Free Things to Do in Norwood Budget-Savvy Explorers Can’t Skip
- Bring your tiny tots to the James Coke Park Playground
- Embrace nature and have a picnic at Richards Park
- Watch football at Norwood Oval
- Find your new favorite book at the Norwood Library
- Check out marvelous street art
- Introduce your kid to swimming at the Norwood Swimming Center
- Vibe at the Concerts in the Park and other free events
- Explore Norwood’s historic architecture at your own pace
- Cycle your way through the city
- Play netball, basketball, or table tennis at Felixstow Reserve
- Look for koalas or turtles at the River Torrens Linear Park Trail
- See bewitching contemporary pieces at Art Images Gallery
You don’t always need to drop stacks to have an epic time-out in Norwood.
From watching football teams duke it out at the Norwood Oval to bumping into koalas while strolling through the River Torrens Linear Park Trail, the city has a plethora of free things to do even big spenders would love.
The cherry on top is we also share nifty tips on these activities!
Bring your tiny tots to the James Coke Park Playground
From n_filippatos
Address: Coke St
Contact Details: (08) 8366 4555
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Private playgrounds can leave a dent in your wallet, so swinging by James Coke Park Playground is a no-brainer and dollar-stretching move.
This place has something for every age: a double see-saw/rocker, swings (including toddler size), music-making equipment, climbing challenges, and slides—all on rubber matting for soft falls.
There’s also ample room for unbothered picnic sessions, with park tables, palm trees, and benches at each turn. On top of that, the Norwood Mall is just a stone’s throw away, perfect for pre and post-play retail therapy (try the pastries and cheeses).
Tip: No need to stress about parking! There are plenty of car parks near the playground, namely The Parade Central Car Park, Webbe Street Car Park, and Norwood Mall Car Park.
Embrace nature and have a picnic at Richards Park
From twowhitepuppers
Address: Second Creek, 134 Magill Rd
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
The sweltering Australian sun has nothing on Richards Park. This pristine and lush picnic hotspot has an abundance of towering trees, with covered picnic tables that made our outing less sweaty despite it taking place on a summer afternoon.
We also found BBQs peppered throughout the area, making grilling a blast and not a headache.
In addition, there’s a water refilling station, perfect for families with little ones who’ll probably spend most of their time and energy in the small but fun play space.
Tip: For those who prefer pure solace, walk to the far sides of the park, which is further from the primary picnic area.
Watch football at Norwood Oval
From norwoodfc
Address: Cnr The Parade, and, 4 Woods St
Contact Details: (08) 8362 6278
Website
If you’re under 18, the adrenaline at Norwood Oval is yours for absolutely nada. Football matches are this suburban oval’s bread and butter, and they get super electrifying when the Norwood Football Club (aka The Redlegs) play.
Getting squeezed won’t be an issue, too. Norwood Oval can pack in 15,000 fans, so get ready for a roaring crowd minus the tight quarters.
For drivers, there’s metered street parking surrounding the oval; the closest ones are on Webbe Street and The Parade. Furthermore, you’ll find designated disabled parking spaces at 4 Woods St.
Tip: Do yourself a favor and visit their website to pick the match you actually want to watch.
Find your new favorite book at the Norwood Library
Address: 110 The Parade
Contact Details: (08) 8366 4546
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 1 pm to 5 pm
- Fri – 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 1 pm
- Sun – 1 pm to 4 pm
The free but not drab Norwood Library got our bookworms pumped better than a triple shot of espresso.
Their collection is massive. Our team browsed through shelves packed with works spanning genres and mediums like adult fiction, graphic novels, and children’s coloring books.
If you prefer your stories with a cinematic flair, they have DVDs and Blu-Rays. Parents can even hop into Pilates sessions or enroll their kids in reading sessions, most of which are free.
Moreover, if there’s a deadline looming and your home Internet is slower than a sloth on a Sunday afternoon, you can take advantage of their speedy computers and Internet connection without spending a penny.
Tip: Want to reserve items here without breaking a sweat? Simply hit up their online library catalog, download the Libraries SA app, or give the number above a ring
Check out marvelous street art
From cityofnpsp
Let’s be real: art is amazing—until art galleries demand a fortune just to step inside. Fortunately, Norwood’s street art fixes this problem
From meticulous portraits adding life to dull walls to classic graffiti popping with sharp hues, Norwood’s streets teem with artistry.
For us, the unmissable works are found in Argo Cafe; they’re massive, kaleidoscopic, detailed, and interactive. Don’t forget to prep your poses before dropping by.
The cherry on top is the art doesn’t end with larger-than-life murals, as you’ll also come across modern, abstract sculptures that might bend or twist your imagination or perspective in a positive way.
Tip: Looking for street art can be a wild ride—until you get lost. Avoid this problem by downloading Norwood’s public art map.
Introduce your kid to swimming at the Norwood Swimming Center
From nathportlock
Address: 32 Phillips St, Kensington
Contact Details: (08) 8431 1327
Website
The Norwood Swimming Center is a must-visit for a parent with a tiny tot under two.
Their goods are free for the littlest splashers, specifically the shaded toddler pool and the kid-favorite inflatable obstacle course, which is only available every Sunday from December to the end of February).
As for parents, there’s still plenty here to float your boat. For starters, you may fire up the BBQ or head to the kiosk for bites and blends.
Tip: Make a big splash at your next corporate or swimming club event by renting the swimming center.
Vibe at the Concerts in the Park and other free events
From norwoodgreenadl
We’ll never say no to a free concert in Norwood. Year after year, the city’s zero-cost parties deliver.
Just this March 2024, we freed our schedule to vibe out at the annual Concerts in the Park. It was a 2-month long shindig that featured open-air performances, talented local bands, children’s entertainment, and more—all of which didn’t charge a dime.
If concerts aren’t your groove, there’s still a treasure trove of free events you can hop into, like art classes, book readings, and art exhibits. The best unskippable gatherings are definitely the Norwood Food & Wine Festival and SALA’s workshops.
Tip: Don’t be late to the party. Stay updated on Norwood’s current and upcoming events by heading to their website.
Explore Norwood’s historic architecture at your own pace
From waynorocksu
- Norwood Town Hall: 175 The Parade, entrance George St
- Clayton Wesley Uniting Church: 280 Portrush Rd, Beulah Park
- Russian Community Center: (08) 8367 7528
Strolling through Norwood’s laid-back streets is a vibe in itself, but why not spice it up with some historic architecture?
One of the gems we always pop by is the Norwood Town Hall, a Classical-style building dating back to 1883. Its ornate tower and elegant clock make it a standout.
Speaking of a tower, the 1850-built Clayton Wesley Uniting Church also has one deserving of a visit and snap. We also enjoy passing by the Russian Community Center, a sophisticated, 18th-century building that still has its bygone-era charm intact.
Tip: Get yourself a pair of quality walking shoes to avoid discomfort.
Cycle your way through the city
From tneuage
It isn’t a complete “free things to do article” without mentioning the trails that wind through Norwood.
The trails on River Torrens Linear Park or Beulah Road Bicycle Boulevard are the hottest picks, but you may also take the well-maintained on-road bike lanes for a dash of urban sightseeing.
And hey, if you need to patch up your two-wheeled chariot, you can always take a pit stop at the free bicycle repair stands. You’ll find one at the corner of Battams Rd and Ninth Avenue, while the other one is at Beulah Road Bicycle Blvd.
Tip: Before you pedal your way to Norwood, it’s smart to check the weather forecast. You and your bike don’t want to challenge the elements when they’re at their fiercest.
Play netball, basketball, or table tennis at Felixstow Reserve
From aspectstudios
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/97Nz537B15of1C8j9
Contact Details: (08) 8366 4555
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Felixstow Reserve has it all: open lawn areas, fitness stations, a playground, and more.
The highlights, though, are the equipment and areas reserved for basketball, netball, and table tennis. For the latter, BYO paddles; there are plastic bats provided, but who knows how far those will take you?
It isn’t all about the fast-paced action, too. A sprawling grassy space made for picnics and parties is also available. Just be mindful that there aren’t fences next to the road and wetlands.
Tip: Given the presence of nearby wetlands, you have to bring an insect repellent to keep the pesky bugs away. Buzzing mosquitoes can really mess up your shots.
Look for koalas or turtles at the River Torrens Linear Park Trail
From louisehhay
Strolling through the River Torrens Linear Park Trail while looking for animals is one of the best free things you can do in Norwood. Covered with towering red gums and other flora, this 30-km path is a certified hub for local wildlife and workout enthusiasts.
Remember to bring your binoculars, though, as most animals here prefer to perch atop trees or keep their distance. If luck is on your side, you’ll mostly spot koalas, turtles, kookaburras, and even possums.
Beyond the flora and fauna spotting, visitors can unwind in grassy picnic zones, playgrounds, and duck-feeding spots. You can also meditate by the river, an activity that works best if you tackle the trail on a less packed weekday.
Tip: You don’t have to finish the entire trail to have fun. Exploring the section passing through Norwood is the best option, particularly if you aren’t a hardcore walker or jogger.
See bewitching contemporary pieces at Art Images Gallery
Address: 32 The Parade
Contact Details: (08) 8363 0806
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 2 pm to 5 pm
Art Images Gallery will bask you in the beauty of contemporary art without breaking the bank. Here, you’ll see modern paintings, ceramics, glass, sculpture, jewelry, and paintings, all crafted by talented Australian artists.
One exhibit that caught our attention was Regine Schwarzer’s “Native Twig Spoons,” inspired by the diverse flora of Peramangk country. This artist’s brilliant fusion of everyday cutlery and nature’s splendor was worth the drive and gander.
If you missed it, you can still check the lined-up exhibits spanning from July to October 2024, including “Imaginarium,” a collection of whimsical artworks.
You might also love exhibits by Cristina Metelli and Christopher Meadows, which will take casuals and critics on journeys through nature and suburban landscapes.
Tip: It’s hard to appreciate art if you’re worried about parking spots. Luckily, there are nearby parking spaces in The Parade and Norwood Mall.
