School Holidays
Cleland Wildlife Park
Come and have some fun in our school holiday programs that accommodate and engage your nature and animal curious children.
Timetable of Programs
Monday: Bush Kids (5-7 years) & Storytime on the Lawn (only in the warmer seasons)
Tuesday: Bush Mates (8-12 years)
Wednesday: Bush Kids (5-7 years) & Storytime on the Lawn (only in the warmer seasons)
Thursday: Bush Play (2-4 years)
Friday: Junior Wildlife Keeper (7-12 years)
Bush Play
Due to popular demand – “Bush Play” is our school holiday version of our fun and interactive preschool program “Bush Buddies”. This is a great way to encourage young children to interact and connect with Australian animals and nature, in an engaging learning outdoor environment.
For: 2-4 year olds (and their parents)
Available: Thursdays in the school holidays
Time: 10am
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $12
Capacity: 12 children per session
Storytime on the Lawn
Listening to stories can be a valuable experience, sparking imagination and curiosity in children. “Storytime on the Lawn” is a free activity and is the perfect place to sit down on the café lawn with your lunch or snack, and dive into the wonderful world of animals.
For: All ages
Available: Mondays & Wednesdays in warmer seasons of the school holidays (if it is raining the session will not go ahead).
Location: Café lawn (look for the animal mats)
Time: 12:30pm
Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: Free
This is a free activity! All you need to do is turn up to the café lawn, sit on the mats and wait for our energetic story reader to arrive.
Self-Guided Trail
Each school holidays there is a self-guided trail available, that is designed for children, allowing them to explore nature and animals of Cleland Wildlife Park, while learning all about the importance if plants and animals we share our world with. Each school holidays there are new fun themes, so watch this space for updates.
Children's University: 2-hour stamps for children’s university passport once completed.
"Kids Only Zone"
Kid Zone Recommendations:
- The following programs are drop off programs.
- We recommend parents pack a drink bottle and extra snacks for your child, because exploring is hard work.
- Don’t forget to make sure your child wears sensible clothing, appropriate for the weather., Mount Lofty can be much colder that in the city.
- If your child needs additional support please let our experienced educator know and suitable provision will be arranged, or parents must attend the session with their child.
Bush Kids
“Bush Kids” is our fun school holiday program for 5-7 year olds. Full of exciting activities, park exploration and nature play opportunities without your parents, and instead with our super fun and experienced kids guide.
For: 5-7 year olds
Available: Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 10am – 12pm
Duration: 2 hours (drop off program)
Cost: $31.50 (does not include park entry)
Capacity: 8 children per session
If you are interested in animals and nature and like being outside then this program is for you!
Children's University: 2-hour stamps for children’s university passport once completed.
Bush Mates
“Bush Mates” is our amazing outdoor school holiday program for those 8-12 year olds. Full of hands on activities, scavenger hunts, park adventuring and nature play opportunities without your parents, and instead with our super fun and experienced kids guide.
For: 8-12 year olds
Available: Tuesdays
Time: 10am – 12pm (drop off program)
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $31.50 (does not include park entry)
Capacity: 10 participants per session
If you are interested in animals and nature and like being outside then this program is for you!
Children's University: 2-hour stamps for children’s university passport once completed.
Junior Wildlife Keeper
“Junior Wildlife Keeper” is our exclusive NEW school holiday program for those avid animal lovers. For 7-12 year olds only, you morning will include learning about animal care, and exploring the many activities a Wildlife Keeper might carry out. Participants will help to prepare enrichments for our animals to enjoy, clean animal exhibits, and may also offer them their breakfast.
Available: Fridays
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm (drop off program)
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $105 (does not include park entry)
Capacity: 5 participants per session
**When booking you will have the opportunity to purchase you’re very own Junior Wildlife Keeper cap.
If you are interested in animals and nature and are not afraid to get your hands a little dirty, this this program is for you! Come and spend the morning at Cleland Wildlife Park with like-minded animal lovers.
Children's University: 3-hour stamps for children’s university passport once completed.
Christmas Mayhem in Nature
“Christmas Mayhem in Nature” is only available in December and is especially themed for the fun festive holiday season. Parents, have you done your Christmas shopping yet? Let us look after the kids with fun games and activities, while you shop in peace. This program only happens once a year! Let us ensure your kidlets have a day full of games, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, educational experiences and nature-based activities.
Ages: 5-12 year olds
Available: Wednesday the week before Christmas (one session only)
Time: 10am-3pm (drop off program)
Duration: 5 hours
Cost: $85 (does not include park entry)
Capacity: 15 participants per session
Please note: If your child needs additional support please let our experienced educator know and suitable provision will be arranged, or parents must attend the session with their child.
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