semaphore to fort glanville steam railway

If you've run out of ideas for how to entertain the kiddies during school holidays, here's a great outdoor activity to check out (despite the grey clouds this weekend, next week is meant to bring back the sunshine).

Operated by the National Railway Museum, the 457mm gauge railway departs from the Semaphore jetty and runs for 2km, adjacent to The Esplanade and through the sand dunes, before arriving at the historic Fort Glanville.

The railway operates daily during school holidays and on weekends, from the commencement of the September school holidays until the end of the April school holidays. A steam locomotive operates on the railway between 11am and 4pm and departs roughly on the hour every hour, depending on demand.

Prices are as follows:
Adults $6
Children $4 (3 years to 15 years old)
Family $18 (2 adults with 2 children)

Further information can be obtained from the website.

Image via National Railway Museum

ride-on model steam trains at Millswood

I have been meaning to take my toddler to visit the South Australian Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (SASMEE) Park (try saying that quickly!) in Millswood for some time now, but always seem to remember on the weekends when it's not open. The Park offers rides on model steam trains, as well as having stationary steam engines on show, and a pond in which model boats can be seen.

Open from 2 until 4.30pm on the first Sunday and third Saturday of every month, the Park is located at Millswood Crescent, Millswood. Admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for children 3 years and up.

The park does not have an official website, but you can go here for more information. Also keep an eye out on the "What's On" section of Saturday's Advertiser for details of when the trains are running.

last weekend to visit 'amococo'

If (like me) you haven't yet taken the kiddies to visit Amococo at the Fringe, this weekend is your last opportunity. Based in Rymill Park, 11am-7pm until 14 March, Amococo is a giant inflatable "luminarium" of interconnecting tunnels and domes illuminated by light and colours created by Architects of Air. Suitable for all ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult), Amococo has received rave reviews, not least from my cousin who recently took her two little ones (aged 2 1/2 and 1). Entry is $2 per person. Arrive early as lines will undoubtedly be long, and it may be worth taking along a harness for any toddlers who may try to run off!

Images from http://www.fringefever.com.au/

pirates! skullduggery at the maritime museum

This week signals the final week of the Pirates! Skullduggery at the Maritime Museum exhibition at the South Australian Maritime Museum, located at Port Adelaide.

If you didn't visit over the school holidays, this is your last chance. The exhibition is hands on, so for once you don't have to worry so much about constantly saying "no touching" whilst in a museum! Entry is $8.50 for adults and $3.50 for children (there is also a family rate).

pick your own strawberries at beerenberg farm

Looking for a fun family outing? Why not try strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm? The strawberry picking season is halfway through, and reports from the Beerenberg blog indicate that the produce is great at the moment. My sister recently took two young children (ages 4 and 1) visiting from overseas and a great time was had by all. This is a cheap activity ($3 entry for people aged over 14 plus price of strawberries per kilo) and is nice and close to Adelaide (the farm is located in Hahndorf).

See here for full details / opening times.

Images courtesy of www.beerenberg.com.au

holiday art and craft program at the art gallery of south australia

I have already blogged about the START at the Gallery program at the Art Gallery of South Australia, but just thought I'd remind you about the Holiday Art & Craft Program that is being run at the Art Gallery this week (ending 22 January). Titled "Summer at the Water's Edge", the hour-long program is run daily at 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 1.30pm, and costs $5 per child. With all materials supplied, children are able to make sea-inspired jewellery or a fish and rod to take home. Suitable for 5-10 year olds. Bookings are essential. See here for further details.

"Wildlife of Gondwana" exhibit at Marion

Image by Peter Trusler, via SA Museum

The SA Museum's "Wildlife of Gwondana" exhibit is visiting Westfield Marion these school holidays, with the following features:

Dinosaur Exhibit - Thursday 7 January, 10am-2pm in the Event Cinemas Foyer

• fossil display and touch table
• fossil rubbing
• skeletal material
• hands on fun making dinosaur masks
• singing performance
• Gondwana gardens plant talk

Dino Hunt - Monday 4 - Sunday 17 January, throughout Westfield Marion

• take the 'dino hunt' activity trail through the Centre, follow the footsteps and spot the dinosaurs hiding out at Westfield Marion.

START at the Gallery

Need to get out of the house after all the Christmas revelry, but don't want to battle the crowds viewing Wang Wang and Funi? Why not take the children along to the Art Gallery of South Australia and experience the START at the Gallery program. Held on the first Sunday of every month, and suitable for children aged 5-10, the free START program includes tours, art and craft sessions, family trails, live music and entertainment. See here for this Sunday's (3 January) program.

Families will also be able to view the John Brack exhibition or the Bravura exhibition for the special entry price of $10 (2 adults and children) this Sunday.

christmas markets

The Credit Union Christmas Pageant's come and gone, and Santa's well and truly ensconsed at the Magic Cave. This can only mean one thing - time to start the Christmas shopping!

Whilst we may not boast Christmas markets quite as spectacular as those in Europe (think Frankfurt or Cologne in Germany), Adelaide will host an array of markets featuring childrensware and crafts in the lead up to Christmas this year. Whilst not all exclusively stocking Christmas items, they will no doubt offer a wealth of opportunities to pick up some unique presents for your children, loved ones, or yourself!

Here's a rundown of the upcoming markets in Adelaide:

• Mums & Bubs Market - preloved and handmade items - 28 November, Alan Scott Park, Morphetville (Race Park)
• Goodwood Christmas Market - 28 November, Goodwood Road Precinct
• Christmas Earth Fair - 4-5 December, Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville
• Norwood Child & Baby Market - 13 December, Norwood Primary School, Osmond Tce, Norwood
• Gilles Street Market - 29 November, 6 December, 13 December, Gilles Street Primary School, Adelaide

If you know of any other markets in Adelaide, or better yet, regional South Australia, I'd love to hear from you!