No matter whether your kids are animal lovers, food fiends, adventurers or theatre buffs, there’s something to help every child keep busy during the break.

Here are a dozen of our top school holiday picks.

1. Market adventures

Is your littlest family member a food lover? We’ve got just the ticket.

Adelaide Central Market is welcoming back its School Holiday program – Big Market Adventures for Little Foodies – during the upcoming school holidays.

Little Market Chefs is catered to 6–12 year-olds, giving them the opportunity to learn how to make some simple healthy food in the kitchen with the team from Sprout.

The Market Trail takes kids through the aisles to 10 stop-offs, all marked on their very own map. They’ll even get to pick up treats along the way and pop them in their market tote bag.

Book online to ensure your time slot, as spots are limited.

2. Kick of the footy

This one’s for the mini footy fans – a playground of fun and games centred around our beloved AFL. With AFL Max’s Mini Max offering, your little ones can try their hand (or foot) at AFL in 45-minute sessions.

There’s also the Max Active Holiday Camp option, where you can book your child in for a 2 or 4-session program run over 2 weeks of the holidays. A 1-week camp (2 sessions total) includes fitness sessions, drills and education around nutrition, mindfulness and team bonding.

General admission is also available in ‘quarters’ throughout the holidays, where you can book in for first quarter (9am to 10:30am every day) or final quarter (2:30pm to 4:30pm). For more information on tickets and packages, head to the website.

3. Bumper fun

Neon lights, catchy tunes, a collection of pals and a few bowling balls – it’s the stuff school holiday dreams are made of. Thanks to Zone Bowling, RAA members can enjoy a free game when they purchase one game online.

With alleys in Woodville, Westbourne Park and Noarlunga, you can pick a centre close to you.

View more about the offer and purchase tickets online.

4. Dolphin tours

Any Little Mermaid fans in your tribe? Adventure Kayaking offers family tours of the Dolphin Sanctuary at Port River.

The 2-hour tour takes you through the peaceful waters of this hidden SA gem, just 30 minutes from the city.

The playful river dolphins are the main attraction if you’re able to spot them, but you’ll also spy other marine and bird life.

Visit the website for a special RAA member price.

5. Jump around

There’s nothing quite like the fun of jumping on a trampoline. Thanks to Bounce, your little ones can bounce (safely) off the floor and walls too.

During the school holidays, RAA members save on Awesome Foursome tickets – a ticket package for 4 people to jump together for a special price.

Assemble your crew and head on over to let all that energy loose. Book online and save.

6. To the theatre

A trip to the theatre is a great way to experience something different with the kids, and what better way to keep them on the edge of their seats than with a Windmill Theatre show?

Grug is playing in a variety of locations around the state during the school holidays. The production based on the ever-popular book by Ted Prior is recommended for kids aged 2–6. It’s been playing for a decade around the world now, and continues to be a hit with little theatre-goers.

Head online to see show times and book your tickets.

7. Get stuck into nature

With a suggested age range of 3 to 93, little and big kids can enjoy this new South Aussie festival.

Running for 10 days (from 25 September to 4 October), Nature Festival features 80 events, such as hikes, guided tours, nature bingo and compost play – all designed to get you out and about and enjoying SA’s beautiful spring weather.

For more information on the program, head to the website.

8. Walk on the wild side

Getting outdoors and exploring some of the hiking trails on offer in our pretty-as-a-picture state can be a great way to entertain little ones during the holidays.

While some of the trails are hours long, just doing a small section at the start or a little loop can be achievable for little legs.

The Chookarloo forest walk at Kuitpo is a popular pick for those close to the Hills or the southern suburbs, with trees to climb, dirt tracks to pedal along and big forests to explore.

For a list of other great hiking trails, see 7 of our most stunning SA walks. Remember to check park maps as well as age and skill guidelines to find a suitable track for little ones beforehand.

9. Set sail on the sea

Step back in time for a voyage on a historic sailing ship with the kids these school holidays.

Based on an 1850s brigantine, the STV One and All is built with all the traditional bells and whistles. A day sail experience departs from Port Adelaide, down Port River and out to sea.

Mini sailors can get involved in the experience, with a chance to set the sails, get behind the helm and even climb the bow nets.

If your little ones aren’t so adventurous, they can simply sit back, enjoy the ride and spot the Port River dolphins. Food and drinks are on offer on the day, too. Book online.

10. Popcorn and the big screen

With a host of new movies being released, there’s never been a better time to catch a flick.

RAA members can snap up special ticket deals with Wallis and Event Cinemas, so head to the RAA website for discount details and to book your tickets.

You can even get a free Candy Bar voucher at Wallis until 4 October with tickets to the show of your choice, making school holidays even sweeter.

11. All aboard the Cockle Train

Childhood memories growing up in South Australia aren’t quite complete without a trip on the Cockle Train.

The trip from Goolwa to Victor Harbor is just one of the journeys on offer from SteamRanger Heritage Railway.

They also operate the Highlander train from Mount Barker to Strathalbyn, and the Southern Encounter from Mount Barker to Victor Harbor.

Watch the steam billow from the historic trains as they roll into the station and soak up the scenery from your comfy carriage. Head to the website for more info.

 12. Kids in the kitchen

Start them off early in the kitchen with these fun, kid-friendly cooking classes by Scoffed. There’s a class for every little chef, from general sweet and savoury in different skill and age ranges, to Harry Potter and Star Wars themed sessions.

RAA members get 10% off all school holiday prices, so head to the RAA website to pre-purchase your tickets soon. These get snapped up fast!