South Australian Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is South Australian Museum?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Discovery Centre, school-holiday crafts, digital treasure hunts and free entry give children hands-on learning; elevators and trails aid parents, but fragile glass cases need close supervision.
Positives:
- Free Permanent Galleries: All biological, cultural and earth-science displays have no entry fee.
- Pram and stroller friendly: Wide lifts, ramps and gallery spaces let you move easily with young kids.
- Sensory backpacks available: Borrow noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys and picture cards free at the desk.
- Family pricing on exhibitions: Look for family tickets to save on special exhibitions for 2 adults + multiple kids.
Challenges:
- Limited seating: Some gallery spaces lack benches; pack a small foldable mat or take breaks in the café.
- Discovery Centre hours: Hands-on zone closes early and is only open Wed, Fri–Sun.
- Timed special exhibitions: Book paid exhibit slots in advance to guarantee entry for busy days.
What is South Australian Museum?
- A five-level state museum on North Terrace in Adelaide showcasing South Australia’s natural and cultural heritage
- Custodian of extensive collections, including Ediacaran fossils, meteorites, mineral specimens and one of the world’s largest compilations of Australian Aboriginal cultural materials
- Housed in a heritage classical-revival building augmented by contemporary gallery extensions reflecting over a century and a half of institutional evolution
What is so special about South Australian Museum for with kids?
- Hands-on Discovery Centre with real fossils and specimens
- Free access to natural history, Aboriginal culture and Ancient Egypt galleries
- Family-friendly adventure trails to guide exploration
- Sensory backpacks and pram-friendly layout for young children
- Family ticket options for major exhibitions to save money
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to see permanent galleries, enjoy hands-on zones and take breaks without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in South Australian Museum
Discover the Discovery Centre:
Handle real fossils, rocks and specimens in a child-friendly lab space.
Tip: Visit Wed, Fri or Sun between 10:30 am–2:30 pm when it’s open.
Explore Permanent Galleries:
See giant squid, whale skeletons, Ancient Egyptian mummy and Aboriginal cultural displays.
Tip: Start on the ground floor and work up to avoid backtracking with little ones.
Follow a Family Adventure Trail:
Use free maps or QR-code trails like “Big & Small” to guide self-paced exploration.
Tip: Download trails at home to keep kids engaged in each gallery.
See Treasures of the Viking Age:
View rare Viking jewellery and artefacts in Australia’s first showing.
Tip: Book the family ticket ($55 for 2 adults + up to 3 kids) to save on child prices.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to South Australian Museum
- Go early on weekends: Arrive at opening time to beat peak crowds and use quieter galleries for toddlers.
- Combine free and paid: Start with free galleries and trails, then book one paid exhibition to manage costs and time.
- Pack a trail checklist: Give each child a simple checklist of items to find in each gallery for extra engagement.
Reviews of South Australian Museum
Aryan Ali
The South Australian Museum is a wonderful place to explore, especially if you enjoy natural history and cultural exhibits. The displays are very informative, well-organised, and suitable for all ages. I especially liked how interactive and detailed the sections were — from fossils and wildlife to Indigenous history and global cultures. The museum is clean, easy to navigate, and entry is free, wh...
Christie Butler
We took a free guided tour of the Mortlock Library. We learnt so much about the history of this beautiful building and the books it holds. An interesting morning. I would highly recommend the tour.
Anastasia G
Great place to visit in Delaide, especially if the weather is rainy. The museum is free to visit. Excellent natural history and aboriginal history collections.
Craig Maxwell
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection of artifacts and displayed items was amazing. Also an impressive display of other Islander nations. The total display is across 4 floors with lift access at either end of the building. Plenty of seating around the display areas if you need to take a load off. There is also quite a few interactive screens giving further detailed information on di...
kerri whitling
What a wonderful museum Adelaide has ! It's main beauty lies in the fact it's still housed in an old building . There are four levels and a mezzanine and all have well set out displays . The main museum is free to enter but donations are accepted to help the museum . The museum hosts speciality displays and these have admission fees . You can go to the museum site to check what is on and admission...
When is the best time to visit South Australian Museum (Adelaide, Australia)?
During summer school holidays (13 Dec–26 Jan), enjoy extended Discovery Centre hours, craft workshops and daily fossil trolleys.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Treasures of the Viking Age family ticket | AUD 55 |
| Nature Photographer special exhibition (2 adults) | AUD 24 |
| Snacks and light lunch at Terrace Eatery | AUD 30 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 109 |
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 Museum
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
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About South Australian 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
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