Illuminate Adelaide 2024 will amaze families with a spectacular programme of events from July 4 to 21, 2024, promises to engage and entertain children of all ages. From interactive light installations to immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top kid-friendly highlights that you won’t want to miss this year.
City lights
Enlighten Adelaide’s City lights transforms Adelaide’s city centre into a vibrant open-air gallery. This event is a must-see for families who want to experience the city in a whole new light. As you wander the streets, you’ll encounter a series of large-scale light displays and digital artworks that bring buildings and public spaces to life with colour and creativity.
What makes City Lights so appealing to kids are the interactive installations that are spread throughout the city. These installations invite children to directly engage with the art, whether that’s through touch, movement or sound. It’s a great way to make a city walk exciting and educational. Plus, it’s free, making it a great option for a budget-friendly family outing.
Different locations
More information
Fire Gardens
Step into a world where fire and art meet in Fire Gardens. Created by renowned French artist collective Compagnie Carabosse, this enchanting installation transforms the Adelaide Botanic Garden into a dreamscape of flickering flames and mesmerizing fire sculptures. As you wander through the gardens, you will be surrounded by the warm glow of firelight and ethereal soundscapes that accompany the installation.
Fire Gardens offers a unique and immersive experience that will leave both children and adults in awe. The intricate fire sculptures and flaming trails create a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The sensory experience of crackling flames and subtle background music enhances the enchantment. This event not only enchants visually but also appeals to other senses, making it an unforgettable outing for the entire family.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Book now
EDEN
EDEN invites visitors to explore an interactive garden of light and sound, designed to engage the senses and spark the imagination. This innovative installation uses cutting-edge technology to create a lush, ever-changing landscape that responds to visitors’ movements and sounds. Perfect for families, EDEN is a place where children can roam freely and discover the wonders of nature through a digital lens.
With a digital garden at your fingertips across 150 square metres of LED screens, discover how just one person planting a tiny seed in the ground can lead to the growth of a vast, lush environment. Let curiosity and movement guide you as the wonder of nature takes centre stage and cutting-edge digital technologies allow you to create plants and flowers that transform the landscape around you. It’s an ideal activity that combines indoor fun with creative discovery, making it a favourite with families.
The Light Room at ILA
Book now
Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights
For a journey back in time, visit Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights at Adelaide Zoo. This event features life-size, glowing dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, providing an exciting mix of education and entertainment. Wander around the zoo after dark and you’ll come across these illuminated giants, each more impressive than the last.
Prehistoric Nights is a fantastic way to spark a child’s curiosity about the natural world. The combination of real zoo animals and glowing prehistoric replicas creates a dynamic learning environment where children can ask questions and discover new things. Interactive displays and informative signage help to make the experience educational, while the sheer spectacle of the glowing creatures keeps it fun and engaging.
Adelaide Zoo
Book now
Superluminal
Organised by the South Australian Museum and produced by Patch Theatre, Superluminal is an interactive installation specially designed for children aged 4 to 8. This captivating event combines art, science and play, inviting young visitors to explore five interactive spaces filled with light and sound. Guided by artists, children discover the extraordinary creatures and systems of nature, create their own mythical beings and immerse themselves in a world of wonders.
Superluminal is a theatrical presentation that combines bold visual design, collaborative storytelling and interactive play. Inspired by the South Australian Museum’s collections of extraordinary objects, the installation encourages children to explore how time shapes the beauty and complexity of nature. This event fosters a sense of magical connection and interconnectedness with the world, making it an unforgettable outing for families. The hands-on experience encourages curiosity and creativity, allowing children to be not just passive observers, but active participants in the magical world of Superluminal.
South Australian Museum
Book now
Base camp
For those who want to relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere, Base camp at Lot Fourteen is the perfect spot. This central hub offers a variety of food and beverage options, live music and family-friendly activities. It’s a great place to unwind after exploring the city’s light installations or start your evening with delicious local dishes.
Base Camp is designed as a welcoming place for families to come together and enjoy the festival. The variety of activities on offer means there is something for everyone, from toddlers to teens. Creative workshops, interactive installations and live performances tailored to younger audiences ensure that children have plenty to do, while parents can relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. With its vibrant, community-focused environment, Base Camp is the ideal place to experience the social side of Illuminate Adelaide.
Illuminate Adelaide 2024 promises to be a spectacular celebration of light, art and innovation, with something for everyone. From the vibrant City Lights and magical Fire Gardens to the immersive EDEN and prehistoric adventure of Universal Kingdom, there’s no shortage of captivating experiences. Superluminal offers a unique, interactive journey for young children, while Base Camp provides a relaxed, family-friendly hub to come together and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Adelaide for the festival, these events will brighten your nights and leave lasting memories. Illuminate Adelaide continues to push the boundaries of creativity and community engagement, making it a must-see event for families. Mark your calendar and prepare to be amazed by the incredible displays and experiences that Illuminate Adelaide 2024 has in store.
For more information:
illuminateadelaide.com
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to our weekly newsletter
