Beat the heat this summer

Summer in Adelaide is a great time of year. Between school, uni and work holidays, there is more time to get out and about. But let’s face it, when the temperature starts pushing 40 degrees, many of us are looking for a cool place to retreat. If you want to give your home air conditioner a day off, give some of these city-based activities a try.

Adelaide city hosts a variety of museums. Spend the afternoon learning about Aboriginal culture at the South Australian Museum, which houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of ethnographic material. Or, discover the history of South Australia’s multicultural beginnings at the Migration Museum. Topics of the past not quite your cup of tea? MOD. along North Terrace is one of the nation’s leading future-focused museums, marrying science, art and technology. Explore the strangely satisfying yet sometimes thought-provoking exhibitions.

On days that are too hot to enjoy outside, step into one of the many galleries Adelaide has to offer. The Art Gallery of South Australia houses some of the nation’s most treasured art collections and FELTspace is an artist-run gallery that showcases emerging, experimental and unique exhibitions along with public programs.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to libraries in Adelaide. The City of Adelaide has three libraries, Rundle Mall, Hutt Street and North Adelaide. You can find a range of activities, exhibitions and programs for all ages. If you or the kids are Harry Potter fans, visit the Mortlock Chamber at State Library South Australia, regularly voted one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Challenge your tribe to a round of mini golf at Holey Moley in the city for an active indoor adventure. Or get out early in the morning before the day heats up and spend time on the lush greens of North Adelaide Golf Course. There are three different courses on offer depending on your skill level – or you can opt to hit a bucket of balls if you’re not up for a full 18 holes.

A trip to the cinema in the city is often overlooked. Head over to the Piccadilly Cinema on O’Connell Street, North Adelaide for a taste of Art Deco architecture before retreating to the cool inside. Indie films more up your alley? The Mercury Cinema in Adelaide’s West End on Morphett Street is a not-for-profit theatre that shows more obscure (some foreign) movies that aren’t shown on the big(ger) screens.

Ever wondered what traditional Moroccan cuisine tasted like? What about dishes from Uyghur culture? Settle in for a long lunch and take yourself on a trip around the world…through food that is. Adelaide is known for its culinary excellence, with an annual gathering of world-renowned chefs (Tasting Australia) in the city. Don’t know where to start your journey? You can borrow our list of favourites here.

Hot weather and pools go hand in hand, don’t they? People of all ages can cool down at Adelaide Aquatic Centre with the leisure pool depth varying from 0 to 0.9m. Looking for more adventure? Try the blue water slides for a cool rush. If summer is the time you’ve marked for learning to swim, this is a great time to get started on your goal. With so much on offer, it’s best to check the schedule before you arrive.

You can also slap on sunscreen and float down the River Torrens while having a barbecue on BBQ Buoys, or enjoy the breeze on Popeye.

Summer tip: keep your vehicle cool with undercover parking available at UPark carparks located across town. With specials such as Earlybird and weekend rates, you won’t get hot under the collar at the price either.