Top Free Things to do in Adelaide - April 2014
Sailing Off the Coast of Brighton
I'm quite relieved that March is drawing to a close. The plethora of Fringe and Festival of Arts events was beginning to make me feel guilty for having a quiet night at home. Twitter and Facebook were constantly reminding me that comedy, cocktails, and culture were continually on offer - sometimes even free.
Then suddenly everything went into slow motion, and the results of the state election seemed as elusive and remote as the wreckage of flight MH370.
Thankfully the weather is mild again, and it's a terrific time of the year to be out in the country, exploring places you've never been or re-visiting your favourite spots in their beautiful autumn glow.
But if you're missing the festival frenzy there plenty of free things to do in Adelaide. With school holidays in April there are lots of free events and activities for kids too.
Read on for lots of fun things to do in April.
What's On in Adelaide - Free Events
Contestants at Last Year's Macclesfield Gravity Festival
One of my favourite parts of South Australia is the area between Strathalbyn and McLaren Vale, often referred to as
Battunga Country. It's not far from Adelaide, is scenic, and is home to some of the tastiest
foods and
wines in Adelaide.
This month there's another reason to visit though - the free
Macclesfield Gravity Festival. It's a fun race that all the family can enjoy, with markets and activities for kids that will keep them happy for hours. If you're quick enough to grab some accommodation you could even make a weekend of it.
While you're experiencing the tranquil peace of the Mount Lofty Ranges, you might want to learn more about the bid to have them
World Heritage listed. After all, if Tasmania loses their listing, then why shouldn't we aim for it?
If you'd rather stay closer to home then you'll still be needing some exercise to boost your seratonin levels, and the free
Walking Expo can do just that. At least you won't feel so guilty enjoying the Indonesian food the next weekend at
Indofest 2014.
The Adelaide City Skyline Backdrop to Fork on the Road at Light Square
Fans of
Fork on the Road are in for a treat this month - after a break in March there will be
two Forks in April. Friday April 4 is DiscoFork from 4-10pm in Light Square, with a disco dance floor, live DJ's, a kids disco from 6-7pm, and other activities for kids.Then on April 27 Tasting Australia brings another Fork to Victoria Square from 11 am featuring all your old favourite food trucks, and a few new ones. Awesome!
One of the fun things to do that Adelaide kids love is flying kites, and Semaphore's
kite festival over Easter is sure to be an instant hit for the little ones.
Semaphore is one of the most popular places to visit in Adelaide, with its clean beaches, colourful
amusement park, and eateries along Semaphore Road including
El Toro Espanol and its tantalising tapas.
The Famous Semaphore Carousel
While you're in the area, check to see whether
Fort Glanville is open with its magnificent military re-enactments. If not, you can read about nearby
Fort Largs which has never been opened to the public. The government plans to
sell the fort to a developer, which leaves it at great risk of destruction as the land nearby is developed for housing. It has survived 130 years - will it survive even ten more years?
Fort Largs - Under Attack by the State Government!
Also on Monday of the Easter weekend you can visit
Humbug Scrub Sanctuary Fun Day for the price of a gold coin.
Foodies will barely be able to contain themselves during April, as the
Tasting Australia food and wine festival starts on the 27th. There are free things to do in Adelaide and the regions of South Australia, and the opportunity to enjoy some really special banquets. Check out the program early as some events require booking in advance.
Not Free, but Fun Things to Do
The National Railway Museum Steam Locomotive Bub at Semaphore
If you didn't get your fill of film during March, then check out the
French Film Festival which continues into April.
Music lovers should look out for the Adelaide Cello festival, when the Unley Symphony Orchestra
performs at Elder Hall.
Rail enthusiasts (and Adelaide kids) won't be missing
Bub's birthday party, with free entry for children under 8. There's also lots of other free attractions in this school holidays special event.
Just Friends - Pets Have So Much Love to Share
Animal lovers wanting to help out the Animal Welfare League can hold a
Pet's Breakfast anytime during April, and there are freebies and prizes for people who register for the event.
History and heritage lovers should keep an eye out for the 2014 National Trust Heritage Festival from April 18 to May 18 - the details for South Australia weren't up when I checked, but should be released soon.
Other Things to See and Do in Adelaide
National Youth Week Has BMX Racing Competitions for Young People
The school holidays can be a challenge - finding free things to do in Adelaide and activities for kids can be hard to do. If you don't have any children, then sometimes the challenge is more how to find an out of the way place where you're not inundated with young people.
The historic
town of Sedan in the Murraylands near
Mannum certainly qualifies as an out of the way place which is good for a day trip. It has a heritage trail to highlight the rich history of the area, and gives a fascinating insight into this quiet place.
National Youth Week from April 4-13 has loads of fun things to do in Adelaide and all about South Australia. Most are free, and aimed at young people aged from 12-25. From concerts to competitions at skate parks, most local councils have come to the party and put on free events.
Watch a Canon Being Fired at Fort Glanville
Families north of Adelaide should check out
Goldenfields Reserve - voted "one of the best 3 in Adelaide" by the young children of one writer.
If you're over on Kangaroo Island be sure to see
Raptor Domain, a great opportunity to get up close to these magnificent birds. If you're cold blooded enough, you can also meet a range of reptiles up close. Scary stuff!
Another great place to meet animals is at the
Goolwa Animal Farm - it's not overly expensive and fantastic fun for children.
