The Zu-loop bus is included with entry and takes about 1.5 hours to tour the open-range habitats; the last one leaves at 3pm. Only foldable strollers fit on the buses, and play spaces sit beside both cafés. The park is about 15 minutes from Murray Bridge; book date-specific tickets ahead, and under-4s are free.

More than 100 buildings show life from 1860 to 1960, including an 1881 schoolhouse, a church, railway carriages and old vehicles. Old Tailem Town opens 9am to 4pm every day except Christmas Day, and dogs on a leash are welcome. A family ticket covering up to four kids is $66.

This easy Coorong walk is 1.2km return, about 20 minutes, through the dunes to a viewing deck over pelican breeding islands. There's no vehicle entry fee for Coorong National Park, and its toilets are pit toilets. The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days, so check alerts before a summer trip.

Moderate to steep tracks follow Reedy Creek to the falls, which look their best after winter rain. From the lower car park it's a steep 1km walk, or park above the falls for a short walk down. Entry is free; bring good shoes and water, and save it for a cooler day.

This 400m path runs along the Lake Albert waterfront and suits prams, bikes and wheelchairs. Its Ngarrindjeri name, Yunti Ngopun Ngami, means 'Together We Walk', and fish trap and basket weaving designs are set into it. The park behind has a playground, undercover barbecues and toilets with parenting facilities.

The old railway station now holds a free museum on the town's days as a railway hub, with artefacts and photographs. Volunteers give guided tours on request, and there are toilets and a picnic area. It opens on weekdays from 10am, about 4.5km from Old Tailem Town.

Bumper bowling makes tenpin easy for small kids at this Murray Bridge alley, a good plan for a wet afternoon. Family packages for two adults and two kids start at $56 and run until 4pm daily. Hours change in school and public holidays, so the alley asks you to call the day before.

A restored schoolhouse and newer buildings tell the stories of the telegraph, the blacksmith, the ferryman and the building of Lock 1. There's a big collection of school photographs and memorabilia too. It opens on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings only.