South Australian Aviation Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is South Australian Aviation Museum?
What makes it 78% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can climb into cockpits, ride free push-along planes, and attend engine-run days; flat floors aid supervision, but no playground or café keeps visit to 2-3 hours.
Positives:
- Hands-on access: Most aircraft open for boarding to give kids a real cockpit experience.
- Stroller-friendly hangars: Flat floors and wide aisles make it easy to navigate with prams or push-alongs.
Challenges:
- Cockpit heights: Steps into cockpits may be steep for younger children; bring a small stool or ask volunteers for assistance.
- Limited shade: Hangars can feel warm in peak summer; plan for breaks in cooler areas or near exits.
What is South Australian Aviation Museum?
- A multi-hangar museum at Port Adelaide preserving South Australia’s aeronautical history
- A collection of more than 30 aircraft, from vintage biplanes and Spitfires to an F-111 bomber and C-47 Dakota transport
- An aviation research centre featuring a specialist library, aircraft engines, uniforms and technical archives
What is so special about South Australian Aviation Museum for with kids?
- Climb into real aircraft cockpits including Dakota C-47 and Spitfire.
- Ride push-along plane trolleys for toddler fun on the hangar floor.
- Explore the F-111 bomber and other historic planes hands-on.
- Chat with volunteer guides for engaging restoration stories.
- Browse rare aviation books and photos in the museum library.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets you explore multiple hangars, climb into cockpits and enjoy exhibits without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in South Australian Aviation Museum
Cockpit play:
Climb into the cockpits of the Dakota C-47, Spitfire and other aircraft.
Tip: Use the provided steps and ask volunteers to help younger kids board safely.
F-111 bomber walkthrough:
Walk under and around the F-111 to see its scale and learn its service role.
Tip: Point out engine parts on the display panels and quiz kids on what they see.
Push-along plane trolleys:
Let toddlers ride small plane frames and zoom around the hangars.
Tip: Hold onto little ones firmly; the hangar floor can be slippery.
Volunteer chat:
Speak with volunteer guides who share restoration tales and pilot stories.
Tip: Ask for kid-friendly anecdotes and let kids handle a few simple parts.
Library browse:
Explore rare books, photos and documents in South Australia’s aviation collection.
Tip: Encourage kids to flip through photo books and spot vintage aircraft models.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to South Australian Aviation Museum
- Early arrival: Arrive at opening to avoid crowds and get first access to popular cockpits.
- Junior Supporters: Buy the $20 junior membership for unlimited free child entries on return visits.
- Pack snacks: Bring snacks and water to avoid leaving the museum for breaks.
Reviews of South Australian Aviation Museum
Mahshid Sadri
Great display of aviation history of SA. Lots of things to see and learn about the aviation industry of Australia. Highly recommended for aviation enthusiasts
Brian Holecek
A great display of aircraft, F18A, F111, DC3, Fokker F27, Orion PC Caribou, Spitfire and there are many more. Rockets, WWII displays. If you are interested or love Aircraft this is a great place or just a great museum to visit
Phil Randall
I went with a couple of brothers to this rather good museum. It’s run by all volunteers and we did speak to a couple of them. They were very informative and made the trip a little bit more interesting. What we got me was the Fokker F 27 and the DC3. When I was in Papua New Guinea, I flew in these guys all the time. It was great that I could go back into the interior which brought me back so many ...
Graham Wood
An amazing experience. So many displays with so much history. Amazingly displayed and explained. For those avionic enthusiasts, plan on spending 2 - 3 hours. The maritime and railway museum are just as spectacular as well as the clipper ship experience.
Luke S
The South Australian Aviation Museum provides a unique and exciting insight to the history of all things aircraft. There are over 10 main aircraft, such as the AP-3C Orion, Fokker F27 Friendship, and F-18 Hornet, split across two hangars. There is also a surprising collection of both military and commercial aircraft. Knowledgeable and passionate staff are able to give extensive information about m...
When is the best time to visit South Australian Aviation Museum (Adelaide, Australia)?
Summer afternoons can be hot in the unair-conditioned hangars. Bring hats, sunscreen and water. Check the museum website for occasional engine-run and open-cockpit days.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family general admission (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 41.5 |
| Optional volunteer-led guided tour for family | AUD 24 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 65.5 |
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 South Australian Aviation Museum
Address: 16 Bedford St, Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia
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About South Australian Aviation Museum
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
+61 8 8240 123010 BEST nearby Activities
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