South Australia’s History Festival | 1-31 May 2026
Held throughout May each year, South Australia’s History Festival explores the state’s places and spaces, stories, collections and ideas that make us who we are.
History Festival is one of the largest open-access community events in SA with hundreds of fascinating places to explore, and exciting events and activities suitable for the whole family, such as talks and tours, walks and workshops, exhibitions and open days.
Events happen anywhere: urban and rural, towns, cities and suburbs; in museums and libraries; in boats, trains and buses and mysterious buildings; on the street, by the beach and in nature.
With so many family-friendly events held across South Australia, there are plenty of opportunities for children to spark their curiosity and engage with our state’s history.
Family-Friendly Highlights at South Australia’s History Festival 2026
Welcome Back to Gnomeland Children’s Picnic
Step into a little world of magic at Lot 50, where the charm of old Gnomeland comes to life for preschoolers. A relaxed picnic with games, stories and gnome discoveries – perfect for little ones (with a grown-up).
Noarlunga Library Children’s Transport Trail
All aboard for a self-guided adventure uncovering the history of transport and community connections. Follow clues, solve the mystery word and enter the draw – plus learn about everything from mobile libraries to travelling butchers.
A Day at the Beach – Then & Now
Travel back in time to discover what a beach day looked like for kids in the past at Henley and Grange. Includes old photos, a fun story (featuring a performing dog!) and a take-home craft – ideal for ages 4–8.
Train as a WWII Air Raid Warden
Kids can step into history with this hands-on session set in a real air raid shelter. Through fun activities, they’ll learn how wardens helped keep Adelaide safe during WWII- best suited for ages 8–12.
2026 Theme: CONNECTIONS
This May, explore the richness of connection through time, place and story.
From the threads that bind family stories, places and peoples – to the lines that link past to present, and South Australia to the world. Attend the 2026 History Festival as they unearth the extraordinary in the everyday: the ties that brought communities together, the movements that changed this land, and the relationships that continue to shape our identity. Dive into tours, talks, exhibitions, walks and workshops across the state, and discover how everything – from the archive to a single gesture – is linked.
Family Friendly Program Highlights
Each year there are fascinating places to visit and many events and activities for families with children at the South Australian History Festival. You can use the search function on their website (or click the link below) to search for family friendly/children’s events. Many events are low-cost or free making them a great day out for families.
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAM
Follow the SA History Festival on Facebook or Instagram
For more information and all enquiries please visit the History Festival website.
What: South Australia’s History Festival
When: 1 – 31 May 2026
Where: South Australia (various locations)
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: SA History Festival
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