Nature-Rich Summer Holidays: 10 Ways to Get Outside

Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to slow down, head outside and reconnect — with nature and with each other. Time in nature supports our physical health, emotional wellbeing and creativity, and summer offers endless chances for nature-based play, exploration and adventure.

Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or simply opening the back door, here are 10 easy, meaningful ways to enjoy nature these school holidays. And to support your adventures, check out our FREE Nature Play SA Resource Hub for nature play activity ideas, info sheets and outdoor learning tools.

☀️ Tips for Successful Summer Nature Play☀️

✔ Start early in the morning or head out later in the day to avoid the midday heat
✔ Pack hats, water, sunscreen and snacks for longer adventures
✔ Bring along field guides or nature spotter sheets to spark curiosity — our free Nature Scavenger Hunt is a great tool for children to uncover natural hidden treasures
✔ On very hot and windy days, check local fire danger ratings before you go, follow any park closures, and avoid walking on isolated walking trails
✔ Snakes are more active in warm weather — stay on paths, wear enclosed shoes, avoid long grass, and teach children snake-safe habits.

1. Beach Days

Few places invite play like the beach. Swim, paddle, build sandcastles, skim stones or explore rock pools and shallow water together. You could also try beachcoming to deepen your understanding of our beautiful marine plants and animals. Check out this free beachcoming identification chart by Green Adelaide.

📍 Some family favourites in Metro Adelaide & the Fleurieu:

• Brighton Beach – Calm waters, shallow pools, a jetty to explore, plus nearby cafés and playgrounds
• Moana Beach – Easy car-to-sand access, ideal for families with younger children
• Aldinga Beach – Long stretches of sand and reef exploration at low tide
• Semaphore Beach – Wide shores, grassy reserves, playgrounds and a much-loved carousel
• Horseshoe Bay (Port Elliot) – Sheltered swimming on one side, waves for boogie boards on the other, and plenty of picnic space
• Second Valley Beach – A beautiful cove with rock pools and calm areas for curious explorers

Friendly Water Check: Some South Australian beaches are currently affected by an algal bloom, which can change water conditions from day to day. Before swimming, take a moment to check local updates and have a look at the water. If it doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to enjoy beach play from the sand instead.

2. Nature Walks & Mini Hikes

Turn a simple walk into an adventure. Spot birds, insects and animal tracks, collect leaves, or pause to listen to the sounds of nature.

📍 Some great SA walking spots include:

• Deep Creek Conservation Park – Easy trails, coastal views and plenty of wildlife
• Kuitpo Forest – Shaded forest paths ideal for warm summer days
• Yurrebilla Trail (short sections) – Stunning Adelaide Hills scenery through native bushland
• Blackwood Forest – Cool pine shade and leafy trails (watch for thorny blackberry bushes!)
• Sturt River Linear Park (Coromandel Valley) – Creeks, ducks and shared paths for bikes and scooters
• Happy Valley & Myponga Reservoirs – Scenic walks, birdwatching and calm waters
• Hallett Cove Boardwalk – Coastal views and fascinating geological formations

Nature Smarts: On warm days, snakes may be more active and bushfire risk can increase. Stick to marked paths, wear enclosed shoes, avoid long grass, and remind children not to touch or approach wildlife. Check local fire danger ratings before you go, follow any park closures, and avoid walking on very hot, windy days. Early mornings are often the safest and most comfortable time to explore.

3. Backyard Water Play

You don’t have to go far to cool off. Sprinklers, buckets, water balloons or a small paddling pool can turn an ordinary afternoon into joyful outdoor play!

4. Picnics in the Park

Pack a blanket, simple food and a few outdoor games like frisbees, balls or kites. Parks offer space to move, rest and connect — all in one place.

📍Spend a relaxing afternoon in one of our favourite picnic spots:

• Glenthorne National Park
• Belair National Park
• Tusmore Park
• Kingston Park
• Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
• Botanic Park
• Carrick Hill
• Rymill Park
• Morialta Conservation Park (Stradbroke Rd picnic area)

5. Bike or Scooter Rides

Explore shared paths, quiet streets or park trails. Pause for nature breaks, snacks or wildlife spotting along the way.

6. Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries & Reserves

Support conservation while learning about local wildlife and ecosystems.

📍 Some favourites in Metro Adelaide & the Fleurieu:

• Cleland Wildlife Park – Kangaroos, koalas, wombats and hands-on experiences
• Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary – A feral-proof sanctuary protecting native species
• Gorge Wildlife Park – A wide range of native and exotic animals with interactive encounters
• Urimbirra Wildlife Park (Victor Harbor) – Over 70 species and engaging keeper talks

7. Camping or Backyard Campouts

Pitch a tent, tell stories, listen to night sounds and stargaze together. Even a backyard campout can create lasting memories and encourage screen-free connection.

8. Garden Together

Plant vegetables, herbs or flowers and care for them daily. Gardening nurtures patience, responsibility and a deeper connection to the natural world.

9. Outdoor Creative Time

Let creativity run wild outside. Try chalk drawing, nature art with sticks and leaves, mud creations or painting in the fresh air.

10. Sunset & Evening Adventures

As the day cools, head out for evening walks, watch the sunset, look for bats or stars, or simply enjoy the quieter moments nature offers after a hot day.

🌿 Where you can find us

We’re bringing the nature play magic these holidays with cubby building, seed bombs, loose parts play, clay creations and even natural handlebar streamers at the Tour Down Under – we’d love for you to join us!

Trott Park Community Centre
City of Marion
Cubby Building and Loose Parts Play

Monday, 19 January 2026
10am – 12pm
34 Hessing Cres, Trott Park SA
Learn More

Glandore Community Centre
City of Marion
Seedbombs and Loose Parts Play

Tuesday 20 January 2026
10am – 12pm
25 Naldera Street, Glandore SA
Learn More

Tour Down Under
Health Partners Family Day

Tuesday 20 January 2026, 2pm
Victoria Park
Wakefield Rd & Fullarton Rd, Adelaide, SA
Learn More

For more ideas, inspiration and free nature play resources, explore Nature Play SA and join us in helping our community thrive through nature.