Adelaide Botanic Garden (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Adelaide Botanic Garden?
What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Little Sprouts kitchen garden, AR scavenger hunt, duck feeding and big lawns engage 4-12s; pram-friendly paths and change-table toilets help parents, but no playground and open water need close watch.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission cost lets you stay as long as kids want.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Most main loops are paved and easy for prams.
Challenges:
- Summer heat: Temperatures can rise quickly; plan a morning visit and bring water.
- Spread-out highlights: Expect 10–15 minute walks between key spots.
What is Adelaide Botanic Garden?
- A 125-acre botanical garden established in 1855, cultivating a comprehensive collection of native and exotic plants, including rare and threatened species
- A site of heritage significance housing Victorian-era glasshouses such as the 1877 Palm House alongside the modern Bicentennial Conservatory’s tropical ecosystem
- A designed sequence of themed landscapes—from Mediterranean courtyards and rose gardens to arid zone plantings—interspersed with historic architecture and sculptural works
What is so special about Adelaide Botanic Garden for with kids?
- Step into a tropical rainforest glasshouse
- Interactive AR scavenger hunt kids love
- Hands-on fun in the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden
- Feed ducks with frozen peas at the main lake
- Shady lawns perfect for family picnics and play
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the conservatory, scavenger hunt, picnic and play without rushing younger kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Adelaide Botanic Garden
Bicentennial Conservatory Rainforest Walk:
Step inside a warm glasshouse filled with towering tropical plants and mist sprays.
Tip: Go early to avoid midday humidity and use stroller-friendly ramps.
Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden:
Let kids explore low vegetable beds, worm farms and a woven storytelling dome.
Tip: Check opening times outside school programs and bring hand sanitizer.
Watching Glass Grow Scavenger Hunt:
Use a free app to find 10 hidden student-made artworks around the gardens.
Tip: Download the AR app before you arrive and charge your device fully.
Feed Ducks at the Main Lake:
Bring frozen peas to feed the local ducks instead of bread.
Tip: Pick up a 1kg bag of frozen peas (≈AUD 5) at a nearby supermarket.
Picnic on Botanic Park Lawns:
Spread a blanket under shady oaks and let kids run on open grass.
Tip: Bring your own picnic and a lightweight blanket for quick setup.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Adelaide Botanic Garden
- Arrive early: Beat crowds and secure a good parking spot near the Gardens.
- Pick up a map: Grab a free print map at Visitor Centre to plan your route quickly.
Reviews of Adelaide Botanic Garden
Jason Parry
The Botanical Gardens of Adelaide were very beautiful and impressive. Large trees and magnificent gardens made the park a must see. Also the conservatory and other structures there were great. We spent a good 2 hrs wandering the gardens.
Julie Noack
A great place to visit if the traffic & noise of the city becomes too much. Great facilities or find a quiet spot. So much to do. Clean & tidy & looks amazing. Very reasonable prices for cafe food if you are looking for lunch but beware of the birds as they are known to steal food on occasion (there are signs warning of this in appropriate spots)
Pat Chung
Before visiting this Adelaide Botanic Garden for the 1st time, I didn't have much expectation as I arrived South Australia in January 2025 and experienced the longest drought seasons in history. Everywhere were dry, grey / brown but not green, especially northern parts of the Adelaide City. After five months of raining since late May 2025 and in this Spring time, I reckoned it is now the best tim...
Corinne Parnell
Adelaide Botanical Gardens A great day out. Maps available at entry Well kept and maintained Gardens Lots of variety Lovely old buildings. Wisteria Arch ways both were stunning. Rose Gardens a great variety Not far from the city. Can catch a free tram Lots of grass areas for a picnic or eat in the Cafe. I really loved seeing g the Black oak area very old great to see.
M Chee
The Adelaide Botanic Garden displays a few amazing plants, the most spectacular being the Victoria amazonica, which is the second largest in the water lily family Nymphaeaceae. The gardens were designed beautifully, and reflected the visions of the early directors of the botanic garden. One needs to spend a good part of one day to wander around the 50 ha of the magnificently maintained botanic g...
When is the best time to visit Adelaide Botanic Garden (Adelaide, Australia)?
Spring brings rose garden blooms near the entrance. In summer, visit before 10am and carry water. The conservatory is warmer in winter for chilly days.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden entry | AUD 0 |
| Frozen peas for duck feeding | AUD 5 |
| Snacks at Botanic Lodge | AUD 40 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 45 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Adelaide Botanic Garden
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
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About Adelaide Botanic Garden
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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