There are loads of great short walks and hikes around South Australia for kids, with opportunities to explore rock formations, big trees, caves, creeks, waterfalls and see wildlife. And with many taking in playgrounds, why not pack a picnic and enjoy a great family day out.
We’ve listed some of the best ones below.
Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #WalktoberSA.
50 Great Walks and Hikes for Kids
Thorndon Park loop around lake
1.5km, 1 hour
There are numerous walking trails at Thorndon Park that loop around the lake. Walking trails take you throughout this photographic location and past unique attractions like the water tower, natural wetlands, and a giant chess board. It easy to make a couple of different loops of the park and lake.
Access from Thorndon Park Reserve at Paradise.
Wynn Vale Dam Circuit
2.8km, 45 mins
Wynn Vale Dam offers visitors and locals a serene outdoor experience. You can enjoy a picnic with a water view, a stroll along the boardwalk, and some quiet time to take in the tranquillity.
There is more to explore if you head (anti-clockwise) past the resident horses to the children’s playground featuring slides, sea-saw and swings. Toilet facilities are situated along the southern edge of the dam.
You can walk around the lake itself (950m), or walk from Grenfell Road on the Wynn Vale Dam Circuit (2.8km return). The marked trail is a shared-use path, and has markers every 200m, and begins near the Jubilee Lake, near the footbridge on Wynn Vale to Valley View Walking Path which crosses Grenfell Road.
Access from Park Lake Drive.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop, Stirling
5.4km, 2-3 hours
A cool, quiet forest oasis, filled with a cacophony of birds or frogs. Woorabinda Lake is a highlight, with a path circling the lake passing reed beds, picnic benches, boardwalks and a bird hide.
The walk around the lake is suitable for prams.
Access from Stirling, off the South Eastern Freeway.
Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek (Mitcham)
5.4km, 2 hours
The Wirraparinga Trail Loop meanders along the Brownhill Creek valley, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A narrow creek flows through the steep-sided valley, with majestic river red gums, some more than 300 years old.
Walk along the trail past the bridge, and explore the creek.
Access from Brownhill Creek Road, just up from Mitcham.








































