Big Market Adventures for Little Foodies | School Holidays at the Adelaide Central Market
Enjoy Spring School Holiday fun for all ages at the Adelaide Central Market.
Spring has sprung and Big Market Adventures for Little Foodies is back! Celebrate the spring school holidays at Adelaide Central Market, where fresh flavours, colourful produce and family fun come together. From hands-on cooking classes and crafts to free live entertainment and the beloved Market Trail, there’s something to spark every young foodie’s curiosity.
The spring school holiday program runs from Saturday 26 September to Friday 9 October 2026. All school holiday activities are free or low cost and it is recommended that you book your place in advance as tickets are limited, however (when available) bookings will be accepted on the day.
Little Market Chefs (6-12 year olds)
At the Adelaide Central Market, they’re passionate about starting from ground level and teaching the next generation how to prepare healthy, easy and tasty meals together with nutritional advice. Why? Because good health starts in the kitchen!
Hosted by the team from Sprout, each cooking class will include a small meal of the dish your little chefs prepare. All of the produce will be fresh from the stalls, and after the class, the children will enjoy their meal with their classmates. Sprout always make sure the classes are fun and interactive, with an educational focus too.
- 29 September – 8 October 2026
- Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Sessions at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm
- $25 per child – bookings essential
School Holiday Market Trail (all ages)
You can’t beat the School Holidays Market Trail for value and fun these school holidays. This famous market trail has been specially formulated for budding gourmands to learn more about the Adelaide Central Market’s local produce.
Each little foodie will be given a market bag and map, before visiting ten pit-stops – receiving a tasty sample item at each one. Whether it’s cheese, yoghurt, seasonal fruit or a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
It is recommended to book your spot in advance, as tickets are limited and often sell out. However, when available, bookings will be accepted on the day – just head to The Market Stall (next to Haigh’s at the Gouger Street entrance).
- 29 September – 9 October 2026
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
- Sessions at 9am and 2pm
- $20 per child – bookings essential
It is recommended that you book your place in advance as tickets are limited, however (when available) bookings will be accepted on the day, just head to The Market Stall (next to the new Haighs on Gouger Street).
Please note: the Market Trail is not a suitable activity for organised groups of more than 10 children or Vacation Care groups. Some sample items may contain nuts and it is the parent or carer’s responsibility to check all items offered by stalls.
Exhibition: Pattern and Colour of the Market
Explore this exhibition of Market-inspired artworks made by young artists aged 2-17 years, presented by Little Picassos.
- Friday 18 September – Saturday 17 October 2026
- FREE (All around the Market!)
Explore this exhibition of Market-inspired artworks made by young artists aged 2-17 years, presented by Little Picassos.
Seasonal Still Life Painting
Led by the expert team from Little Picassos, your little artiste will draw or paint their own postcard modelled on fruit and vegetables from the Market stalls.
- Friday 9 October 2026
- 9.30am to 12pm
- FREE – no bookings required
- Gouger Dining
FREE Family Storytime
The City of Adelaide Libraries team will be at the Market for a playful, interactive world of story, song, movement and craft. Designed especially for children aged 0 to 5 and their families, enjoy, discover and play together in the colourful environment of the Market.
- Thursday 8 October 2026
- 10am to 11am
- FREE – No bookings required
- Location: Community Kitchen
FREE Face Painting
Stop by the Eastern Roadway for free face painting on Saturday mornings.
- Saturday 26 September, Saturday 3 & 10 October 2026
- FREE – No bookings required
- 9.30am to 12pm
Roving Live Music
Keep an eye out for The Sopranos as they bring the sounds of Italy to the Market!
- Saturday 10 October 2026
- 10am to 12pm
- FREE – no bookings required
The Adelaide Central Market remains OPEN as normal during the combined Market Square and Market Expansion projects. The Market is still accessible from its usual Grote and Gouger street entrances. All access from UPark Central Market will also stay the same.
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE MARKET TRAIL & LITTLE MARKET CHEFS
Keep up to date with the Adelaide Central Market via their FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM pages.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Adelaide Central Market website.
What: Big Market Adventures for Little Foodies
When: Every School Holidays
Where: Adelaide Central Market | 44 – 60 Gouger Street, Adelaide
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied (photo credit Jack Fenby)
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