Things to do with kids in Adelaide's Western Suburbs & Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide has three museums close together, and they make a great day with kids. The National Railway Museum has more than 100 locomotives and carriages, and a small train ride is included. The Maritime Museum is a short walk away, and at the Aviation Museum, kids can sit in a real cockpit.
The beaches on this side are calm and family-friendly. At Semaphore, kids can ride a carousel from 1928 and a little steam train along the foreshore, and you might spot dolphins from the jetty. Henley Beach has a water feature in the square behind the jetty, with cafes all around. At West Lakes, the playground at Heysen Reserve is right by the water.
At the airport, you can see the Vickers Vimy that made the first flight from England in 1919, and it's free. On a hot day, the Ice ArenA at Thebarton has public skating sessions every day.
60 family outings, waterfalls and walks across the region, sorted by drive time from Port Adelaide. Choose your suburb at the top to sort from where you are staying.
✓ Everything
Free · 19
Sensory-friendly · 4
Top things to do in Adelaide West & Port
Spend a beach day at Henley Square
Henley Square sits right behind the jetty at Henley Beach, with cafés and outdoor dining looking over the sand. Kids can cool off at the square's water feature. Toilets, a beach shower and shaded seating are all on the square.
about 10 min
Beach · Henley Beach
Photo: Mike Cogh, CC BY-SA 2.0
Ride the 1928 carousel at Semaphore
Semaphore has white sand, family-friendly shallows and a long green foreshore, about 14km from the city. The vintage carousel there was built in 1928, and a miniature steam train runs along the foreshore. From the end of the jetty you can often spot dolphins and seals.
under 5 min
Beach · Semaphore Beach
Photo: Matthew Summerton, CC BY-SA 3.0
Ride the little train at the Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum on Lipson Street has more than 100 locomotives, carriages and other exhibits. A small train ride around the grounds from Callington Station is included with entry. It opens 10am to 4.30pm daily.
under 5 min
Museum · National Railway Museum
Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 3.0
Explore ships and the lighthouse in Port Adelaide
The South Australian Maritime Museum opens 10am to 5pm daily and takes cards only. It is a short walk from Port Dock station, and the Railway Museum is about 400 metres along Lipson Street. Free all-day parking is on the surrounding streets.
under 5 min
Museum · South Australian Maritime Museum
Photo: Shkuru Afshar, CC BY-SA 4.0
Climb into a cockpit at the Aviation Museum
Two hangars in Port Adelaide hold dozens of historic aircraft, jet fighters and Woomera test rockets. Kids can settle into a real cockpit and pretend to fly. The museum opens 10am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day.
under 5 min
Museum · South Australian Aviation Museum
Photo: Jeep1943, CC BY-SA 3.0
Paddle and swim at West Lakes
The council says swimming in West Lakes is safe, but asks you to wait at least three days after rain. Only sailing boats and paddle craft are allowed on the water. Heysen Reserve, on the lake at West Lakes Shore, has a playground with a sandpit and double slide, plus a shower.
about 5 min
Lake · West Lakes
Photo: Golf99, CC0
See the Vickers Vimy at the airport
The Vickers Vimy made the first flight from England to Australia in 1919, crewed by brothers Ross and Keith Smith. It stands on the ground floor of the airport terminal, opposite the Atura Hotel entrance. Entry is free, 8am to 8pm every day.
about 15 min
Museum · Vickers Vimy Exhibition
Photo: Doug butler, CC BY-SA 4.0
Skate a public session at the Ice ArenA
The Thebarton rink runs public skating sessions every day. Helmets are free to use, and hire skates come in children's sizes. The ice is cold, so bring layers, a warm hat and proper gloves.
about 15 min
Skating · Ice ArenA
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Adelaide Zoo
Monarto Safari Park
Everything on the map
Over the border
Nearest first, from Port Adelaide
Beaches and islands
Waterfalls, lakes and swimming
Big playgrounds
Play
Museums and history
Libraries, cinemas and theatres
Gardens and science
Drive times are estimated from the distance, so treat them as a guide. Tap a card for the full page.
Region boundary: ABS Tourism Regions 2021 (Tourism Research Australia), CC BY 4.0. Outings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and venues' own listings; nature spots from OpenStreetMap and park services.