Glenelg Beach Things to Do with Kids |

Are you looking for the best things to do with kids in Adelaide’s Glenelg Beach?

Just a 20-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD, Glenelg Beach is the perfect getaway whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend away.

My family visited Glenelg from Adelaide after it was recommended. We did not know anything about the beach but figured the kids enjoy playing on the sand and swimming in the sea so they will like Glenelg. Of course, they did, but there is way more to this small beach town than just the sand and water.

Find the best things to do with kids in Glenelg Beach to ensure you will make the most of your time there.

This list even includes where to eat with kids and the best place to stay, just in case you want to spend more time on Glenelg Beach.

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Things to Do Outdoors with Kids on Glenelg Beach

Swim with the Dolphins

Kids 9+ can swim with the dolphins off the shore of Glenelg Beach.

A 3.5-hour tour includes a boat ride and time to swim. Wetsuits are provided as are masks and snorkels.

Dolphin-Watching Cruise

For those who want to see dolphins in the wild, but don’t necessarily want to swim with them (or maybe aren’t old enough), there is a dolphin-watching cruise from Glenelg.

The 3.5-hour cruise allows all ages on the boat, though you must be 9+ to swim with the dolphins. Wetsuits, snorkels, and masks are provided.

The Beach

Of course, the beach is the best place to take the kids outside on Glenelg Beach.

The water is generally calm, and the kids can jump over the small waves or play in the sand.

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Splashpad

A small splash pad is located by the beach near the entrance to the Ferris Wheel.

Kids can run and play in the fountains before or after playing on the beach in Glenelg.

Glenelg Foreshore Playground

What is better than a beachfront playground? Glenelg Beach has Glenelg Foreshore Playground right off the beach.

Kids can climb, slide, jump on the trampoline, and lay in the hammock when they need a break from the beach.

Free Things to Do in Adelaide with Kids

Wigley Reserve Playspace

Just a couple of blocks from Glenelg Foreshore Playground is Wigley Reserve Playspace, which has a playground and field with views of the marina.

BBQs and picnic tables are located nearby.

Wigley Reserve Playspace has more equipment for older kids than Glenelg Foreshore Playground.

Ferris Wheel

A Ferris Wheel is located at the entrance of Glenelg Beach.

The Ferris Wheel runs daily from October to May from 10 am until 9:30 pm.

Things to Do with Kids in Adelaide at Night

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy the sunset from a boat on an Adelaide Twilight Coast Sightseeing Cruise from Glenelg.

In addition to the beautiful views, you get a drink on this highly-rated tour.

If afternoon tea is more your thing, an afternoon tea boat tour is offered on the first Sunday of each month from November to April.

Things to Do Indoors with Kids on Glenelg Beach

The Beachouse

My kids’ favorite place in Glenelg Beach, for good reason, is The Beachouse.

We stumbled upon The Beachouse, but luckily, we were prepared with swimsuits and towels so the kids could slide down the 3 indoor heated waterslides. That’s right, you do not even need to go outside to ride on the waterslides as they begin and end indoors.

The Beachouse has plenty of activities, and you can pick and choose and only pay for the ones you are interested in. Options include:

dodgem cars
carousel
mini-golf
heated waterslides
indoor playground
arcade games
bumper boats
train ride

The Beachouse also has a cafe that serves meals, snacks, drinks, and treats. The cafe has the same house as The Beachouse.

Things to Do in Adelaide with Kids

Bay Discovery Centre

A local museum, Bay Discovery Centre, is kid-friendly and open daily from 10 am until 4 pm.

Bay Discovery Centre is located inside the Glenelg Town Hall. Find out what exhibits are currently on display.

Glenelg Public Library

You don’t need to be local to enjoy the Glenelg Public Library.

Head inside to read, or check online to sign up for one of their children’s events.

Event Cinemas

See what kids’ movie is currently playing at Event Cinemas Glenelg.

Check their special events section for family favorites and bring your baby sessions.

Little Picassos

Little Picassos has 4 Adelaide locations, including a studio in Glenelg Beach.

Kids can take an art class at Little Picassos. Classes run by the term, while holiday workshops can be as short as an hour and as long as a full-day program. These workshops are aimed at kids ages 2-16.

Some sessions are drop-and-go, while others require parents to stay.

Where to Eat with Kids on Glenelg Beach

Doughballs

Eat indoors or outside at Doughballs, a casual pizza restaurant in Glenelg.

Kids receive a coloring pack on arrival and can choose from the kids’ menu. All kids’ meals include a drink, starter, main, and dessert (though à la carte ordering is an option).

Kid’s menu starter options include doughballs with a salad or a veggie and hummus plate. Main meal options include pizza, pasta, or salad. For dessert, kids can choose between an ice block, jelly pot, unicorn doughballs, or fruit.

Uniqorn Eats

In addition to being a fun restaurant, Uniqorn Eats offers art classes for both kids and adults.

The kid’s crafternoon includes a guided art project, a milkshake, and lollies.

If you want a meal or a snack at Uniqorn Eats, their menu includes an all-day brunch, burgers, snacks, desserts, and drinks.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Playgrounds in Adelaide

Kid-Friendly Accommodations on Glenelg Beach

Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites

A 3-star hotel steps from the beach, Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites is a family-friendly hotel with 1-3-bedroom suites.

The suites at Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites have living rooms, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a gym, and a sauna.

Parking is available for a fee. There is a restaurant in Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites.

Find more hotels in Adelaide with indoor pools

Stamford Grand Adelaide

A couple of blocks from the beach, Stamford Grand Adelaide is a 4-star hotel with a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

Some of the rooms at Stamford Grand Adelaide have living areas and some rooms have balconies.

A restaurant is located at Stamford Grand. Parking is available for a fee.

Ensenada Motor Inn

A 4-star hotel just a few minutes walk from the beach and The Beachouse, Ensenada Motor Inn is a kid-friendly hotel on Glenelg Beach.

Opt for a suite with a kitchenette for more space and the ability to cook your meals, or stay in a regular hotel room. Either way, Ensenada Motor Inn is a budget-friendly option in Glenelg.

Free parking is available. Breakfast is available for an additional fee.

Glenelg Motel

Another budget-friendly option for kid-friendly hotels in Glenelg is the Glenelg Motel.

A 3-star hotel, the Glenelg Motel is a 15-minute walk from the beach.

All rooms have minifridges and suites also include living areas. Glenelg Motel has an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.

Parking is complimentary. Breakfast is available for an additional fee. Coin laundry is available.

Barossa Valley with Kids

Glenelg Beach with Kids Wrap-Up

As you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do on Glenelg Beach with kids, and it is worth at least a day trip from Adelaide.

While my kids could spend the entire day at The Beachouse, they can easily be persuaded to go to one of the playgrounds or the beach. When they are both old enough, swimming with the dolphins will be on their must-do list of things to do in Glenelg Beach.

Glenelg Beach even has fun places for kids to eat, making this the perfect kid-friendly day trip or weekend escape from Adelaide.

Glenelg Beach Things to Do with Kids

Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources!

Things to Do Outdoors with Kids on Glenelg Beach

Swim with the Dolphins