The 4 best parks for children to explore by bike

The benefits of mountain biking with kids are endless.

Not only is it a great way to explore nature, it’s also great for kids’ mental health, improves their coordination and balance, helps build confidence and is an excellent way to improve fitness and strength.

South Australia boasts some of the most spectacular parks which are the perfect backdrop to teach your children to ride safely, enjoy nature and explore our national parks.

Here are 4 parks perfect for kids learning to mountain bike. And with school holidays underway, now’s the best time to try one!

1. Cobbler Creek

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park, located 19km north of Adelaide, is perfect for introducing kids to mountain biking. Try the Beginners’ Circuit or Easy Does It mountain biking trails. KAFNARFA as another great short ride for kids learning to ride.

The pump track is perfect for kids and is situated right next to the Kites and Kestrels playground, which offers a sheltered picnic area and toilets.

2. Shepherds Hill

Shepherds Hill Recreation Park, located just 11km south of Adelaide, contains 16km of mountain bike trails.

The family-friendly green circle loops are great to start on, before progressing to the short but tough cross-country loops and fun intermediate downhill runs. The park even has a safe and easy area where children can practice and experience riding on dirt.

You can ride your bike on all service tracks or use the specific cycling trails and tracks on offer in Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. For the more adventurous children, the bicycle jumps-track offers lots of thrills.

3. Belair

Belair National Park, located 13km south-east of Adelaide, has a great range of trails for everyone, from beginners to more experienced riders.

The park is easily accessible directly from public transport – from North Terrace in Adelaide you and your family can ride the train all the way there with your bikes. Take the kids for a ride around the fire trails from Playford Lake to the adventure playground.

4. Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta

Check out the 8km of trails in the former O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park section of Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, located 16km south of Adelaide. The trails use the steeper parts of the park to provide some great downhill options for children from beginners right through to more experienced thrill-seekers.

The park’s trails have some unique names including Grom Flow, which is perfect for kids and beginner riders, Sylvanian Families, which is a great way to enjoy a ride with the family.

Check out the Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta trails map for more information.

The kids will love the new adventure playground nearby which makes the perfect location for a post-ride picnic!

Just remember, bike riding in parks is permitted on designated tracks and trails. Where these are shared-use tracks, watch out for and be courteous to other riders, horses, and walkers.

Remember to ride safely and stick to trails within your capabilities. If you’re completely new to mountain biking, there are some great companies that offer beginner lessons to get you going!

Ready to hit the trails? Check out these handy tips for how to mountain bike safely in our national parks or watch our video on the basics of mountain biking.