The History Festival truly has something for everyone, at any age. With a program full of family-friendly events, May is a great time to share your love of history with younger generations. Best of all, many of these events are free.

Just some of this year’s top family-friendly events include:

Adelaide Gaol History Day

Presented by: Adelaide Gaol

When: 10am to 4pm Sunday 15 May

Where: Adelaide Gaol, 18 Gaol Road, Thebarton

Escape to family fun behind bars! Self-guided tours, spooky exhibits, special displays plus sausage sizzle. Meet Gaol book authors and tour operators with stories to share. Enjoy fine coffee and refreshments among the books, clothes, games and souvenirs. There are grassy picnic areas and free parking too.

City of Adelaide Concert Band

Presented by: City of Adelaide Concert Band

When: 2.30pm – 4pm Sunday 22 May

Where: North Adelaide Community Centre, 176 Tynte Street North Adelaide

Cost: Free

The City of Adelaide Concert Band presents an afternoon of light classical, jazz and popular music under the direction of conductor Sergey Grynchuk. Since 1936 the then City of Adelaide Band has undergone many changes and performed around Adelaide ever since. Band memorabilia will be on display including the original bass drum dating back to 1826.

Mt Barker Rail Festival

Presented by: SteamRanger

When: 10am -4pm Sunday 22 May

Where: Mt Barker Railway Station, Dutton Road, Mt Barker

Cost: Free

For one day, the Mt Barker Rail Festival will be hosted by SteamRanger at the Mt Barker railway station. The festival gives visitors the opportunity to ride on trains between Mt Barker and Philcox Hill, visit the SteamRanger workshop, have rail trolley rides and more. Tickets available on the day

Space Tracking: Steps to the Moon

Presented by: Australian Space Agency

When: 2.30pm to 3.45pm Saturday 7, 14 and 21 May

Where: Australian Space Discovery Centre, Lot Fourteen, North Terrace Adelaide

Cost: Free

Discover how Moon probes and Apollo astronauts kept in touch with Earth in this series of special documentaries over three weekends. Including interviews with Australian space trackers, these films explore the history and vital role of space tracking in the exploration of the Moon. Bookings required online.

National Simultaneous Story Time

Presented by: Town of Walkerville (and many other libraries and community centres)

When: 10.30am to 11.30am Wednesday 25 May

Where: Walkerville Town Hall, 66 Walkerville Terrace Gilberton

Cost: Free

Come join us for National Simultaneous Storytime while we read Family Tree by Josh Pyke, described as a sweet book with beautiful illustrations from Ronojoy Ghosh. A colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.

Skills of Yesterday

Presented by Burra Branch, National Trust of SA

When: 10am – 3pm Sunday 22 May

Where: Bon Accord Mine Museum, Railway Terrace, Burra

Cost: Adult $4.50, Concession $3.50, Child $2.50, Family $10

Demonstrations of crafts from days gone by. Come and see how they made horseshoes and fired metal, made belts and saddles, spun wool and made clothes. Watch the blacksmiths, leatherworkers, spinners, weaver and many more. Veteran and vintage fire engines are on display and available for photo opportunities. Bookings required by phone or email.

Check out the other History Festival content in WeekendPlus: