If you are keeping your eyes peeled on how to entertain the kids during the school holidays, head to Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills.
The Hills has so much to offer all year round with fun activities, beautiful sites and local stores that offer something unique for all ages.
The team at The Haus Group have put together a must-see guide to Hahndorf and Hills family experiences to help you plan the school break.
Hahndorf Academy
Visit one of Hahndorf’s most popular attractions, the Hahndorf Academy situated in the centre of Main Street. Quite often they offer school holiday workshops and special events. Visit their Facebook page for updates.
Opened in 1857, this heritage building is one of the largest regional art galleries open in South Australia. This building denotes as the towns visitor information centre allowing for staff to answer any questions you may have about your visit to Hahndorf and the Hills.
Learn about the growth and settlement of Hahndorf through wandering around the history museum and appreciate the beautiful artwork on display. With free entry and the estimated time of an hour to fully walk through the Academy, this is the perfect way to kick start your Hills visit.
Hahndorf Mini Golf
Located behind the IGA at 17 Main Street Hahndorf, is the village mini-golf course. It’s super affordable, a bit tricky, and lots of fun. The Hahndorf Mini Golf 18-hole course features a range in skill level creating a bit of excitement if you are up for a more difficult challenge on the course! For only $6 per child, $8 per adult and $25 per family this is a perfect affordable activity to get the kids outdoors.
The Fairy Garden
The perfect experience for those little elves and fairies in your life, The Fairy Garden is delightful.
Located at 55 Main Street Hahndorf, this destination allows your imagination to wander with the chance to make a wish sprinkling fairy dust into the dazzling wishing well. Take a stroll up the garden path and notify the fairies on your arrival with a quick ring of the bell. With items starting from $2.50, get the kids to pack their piggie banks and splurge on a few gorgeous items.
The Katze of Hahndorf
For the feline lover, this is the purr-fect spot to grab a hot drink, sit back, relax and cuddle up with Hahndorf’s very own cute loving cats at The Katze of Hahndorf.
There are more than 10 cats to meet. Did you know that a group of cats is most commonly called a clowder or a clutter of cats but also can be called a pounce (cute!) or a glaring? Kittens have their own collective noun as well, a kindle of kittens. Upon arrival venture into the gallery gift shop filled with trinkets and the echoing sounds of meows from the gorgeous cats waiting to greet you. Inside 32 Main Street Hahndorf. For only $10 per child and concession, adults $12 each get up close next to one of cute Katze of Hahndorf.
Beerenberg Farm
The renowned Beerenberg Family Farm is a must-see, must-taste destination for any trip to Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills. Please note strawberry picking season is only between November-May. But, don’t worry if you visit outside these months, the Farm Shop has delicious house-made strawberry ice-creams and over 100 products to taste and take home.
During the warmer months families flock to the farm for picking. Enjoy a delicious punnet of juicy red ripe strawberries carefully picked by you. A great way to get the kids outside to snack on nature’s delicious candy.
For only a $4 entry fee per person and $10.95 per kg of strawberries, this is a great way to enjoy a day in the sunshine with the kids. Remember to upload a photo of your experience at Beerenberg Farm and #PickMeBeerenberg on your social media posts for your chance to win a goody box filled with some of Beerenberg’s treasured delights!
2106 Mount Barker Road Hahndorf – a short 5-minute walk from Hahndorf’s Main Street.
Hahndorf Farm Barn
One of the most iconic children’s destinations in South Australia is the Hahndorf Farm Barn. A combination of farm and wildlife animals this petting zoo creates a hands-on experience for you and the kids.
Cuddle adorable bunny rabbits, cute guinea pigs, little lambs and baby chicks. The Hahndorf Farm Barn offers a wide range of attractions across the entire day from milking cows, interactive reptile shows, tractor and Shetland pony rides! Entry prices start from $13 per child, $16 per adult and $45 per family and located at 2282 Mount Barker Road Hahndorf.
You can book your entry tickets at The Manna Accommodation Reception at 25 Main Street, Hahndorf.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to see the beautiful town of Hahndorf is on foot. Hahndorf Walking Tours offer a range of leisurely and educational tours by walking through and exploring Australia’s oldest German village.
Offered at all times of the day including twilight and after dark – experience Hahndorf in a different light. With lanterns provided this is the perfect way to see the star’s glisten from the twinkling Hahndorf sky and the evening atmosphere of the town. Tours range from 60 – 90 minutes with your own personal guide, starting from $15 per child (5-12 years old), $32 per concession holders and $35 per adult.
You can book your tour at The Manna Accommodation Reception at 25 Main Street, Hahndorf.
3 Wishes Candle Barn
Let the beautiful aroma of sweet scents lure you, and the kids, into Hahndorf’s 3 Wishes Candle Barn. The cool thing here is kids (and adults) can make and take home their own candle for only $12.
Made with only natural ingredients desired to create an ‘ambient and spiritual’ atmosphere in your home, pop in and appreciate the art of traditional German candle making. Located at 50a Main Street Hahndorf – But, trust us, you can find it with your nose!
Australian Minerals
Hahndorf is home to some wonderful gem and collectable stores for the most avid little stone and crystal collectors. Kids love this shop and can spend hours searching for the perfect stone for their collection. Call into Australian Minerals at 77 Main Street to see what you can find.
Alec Johnston Park
A great location for a Hahndorf picnic is Alec Johnston park located on the Main Street. The park has a playground, barbeque, tables and public toilets available making it a great place for a play after a busy morning of wandering.
Pioneer Gardens
Another lovely park with playground and nice gardens is the Pioneer Gardens Memorial Park on Main Street.
Sweet treats along Main Street
Hahndorf is a hive of activity, shopping, delicious places to eat and some yummy sweet treats too…
Be sure to pop into the iconic South Australian Hahndorf FruChoc’s Shop where you’ll find the full range of Robern & Menz products – along with some tempting new delights, all at factory prices.
Buzz Honey produces hand-selected and harvested honey from a variety of locations across South Australia and specialised regions of Australia. They opened Adelaide’s First ‘Hive Door’ in Hahndorf, offering free honey tastings, viewing of their resident live beehive along with a myriad of bee-related products!
Wander into the Hahndorf Sweet Shop for a bright burst of colour with a vast range of retro sweets to choose from, Chocolate No. 5 for those chocoholics, Evercream Gelati on a warm sunny day and the iconic Hahndorf Fudge Shop for a sweet slice of heaven.
If you’re more into savoury than sweet… cheese lovers just adore Udder Delights. Families will have fun with the cheese fondue!
If you’re looking for sit down meal somewhere take a seat, sit back, relax and meet up at the famous Haus Restaurant! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week it’s the perfect place to take a little break from your Hahndorf adventure and enjoy a hearty meal. The Haus Restaurant is located right in the heart of Hahndorf at 38 Main Street and is open from 7:30am – 9:30pm.
If you are planning a mini-getaway or family holiday in the Adelaide Hills during the school holidays. There are wonderful family accommodation options at The Haus Group. Have a look at The Lodge by Haus, The Manna by Haus and The Studios by Haus.
Click here for more accommodation options.
Below you will find some more great ideas for family school holiday fun in the wider Adelaide Hills.
Kirby Park School Holiday Program at Megan Jones Equestrian Training
Has your child ever asked to ride a pony? If so, then you’re in luck! Kirby Park, just a few minutes drive from Hahndorf offers riding experience to kids during the school holidays from 9:00am – 4:00pm through from Monday to Friday. Contact Margaret Jones on 043 5831 304 to reserve your position for an educational and fun experience.
Four Oaks Farm
Escape to the country and visit a farm. Four Oaks Farm, is nestled in the town of Littlehampton in the Adelaide Hills, just a 10-minute drive from Hahndorf. You can enjoy pony rides around the farm, trips on the fire engine, a spin on the merry-go-rounds, journey back in time on the pony-carriage and meet and feed some friendly farm animals.
Monarto Safari Park
Only a 35-minute drive up the freeway from Hahndorf, Monarto Safari Park is the biggest open range Zoo in Australia. Spanning across more than 1500 hectares and home to over 50 types of native and exotic mammals, reptiles and bird species. Home to over 500 animals, including lions, giraffes, rhinos and chimpanzees, these creatures have the luxury of open skies and wide land.
Prices started from $20 per child (4-14 years), $26.50 per concession and $37 per adult – a superb experience not to be missed.
You can book your entry tickets at The Manna Accommodation Reception at 25 Main Street, Hahndorf.
Warrawong Sanctuary
Conveniently located in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 15 minutes drive from Hahndorf is Warrawong home to probably the only remaining platypus on mainland South Australia, as the last confirmed sighting on the mainland was in 1975. The Sanctuary is also home to an abundance of other wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots and amazing birdlife. The Sanctuary is the perfect destination for those who wish to see Australian animals in their natural environments.
Guided tours, behind the scenes encounters, and other amazing experiences are all available when booked in advance. Ask about their Warrawong Kids Wild Life Club during the school holidays. Open 10:00am – 5:00pm prices from $12 per child, $19 per adult or $58 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
Cleland Wildlife Park
An iconic Adelaide Hills experience and another amazing animal-lovers must-see. Cleland is a place for the entire family to enjoy. It’s a great place to bring a picnic or have a barbecue and spend the whole day. If you don’t have that much time, allow at least two hours to explore the park. You can get up close and feed the animals, listen to a keeper talk, and hike through the natural bushland setting.
Yes, you can cuddle a koala and see a Tasmanian Devil! Their school holiday programs are awesome. 20 minutes drive from Hahndorf, Cleland is open 9:30am – 5:00pm every day. Prices $15 per child, and $30 per adult.
The Big Rocking Horse & The Toy Factory
Home to a lovely Wildlife Park where you can feed the animals and birds this is also home to the World’s Biggest Rocking Horse! You can climb this Australian icon and receive a certificate of achievement upon completion! You can go on a tour and see how quality wooden toys are made in the working Toy Factory.
Gorge Wildlife Park
Staying on the animal-theme, another wonderful place to visit is Gorge Wildlife Park, located in Cudlee Creek, about a 30-minute drive from Hahndorf. You’ll be able to see all your favourite Australian animals such as Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Dingos, Echidnas and walk amongst and feed the Kangaroos and Wallabies and enjoy a cuddle with one of their Koalas. They also have a variety of exotic animals on display such as American Alligators, Meerkats, Otters, playful Monkeys and more.
Open 9:00am – 5:00pm every day, Gorge Wildlife Park was opened in 1965 and is still operated by the same family. Prices $12 per child, and $19 per adult.
Melba’s Chocolate Factory
Unleash your imagination and be the star of your own Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory when you visit Melba’s. A working tourism chocolate & confectionery factory located in a heritage-listed complex only 15 minutes drive from Hahndorf. FREE entry and open 7 days a week. Yum!
National Motor Museum
See beyond the paint and chrome and relive the stories and experiences of Australia’s motoring history in Birdwood at the National Motor Museum, only a 35-minutes drive from Hahndorf. Kids can discover vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and trucks. They’ll love finding all the items in the ‘junk car’ and experience and what it was like to go to the drive-in movies. Keep an eye out for their excellent school holiday programs too. Open 10:00am – 5:00pm daily.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
At any time of the year, it’s worth popping on your walking shoes, grabbing your camera and head out to explore. Whether you’re out for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous trek, there’s always something new to discover at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, approximately 20-minutes from Hahndorf. Especially spectacular in Autumn and an escape from the heat of the city in summer.
Kuitpo Forest
Kuitpo Forest is a man-made forest in South Australia located about 40 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide city centre and 30 minutes drive from Hahndorf. A fabulous place for a family picnic, hike, bike rides and enjoying a day out in nature.
If you are planning a mini-getaway or family holiday in the Adelaide Hills during the school holidays. There are wonderful family accommodation options at The Haus Group. Have a look at The Lodge by Haus, The Manna by Haus and The Studios by Haus.
Click here for more accommodation options.
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