With its wide-open spaces, quirky characters and historical charms, children and families alike will delight in the magic of the Clare Valley.

There are plenty of things to see and do for the younger visitor. For the adventurous type, there are parks and lookouts to explore, including Red Banks Conservation Park and Spring Gully Conservation Park, where you might be able to catch a Southern Hairy nosed wombat, Western Grey Kangaroo or Short-beaked echidna.

There’s also the Riesling and Rattler Trails for some fresh air and family fun.

Alongside Lake Inchiquin in Clare, children will love the Model Train Rides, featuring electric, diesel and occasionally steam trains, passing through a grid of beautifully constructed tunnels and bridges.

Mintaro Maze is also a must do for the family. Explore the network of the traditional hedge maze, through twists and turns, providing hours of entertainment. For Christmas and Easter, there’s the famous Mintaro Maze Bunny Hunt, and during Gourmet Weekend, take part in the Haggis Hunt.

Art

Medika Gallery

Moore Street, Blyth. Ph 8844 5175. Featuring an impressive lego table.

Vanderpeer Gallery

Main North Road, Auburn. Ph 8849 2087. Children's workshops by appointment.

The Clare Valley Riesling Trail

A 35km cycling and walking trail from Auburn to Clare. Bike hire from Clare, Auburn, Burra, some wineries and accommodation providers. (Baby seats, tag-a-longs, and children's bikes available).

Clare Valley Cycle Hire

Victoria Road, Clare. www.clarevalleycyclehire.com.au Ph (08) 8842 2782.

Riesling Trail Bike Hire

Located at 10 Warenda Road, Clare. www.rieslingtrailbikehire.com.au Ph 0418 777 318

Cogwebs

Main North Road, Auburn. www.cogwebs.com.au. Ph 0400 290 687

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Blyth Cinema, Blyth

Screens children's movies during school holidays with matinees, plus Friday and Saturday night screenings. The venue is also available to hire for private parties and fundraising events. Ph (08) 8842 5175.

Clare Discovery Centre

The Clare Discovery Centre features regular school holiday activities and weekly story telling for pre-schoolers. There is also free internet, parenting facilities, coffee and drinks available. Ph (08) 8842 3817.

Mintaro Maze, Mintaro

A beautiful living hedge maze that includes seating, fountains, twists, turns and dead ends. This popular venue also includes games, puzzles and a gift shop. Open Wednesday- Mon 10am - 4pm, everyday in school holidays. www.mintaromaze.com.au Ph (08) 8843 9012.

Mainly Music, Clare

Young children and their parents can join in for a fun, thirty-minute music session at Mainly Music, followed by morning tea in a relaxed setting. Every Monday of the school term, 10.00am to 11.15am at the Clare Uniting Church. or Every Thursday Morning of the school term. 10am to 11.15 at the Vines Church. Price is $5 per family per session / $3 concession. 

 

Inchiquin Lake Train Rides, Clare Valley Model Engineers Inc, Clare

Children can enjoy rides on the fantastic model trains at Inchiquin Lake Park, nextdoor to the Clare Valley Golf Course. Twilight train rides (starting 6pm) take place on the second and forth Saturday of each month through out November - March, afternoon rides (starting 1:30pm) take place on the second and forth Sunday of each month April - November and long weekends Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm. Ph 0417 859 659.

 

There are many children's playgrounds throughout the Valley including Auburn, Blyth, Watervale, Clare and Mintaro.

In Clare, there’s the newly constructed Clare Skate Park and Lions Park playgrounds, both offering good seating and BBQ facilities.

In Sevenhill, Richardsons Park will keep the kids entertained. A playground that is fun for people of all ages set right next to an oval with lots of space to kick a ball or run around. Plenty of play equipment for stretching your legs and located close to many major attractions, such as the Riesling Trail, Sevenhill Cellars and the Little Red Grape Bakery.

Children can feed the ducks down by Inchiquin Lake with bread bought from one of the local Bakeries.

Valley's Lifestyle Centre, Clare

An 8 lane x 25-metre outdoor pool and toddler pool. Open for summer season. Ph 8842 3999.

Burra Swimming Pool, Burra

Open for summer season. Ph 8892 0100.

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Clare Golf Club is home to a visually stunning 18 hole course - with the 19th enjoyed at the Club rooms.

Simpson Rices Creek, located in Auburn, has a fun 18 hole mini golf course for the whole family to enjoy.

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Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt that is growing in popularity every year. Wonder how many hidden treasures are found around the Clare Valley....