgettable outback escape. Browse the full range of Things To Do in South Australia to start planning, or keep it simple with a RedBalloon Gift Voucher and let them choose their own South Australian adventure.