Image: Macca's Footy Festival
The best family-friendly activities during AFL Gather Round 2026
Whether you're heading to a game or just want to get involved in all the fun, there's so many family-friendly experiences to be had during AFL Gather Round 2026!
Kids can meet their heroes with AFL and AFLW player appearances, make their own Captain Card or test their skills at interactive kids' zones across Adelaide City. Keep the fun going with crazy mini golf, arcades, space exploration and nostalgic playspaces for little punters.
Read on to discover 10 entertaining activities for kids (and kids at heart) during AFL Gather Round.
Ball in the Mall - AFL Gather Round Fan Hub
AFL Gather Round is bringing the energy to Rundle Mall, with a jam-packed line-up of excitement and free footy fun!
The all new Get In On It @ Rundle Mall is immersive fan zone where you can meet surprise AFL and AFLW players, jump into the Styling Bar, try the Footy Space Invaders game, and take aim at their Trickshot Arena. Plus, kids can meet their favourite AFL players,
Gather Round Footy Clinics
The SANFL and AFL Clubs will coordinate a range of NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick activities during the clinic, providing a fun experience for children aged 5-12.
Macca's Footy Festival
the Macca's Footy Festival returns to Elder Park for more huge days of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including the popular 150m long zip line over The River Torrens!
Kids can get their free personalised AFL Captain Card at the Macca's Captain Card photobooth, score a free mini Sherrin or meet their heroes, with players appearing across the four days.
Footy fans of all ages can test their running, jumping and goal kicking skills, or settle in to catch live music, matches on the big screen and dazzling fireworks.
The Macca's Footy Festival will be open from 10:00am-10:00pm each day during Gather Round.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Calling all budding space explorers! The Australian Space Discovery Centre inspires the next generation of astronauts and galactic go-getters with exhibitions, workshops and interactive learning experiences.
Build a pocket solar system, visit mission control or explore the space gallery - all in one spot!
Strike Bowling
Bring your A-game and experience eight lanes of fun in this amped-up bowling experience. With great atmosphere, tunes and food and drink options in the heart of Rundle Mall, Strike Bowling is a great evening activity if you're heading to Adelaide Oval for an afternoon match.
Glover North Playspace
Well-known for its colourful helicopter and enormous tree carved with Australian animals, this fully-enclosed playground is a nostalgic favourite for locals. Make sure to drop by O'Connell Street Bakery for a well-deserved donut afterwards!
Holey Moley
Hit a different kind of green at Holey Moley, with crazy courses and hours of entertainment await. Foster some friendly family rivalry as you putt your way through the outrageous holes and see who gets bragging rights for the trip home.
Captain Jolleys Paddleboats
See another side of Adelaide Oval! Using pure pedal power, create lasting family memories as you cruise down the River Torrens in these brightly coloured family favourites.
Paradigm Zone
Older kids will have a ball at Paradigm Zone, a futuristic arcade complete with a light matrix floor, arcade games and plenty of virtual reality options. Plus, enjoy frozen yoghurt and acai bowls from Bao's Acai.
South Australian Museum
Hours of wonder await at the South Australian Museum. Kids can feed their curiosity in the Discovery Centre or see a giant squid!