Ready to spend a day on a family-friendly McLaren Vale wine adventure that will keep the kids entertained & make time for wine tasting for the adults?
The McLaren Vale wine region is only 45 minutes from Adelaide, making it an accessible car trip with kids in tow. Plan your day to intersperse kid-friendly activities with cellar door visits to entertain the whole family.
Our number one secret to a successful family, family-friendly wine adventure is to keep it simple. Choose a compact area like the Willunga township & sub-region so little legs don’t have too far to travel & you can spend time at each stop.
Here are our team’s top 5 family-friendly ways to spend a day with the family Willunga-way.
1. Start the day with full tummies
Willunga Farmers Market: There’s no better way to start your weekend than a Saturday morning strolling amongst the food (& wine!) producers at the Willunga Farmers Market. A wonderful way to connect the kids with food from the source & no one will walk away hungry! Saturday mornings, 8am to Noon. High School, Main Road, Willunga. www.willungafarmersmarket.com.au
If it’s not a market day, head to one of Willunga’s fantastic breakfast cafes. We like The Golden Fleece with kids, or grab some freshly baked goodies from Willunga Bakery, fresh juices & coffee from The General Store Willunga next door & head straight to the park for a breakfast picnic.
2. Work off the excess energy
Head to Willunga Rose Garden Nature Playspace adjacent to Willunga BMX & Skate Park. This two-part playground has grass areas to run off breakfast, a skate park, a BMX dirt track & rose garden. Let the kids explore while you relax while you plan your cellar door attack. Aldinga Road, Willunga
3. Get on the trail
The McLaren Vale Shiraz Trail stretches 8 km from Willunga to McLaren Vale to Willunga. It’s mostly flat terrain and vineyard views, so you can BYO bikes, scooters or roller skates & stop off at one of the many cellar doors dotted along the trail.
Starting from Railway Terrace in Willunga, an easy selection of cellar doors within close range to visit with kids starts with Battle of Bosworth, Down the Rabbit Hole, Shirvington Wines, Primo Estate, Hugh Hamilton Wines, Mitolo & Wirra Wirra. If you don’t have wheels with you, you can always stroll or hire them from the McLaren Vale Visitor Centre.
4. Go on a jungle adventure
Jungle in Willunga is a world within a world for kids. Collect a ‘Find the Animal’ sheet & go jungle hunting for exotic creatures. Then, discover the Fairy Fern Garden, & have a photo taken in front of the jungle Fairy. 175 Main Road Willunga. 10 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
5. Wrap up your day in style with high tea
Tealicious Cakes has a fantastic range of cupcakes to refuel after a busy day. Or treat your family to the full high tea experience, available for adults & kids (reservations essential). 12 Aldinga Road Willunga. Open Thurs-Sunday until 4pm.