WOMAD for Families | Adelaide 2025 | Review

WOMADelaide – World of Music Arts & Dance is being held at Botanic Park in 2025 and is a great experience for the whole family to enjoy. 

Review by Adaire Prosser & Lisa Bachmayer

Perfect for the music lovers, foodies, art and culture enthusiasts, there is something for everyone at WOMAD which is in Adelaide from 7 to 10 March. There is plenty for families to enjoy with a dedicated KidZone, food options and entertainment for all ages. Kids 12 and under can enter FREE with a paying adult (when purchased in the same transaction). 

WOMADelaide Family Activities and Entertainment

KidZone — FREE WITH ENTRY

Basically children’s headquarters at WOMAD, KidZone is located close to the Frome Gate and Adelaide Zoo. There is a packed schedule to keep the little ones entertained, busy and promote the spirit of WOMAD. 

From exciting dress ups with Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo, to a Silent Disco Walking Tour, and Nature Play tent there is something for kids of all ages and interests. There are also art workshops, story telling and Polynesian dancing (located just outside KidZone).

Before you book tickets, make sure to check out the KidZone schedule across the four days which is available on the app, website and WOMAD passports, as it runs at different times on different days. Also consider asking your kids in advance which activities they definitely want to do, as several activities are run at specific times.

Roving Performances

Hopefully you get to spot Chamôh, a giant roving camel, as he makes his way across the parklands. Made possible by a team of puppeteers from Compagnie Paris Bénarès, watch as he searches for his way home with accompanying music and crowds. 

Another roving performance that will pique your interest is ilotopie, vibrant painted performers who wander about the parklands like living sculptures and interact with crowds as they go. 

Music performances

It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway), that there are some INCREDIBLE musical experiences on offer. From an Aboriginal choir and Vietnamese rock to Maloya trance music and Afro disco, WOMAD offers a special opportunity to expose your children to music, culture and traditions from around the world. After all, it’s much easier to head to Adelaide’s Botanic Park than loading your children onto a plane on the other side of the world!

While you can simply wander and see what you come across, we also suggest checking out the program in advance to see if anything in particular interests you. Stages are spread across the park and can take time to walk to, especially with little ones in tow requiring drink and toilet breaks across the way, so take note of any performances you want to see, which stage it’s on and give yourselves plenty of time to get there. But, given the relaxed vibes WOMAD is famous for and the curiosity it sparks, we strongly advise against a packed schedule with kids and instead recommend you pick one or two must-see performances and allow plenty of time and space for exploration and relaxation. 

While at a performance, consider whether you and your kids would be most comfortable sitting on the grass at the back or up front by the stage. There is plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the performance, if that’s the vibe you’re digging. If your child is sensitive to noise, you may want to consider some ear muffs or headphones.

The bottom line

This internationally-acclaimed, truly unique event – held in our own backyard – showcases the best in music, arts, dance and ideas from around the world. It is super family friendly, with plenty of activities and play areas for kids 12 and under in the KidZone and plenty of fabulous musical performances and art installations around the park.

 

There’s an uplifting and eclectic energy at WOMADelaide that is not only infectious, but deserves to be shared with children. So when you go, embrace the relaxed atmosphere and the curious, creative vibes it exudes and make the most of this fabulous festival with your family.

 

Amenities

There are plenty of amenities located across the parklands for WOMAD. For families with young ones, there is a parenting room located centrally near stage 2 and the foundation stage. 

There are lots of toilets located throughout the event with accessible options as well as LOTS of water refill stations featuring flavoured water, misting fans and shaded seating. There are also lots of shady seating areas and bins located at convenient locations across the grounds. 

Food and drink

There are so many options that we wish you luck finding somewhere to start! There is so much on offer to eat and drink across the various food stalls located at two main areas in the Parklands. There is a variety of food on offer from all corners of the world and to suit a variety of diets including vegan, vegetarian and dairy or gluten free. Of course there are plenty of options that the kids will love too if you are just looking for the family favourites. 

From fresh coconut water to cold-pressed juices, there are plenty of child-friendly beverage options. Our little ones thoroughly enjoyed the affordable mango lassis from an Indian stall.

If you are heading to WOMAD with the family, here are some things to do & handy tips: 

Getting there

If you can, public transport is a fuss-free option to get to WOMAD at Botanic Park. Buses, or Trams heading to the East end of Adelaide are both handy options with gates to get into Botanic Park located at Frome Road and Hackney Road. If you are into the spirit of sustainability, there is plenty of bike parking on Frome Road as well as near the box office at the Hackney Gate. 

If public transport is not an option, consider pre-booking a park at a nearby parking lot for a discounted rate or flat rate. There are a few options for Wilson’s or U-parks on Frome Road and North Terrace that are a short walk to the event. You will just need to keep in mind road closures for the Fringe, and traffic. With two young kids, we opted for the Lot 14 parking lot which was a short walk to Womad.

At the event

Depending on how you arrive, there are gates and a box office located on Frome Rd and Hackney Rd. There are lots of different passes available including day passes, or 3-day passes. Children 12 years and under can enter for free with an accompanying adult IF paid for in the same transaction. Each adult ticket buyer can obtain up to two complimentary children’s tickets. If this is not added to the same transaction, there are $10 passes available for children aged 3-12 at the box office OUTSIDE the entrance. 

Children aged under 3 years are free and don’t require a wristband, and children aged 13-17 years are able to get tickets at a discounted rate. 

If you are planning on accessing KidZone, we recommend entering from the Frome Road entrance if possible as this is located closest to KidZone and main food area. 

We strongly recommend grabbing a paper map or downloading the handy app so you can work out where things are and where you need to go, if venturing across the park to a different stage.

What to bring

Firstly, let’s start with what NOT to bring: glass, alcohol, high back chairs, animals (with the exception of registered assistance animals), knives, professional cameras and tents. 

You are not only welcome, but encouraged to bring your own water bottle and refill it at the water stations. Of course, you need your wrist band tickets, sunscreen and hats. As for the rest, it depends on how comfortable you want to be and what you’ll be doing. Many people make themselves at home in Botanic Park with low backed chairs, blankets and small sun shelters, while others make use of the many tables and chairs under trees near the food stalls. 

You are able to bring food and snacks, which is handy when your child is hungry RIGHT NOW, but there are of course many food and drink stalls offering tasty and thirst-quenching treats from around the world at your fingertips.

Many families bring their prams, which is a good idea for babies and very young children, but be aware a basic stroller would not be super useful within the festival due to the grass. Some families bring their beach carts to carry their cargo, while others go minimal with their babies in carriers.