5 fun things to do in parks these school holidays

School holidays aren’t just for the kids to chill out – they’re also a chance for you to spend some quality time with your loved ones. And what better way than by exploring the great outdoors.

Thinking of fun ideas can be a task in itself. If there’s only so many ‘kiddy’ activities that you can handle, these ideas might be more up your alley:

1. Discover October’s Park of the Month

National Parks SA is celebrating the magnificent Belair National Park as October’s Park of the Month. There are a range of fun events on offer and plenty to keep the whole family busy, including:

• guided walks with rangers and the Friends of Belair volunteer group
• guided Kaurna Aboriginal culture walk
• Old Government House Open Day
• Belair Bush Buddies session: ‘All about frogs’
• ‘Come and try’ bushcare sessions

For all the details including how to book, head to the Park of the Month webpage.

2. Choose a seedling to plant

Visit a local native plant nursery, such as State Flora, and choose a seedling to plant in your garden. The great thing about State Flora is that they are located in the middle of Belair National Park, so you can make a day of it and visit historic Old Government House and the adventure playground while you’re there.

3. Go mountain biking

Pump up those sweet wheels and head down to Anstey Hill Recreation Park to try out the new mountain biking trails. If you want to ease your way into it, try the Little Quarry Loop first. This trail features a gravel surface with easy but optional trail obstacles and features.

4. Explore the Kites and Kestrels Play space

The play space at Cobbler Creek Recreation Park was inspired by the kites and kestrels that fly overhead, and features BBQs, picnic shelters, toilets and a bike pump track. Sandpits have been designed to look like bird nests with giant eggs in the middle, and there’s a flying fox and traditional play equipment to enjoy as well.

If you like the sound of this, keep in mind that there is another huge play space in Morialta Conservation Park.

5. Spend a night out under the stars

Take the kids on a camping adventure to Onkaparinga River National Park or Para Wirra Conservation Park. Both parks are located within a 45-minute drive from Adelaide, so why not pack the car and head off for a night or two?

Spring is the best time to camp as you can snuggle up around a campfire and watch your marshmallow crisp up over the coals. If it’s your first time camping, check out our guides to camping with kids and 5 simple but tasty campfire cooking recipes.

Want to keep the kids amused closer to home? Learn which native plants you should grow in your backyard that are perfect for imaginative nature play.

This story was originally posted in July 2017.