Fly Free: A Day to Disconnect & Discover

Part of the Flow Nature Festival
Presented by the Marine Discovery Centre & Free as a Bird Kites

🪁 A Nature Festival Event for Curious Minds & Wild Hearts

Step away from screens and into the sea breeze at Fly Free: A Day to Disconnect & Discover—a joyful, hands-on event for children and families, brought to you by the Marine Discovery Centre and Free as a Bird Kites as part of the Flow Nature Festival.

Blending creativity, culture, and coastal science, this interactive experience is designed to foster connection—with nature, with community, and with our amazing South Australian coastline.

📅 Event Dates

Tuesday 30 September
Wednesday 8 October
Recommended for children aged 5 and up

⏰ Program Schedule

10:00am – 11:30am
• Marine Discovery Centre experiences with our marine biologists and cultural educator
• Kite making & decorating (kites to take home and fly!)
10:45am
• Fish feeding presentation
11:30am – 12:00pm
• Guided beachcombing (optional) or continue with kite decorating
12:00pm – 12:30pm
• Kite flying on Henley Beach

🧠 Why It Matters

This event is proudly supported by Bupa, promoting mental wellbeing through time in nature. It's a chance for families to slow down, breathe deeply, and let their imaginations (and kites!) soar.

🐠 Explore the Marine Discovery Centre

Your visit includes access to:

Aquariums showcasing local marine life, including Big-Bellied Seahorses, Ornate Cowfish, Porcupine Fish, Murray River Turtle, native Oysters, Yabbies, and more
Virtual Reality Headsets for immersive underwater adventures on the Great Southern Reef (footage by Carl Charter, supported by Inspiring South Australia)
Kaurna Education Room (Kaurna Meyunna Wodli) – explore the deep cultural connection between the Kaurna people and Sea Country
Interactive marine models and exhibits, including:
• Ocean sounds and marine habitats
• Climate change and stormwater displays
• Sustainable fishing, marine debris and microscopes
• Discovery Dive game and beachcombing activities
Each child will also receive a beachcombing sheet to continue the learning at home

💰 Pricing

$20 per child – includes full program and take-home kite
Parents and siblings under 3 – free of charge if not participating
Want a kite too? Adults and under 3s can join the fun and receive a kite for $20

🎟️ Bookings

Places are limited—so secure your spot early!

Parking

Parking is available on Marlborough Street and Seaview Road. There is also parking available behind the Henley Beach Parish which is located directly opposite the Marine Discovery Centre, and accessible via Foord Ave

Refunds

Full refunds are available 7 days prior to the event, 50% refund 3 days prior to the event but no refund will be offered 24 hours prior to the event

Fly Free: A Day to Disconnect & Discover

Choose your tickets

Child ticket (all ages) - kite included ticket

Parent ticket with kite included ticket

Sibling (under 3) - no kite ticket

Donations

Donate to the Marine Discovery Centre