Goodbye Winter and hello Spring! We are anticipating the spring air, the spring flowers, the sunshine and I plan to picnic like a pro because well I feel like this has been one wet, wild and soggy winter.
We’ve asked around the Kids in Adelaide team for our favourite picnic spots and have come up with the below 13 …. that is one spot for every weekend in Spring (plus a few extras). So, get your kite, your rug and start re-acquainting yourselves with the sunshine.
Botanic Gardens, North Terrace
You know the Botanic Gardens – who doesn’t? But when was the last time you visited another world within Adelaide and just soaked in the amazing oasis in the heart of the city. Shady spots are everywhere including lots of open space for fun play.
*Tip- Bring a soccer ball or scooter, there’s heaps of room.
Henley Square
We love eating tea on the beach (take away or packed picnic) because we can take the dog, the kids can be loud, run around, watch the sunset, get takeaway beers from the Henley Hotel (that is the actual only reason). There is a toilet block and a deck you can sit on if you don’t actually want to go on the beach and get sandy OR you can back your car in and sit in the boot. Something about all of that fresh salty air just makes us all happy.
image credit @mandywhoelse
Carrick Hill
Take a step back in time… Carrick Hill is fortunate enough to be one of the few period homes in Australia to survive with its original contents almost completely intact and grounds undiminished.
Discover all kinds of wonderful places to have a picnic at Carrick Hill – choose from the stable lawns, story book trail and more designated spots.
Elder Park
Move over Central Park – we have Elder Park ! Where else can you get a beautiful river, paddle boats, a popeye, bridge and a zoo not too far away! This park is a great spot for an adventure to the city on the train and back!
Market Square Reserve, Old Noarlunga
Market Square Reserve overlooks a bend in the Onkaparinga River, complete with undulating hills, river gums and rich native bird life. There is a playground, electric barbecues, shade, tables and lots of open space for children to run around. Grab the picnic rug and the balls to kick around and head to Market Square in Old Noarlunga! You’ll also find a great little cafe across the road.
Mitcham Reserve
Lots of space, beautiful big trees, a great new playground, creek to explore, BBQs, toilets and plenty of parking make Mitcham Reserve a great option for a picnic not too far out of the city.
Byethorne Park, Nairne
This park features a lovely duck filled lake in the centre. Make sure you know the rules about feeding ducks though. There’s a new adventure/nature playground and has a covered BBQ area that is close by, so the kids can play while you cook. Its a beautiful spot for a BBQ, picnic or just a new spot to take the kids for a good run around in the park. Fab wide open spaces and lots of fresh air, which the hills is so good for! Well worth the drive.
Steamroller Park, Stirling
Fully fenced playground with climbable steam train, toddler area, rotunda, BBQs, toilets and a beautiful grassy spot begging for a picnic rug. You don’t even need to pack any food with plenty of cafes, shops and even a chocolate shop nearby to grab your goodies.
Tusmore Park, Burnside
Hello all in one park! Playground, Pool and top Picnic Spot. This park also offers the convenience of toilets and barbecues.
Bonython Park (Tulya Wardii)
Bonython Park is for everyone! Including the furry family members! It is home to the all access playground, providing play areas for everyone. You can relax while watching the remote controlled model boats sailing across the pond or take advantage of the large grassed areas for some sunshine fun… did we mention too you can feed the horses at the stables and take the bike to the SAPOL Road Safety Centre
*Tip – bring oats or sultanas for feeding the ducks because you cannot forget to feed the ducks while stopping by their home.
Belair National Park
Put this place on your spring bucket list if you have not visited Belair National Park as yet. There are woodlands, waterfalls, lakes, creeks and a playground ! A family picnic at Long Gully is a great spot to select and venture to the cave-like Amphitheatre Rock or Playford Lake and Karka are other great spots.
Morialta Conservation Park, Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde
For the more adventurous picnickers, Morialta Conservation Park allows you to combine hiking, birdwatching and even rock-climbing with a packed lunch.
There is a picnic area as well as an extensive network of walking trails used to view three waterfalls along Fourth Creek and the playground is right up there with the best. Any one for tadpole catching? Bring rubber boots or a change of clothes if your kids like water.
Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
Spring is a magnificent seasons to visit, with stunning mass displays of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias and roses adding a splash of colour to the gardens. A picnic lunch by the lakeside after an invigorating walk is just the thing for an enjoyable outing with family and friends.
*Tip – bring some walking shoes for the steep tracks
Willunga Rose Garden, Willunga
This nature play space is located adjacent to the existing Willunga Rose Garden playground. With picnic tables, shade, benches, BBQ, and toilet facilities it’s a great new spot for a picnic and a play. We are pleased to see this fabulous new playground open ready for laughs, smiles and lots of nautre play fun
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