Family Activities
Mazes, mines & open spaces
The best family activities in Mintaro
There's plenty to keep younger explorers busy between cellar doors - the Mintaro Maze, the open-air history of Burra's mine sites, easy stretches of the Riesling Trail for little legs, playgrounds and showgrounds, and farm stays with room to roam.
The Clare Valley is more family-friendly than its wine reputation suggests, with plenty to keep children busy between the cellar doors. The classic kids' outing is the Mintaro Maze, a leafy hedge maze and gardens in the heart of the historic slate village of Mintaro - easy to combine with a picnic.
The flat, traffic-free Riesling Trail is ideal for family cycling, with bike hire available and gentle distances between towns; its Rattler Trail extension to Auburn adds more easy riding. Older kids fascinated by history will enjoy exploring Burra, where the Monster Mine and self-drive Heritage Passport bring the copper-mining era to life.
For free outdoor play, the region's nature reserves and lookouts offer space to run, spot kangaroos and picnic. Many eateries and stays around Clare welcome families, making the valley an easy, relaxed destination for a weekend with children.
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Family Activities in Clare Valley - frequently asked questions
What family activities is the Clare Valley known for?
Though it is famous for Riesling, the Clare Valley has plenty for younger explorers between the cellar doors. The best known outings are the Mintaro Maze, a living hedge maze and gardens in the slate village of Mintaro, the open-air history of Burra's old mine sites, and easy, flat stretches of the Riesling Trail that suit little legs. Add in playgrounds, model train rides and farm stays and there is enough to fill a family weekend.
Is the Riesling Trail suitable for young children?
Yes - the Riesling Trail follows an old railway corridor, so it is flat, well graded and almost entirely traffic free, which makes it ideal for kids on bikes or scooters. It runs roughly 35 kilometres between Auburn and Clare, but you do not need to ride the whole thing; pick a short section between villages and turn back when little legs tire. Bike hire, including kids' bikes and trailers, is available at spots such as Clare, Auburn and the Clare Caravan Park, and the trail is free to use.
Can families explore Burra's historic mine sites?
They can, and it is one of the region's most hands-on history outings for kids. The Burra Heritage Passport is a self-guided drive with a key that unlocks a series of locked National Heritage sites, including the open-cut Burra Mine, Morphett's Engine House, the old Redruth Gaol and the underground Unicorn Brewery cellars. The passport is bought from the Burra visitor centre, children are free, the key is valid for two days and dogs are welcome along the trail.
Where can kids swim or burn off energy in the Clare Valley?
The Clare Aquatic Centre and seasonal outdoor pools at towns such as Burra and Riverton open over the warmer months for a swim. For playtime, Richardson Park playspace at Sevenhill sits right beside the Riesling Trail with slides, climbing frames and a flying fox, and there are model train rides alongside Lake Inchiquin in Clare. Many cellar doors also lay on lawn games and kids' menus, so parents can sample a wine while children roam.
When is the best time of year to visit the Clare Valley with children?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for outdoor family activities, with mild days that suit the Riesling Trail, the Burra mine walk and picnics without the peak summer heat. South Australian school holidays are a good window too, as attractions tend to keep their longest hours then. Summer can be hot for cycling and the open mine sites, so plan rides for the cooler morning and save the afternoon for a pool or shaded cellar door garden.