But we’re here to help you entertain the kids, with some smashing school holiday ideas that’ll have both little and big kids jumping for joy.

*Please note – all member discounts are valid at time of publication. 

1. Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary

This 28-acre sanctuary is an animal-lovers haven. If you’ve got a little wildlife warrior in the family, this is the place for you these school holidays. Guided tours, wildlife shows and behind-the-scenes encounters are on offer at the sanctuary, or you can make your way around the grounds and spot the wildlife as you go. See if you can get the kids to spy the platypus here – it’s the only confirmed home of these fascinating mammals on mainland South Australia. RAA members get discounted tickets.

2. Illuminate Adelaide

Adelaide’s newest winter event is set to arrive officially on July 16, but the good news is there are already some events on the go. Celebrating light, technology and sustainable energy, Illuminate Adelaide is set to broaden the minds of little and big kids alike. And let’s face it, what child doesn’t love a little glow in the dark magic? If you’d like some fun on the last weekend of the holidays, the free City Lights exhibit launches on July 16 in the city, with a number of light installations around the East End, North Terrace and West End.

If you need something sooner, Patch Theatre is weaving its theatrical magic at The Studio at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Head along for an immersive light-driven experience to suit the littlest of audiences (on now, until August 1). Head along to Adelaide Zoo by night to get a glimpse of the giant illuminated lantern animals – part of the Light Creatures exhibition by A Blanck Canvas (on now, until August 1).

3. Mintaro Maze

This one will keep the kids busy for a while. Plus, you can explore beautiful Clare for the day while you’re there. The maze is made up of 800 conifers and enough twists and turns to keep even the big kids confused. Reward your efforts at the end with a cuppa and a cake on-site and let the little ones roam the gift shop. Book discounted tickets.

4. Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre

Have a Thomas the Tank Engine fan? This step back in time will have them giddy with glee. The Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre in Peterborough features a number of historic trains, with carriages restored to their former glory. Take a walk through the trains and see the dining carriages decorated as they once would have been, back in the day. You can also peruse the collection of railway memorabilia while you’re there. Book your tickets.

5. AFL Max

Let the kids burn off some of that school holiday energy at the fun-filled sports zone that is AFL Max. No matter what activities your mini-me is into, there’s something here to keep all little feet busy. RAA members get 10% off AFL Max 2-hour group passes, so you can take 4 littlies with you for a fun-filled afternoon. If they’re not into AFL, let them loose in a variety of play zones, where aerial adventure playgrounds, climbing walls, dancing and interactive play areas await. Learn more.

6. Bounce Inc.

A space full of trampolines, foam pits, obstacle courses and activity zones, Bounce Inc is a wonderland for kids. Parents – you can sit back and relax in the tuckshop on-site, while your little ones are supervised by the trained crew. The best bit? RAA members save $7.90 on Awesome Foursome tickets during the school holidays, which allow you to bring 4 jumpers with you. Yahoo!

7. Movie deals

Rainy days during the school holidays can be tricky, but we’ve got the perfect antidote – a day at the pictures! See a movie at Event or Wallis Cinemas these school holidays and you can get a discount, just for being an RAA member. Make the most of $12 movie tickets at Wallis Cinemas when you purchase at the counter, or pre-purchase with Event Cinemas online and snap up eVouchers for $10. Add in some popcorn and see Moon Bound or the Cranston Academy: Monster Zone and your rainy day will be bright again.

8. Adelaide Zoo

If you’ve got an aspiring zookeeper in the family, a day at Adelaide Zoo could be just the ticket these school holidays. RAA members save 15% on tickets and experiences at the Adelaide Zoo, which means you can splash out on ice creams, chippies and giftshop goodies (because they neeeeeeeed the lemur toy, mum). Check your favourite animals’ feeding times, listen to a keeper talk or head on a tour while you’re there.

9. Scoffed Cooking School

Out of cooking ideas at home? Made one too many chocolate chip cookies? Let the team at Scoffed take over with one of their ever-popular kids’ cooking classes. You can save 10% on kids’ classes these school holidays, all part of the Scoffed School of Food and Fun. Classes range from 90 minutes to 3 hours, with a variety of options to suit different ages. They cover sweet and savoury concoctions, and educate children on the importance of a balanced diet. Music to every broccoli-loving parent’s ears.

10. Treeclimb Adelaide

If your kids have climbed all the neighbourhood boughs and branches, a visit to TreeClimb could be in order. This one is great for big kids, too, so you can join them on the course and marvel at the views from the treetops together. There are 7 courses to suit a range of ages, and their team can help you pick a suitable one for your family. Located in the Adelaide Parklands along Greenhill Rd, it’s a hop, skip and jump away from the city and southern suburbs. RAA members save 15% on all tickets.

11. The Beachouse

While the Beachouse might seem like a summer venue, there’s still plenty of fun to keep the kids entertained in the cooler months. Inside this wonderland, you’ll find dodgem cars, a train, a play castle and of course, the carousel – it’s an indoor theme park just waiting to be explored. Mini golf and arcade games are perfect for teens, and with no entry fee, you can pop in and let the kids decide their activities of choice on the day. RAA members get 15% off all packages, time-cards and credits.

12. Alpine Winter Festival

Like most parents with young kids these days, you’ve probably endured a few viewings of Frozen, from the comfort of your couch. Let your mini-me experience the wonder of their own Frozen fantasy thanks to Alpine Winter Festival, open at Glenelg Foreshore now until July 18. Glide around the ice-skating rink, meander through the winter markets (a tradition in many European cities), feed your hungry belly at Chow Town, and soak up an immersive light experience at the jetty. Find out more online.