Summer in Adelaide City: 5 Fun Activities for the Whole Family

Last updated 24 Mar, 2025

Skip the crowded beaches and save yourself the sandy clean up, head to Adelaide City this summer. The Adelaide CBD is ripe with family-friendly activities to stave off the heat and the boredom. We’ve put together this handy itinerary to help you make the most of your day and keep the good times rolling.

Morning

Dive in: Captain Jolley's Paddleboats

River Torrens, Elder Park, Adelaide SA 5000

Keep dry while you get in the water, hire a paddleboat! Take in the winding River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri as you paddle off your breakfast and build up your appetite for lunch.

The paddleboats fit 2 adults and 1 small child in the middle, with life jackets supplied on request.

Afternoon

Eat: Doughballs

Level 1, Rundle Place, 77/91 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000

Stop in at Doughballs and grab a slice of twice-proved Roman-style pizza. With plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options and sweet or savoury toppings to pick from, there’s something here to satisfy every appetite. Treat your kids to their three course kids’ combo for just $14.90!

Play: Paradigm Zone

58 Gawler Place, Adelaide SA 5000


Beat that mid-afternoon heat and lose yourselves at Paradigm Zone. With loads of activities to pick from, it’s the perfect spot for some air-conditioned family bonding. Introduce the kids to your favourite millennial bangers at the KTV Karaoke Booth, team up and play a real-life video game in the Light Matrix, or get into the competitive spirit in the Arcade to see who can with the most prizes.

Evening

Cool off: Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga Fountain

Victoria Square. Adelaide SA 5000

Get in on some water play and cool off in a fountain at Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga. Your kids will love running through the spray and splashing around! There are handy public toilets on the eastern side if you want to orchestrate a quick change into swimwear and loads of shade and seating if you want to take a little breather while the kids tire themselves out.

City of Adelaide Christmas Photography 17 12 21 69

Eat: 48 Flavours

78 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000

There’s no better way to bring a hot summer day to a close than indulging in some ice-cold gelato. Inspired by local produce, this proudly South Australian gelateria offers 48 unique flavours. Try their award-winning Pear, Fig and Gorgonzola, Salted Caramel and Lemon Cheesecake. For those who are dairy-free, they have plenty of sorbets, soy, almond and coconut milk gelatos to choose from.

Share your summer adventures with us, tag us at @ExperienceADL #SeeForYourselfADL