Get ready South Australia, it’s almost show time! Starting to think about heading to the Royal Adelaide Show? We’ve all the tips and tricks you need to make it your very best – and most affordable experience ever.
Keep on reading for our guide to the Royal Show on a Budget and you can not only save money on your family’s day at the Royal Adelaide Show but you can also WIN your favourite showbag in our Great Showbag Giveaway!
From 1-10 September 2017, half a million people will stream to Wayville Showgrounds to enjoy the fun of the fair. For many, it’s an annual pilgrimage of equal parts youthful excitement and childhood nostalgia.
ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW FAST FACTS:
- Friday 1 September to Sunday 10 September 2017
- The Royal Adelaide Show opens at 9am every day.
- Carnival attractions operate until 10pm or later every night depending on weather conditions, except Sunday 10 September when they will close at 9.30pm.
- On average, 1/3 of SA’s population visit the Royal Adelaide Show, making it SA’s largest event.
- The Royal Adelaide Show generates a gross economic contribution of more than $183.7 million.
- The poultry at the Show lay over 3,000 eggs over the 10 days of the Show. These are all donated to the Salvation Army for families in need.
- Over 700 animals are paraded in the Grand Parade.
Everyone loves the show but without a watchful eye on your purse, it can be a very pricey day. Mum Central has compiled our expert list so you can have a whole-lot-of-fun, without the hole-in-the-budget.
TIP 1: Bring Your Own Food & Drinks
Every year nearly 35,000 coffees, 70,000 buckets of hot chips, 9,000 milk shakes and over 12,000 doughnuts are enthusiastically devoured at the show. Aside from indigestion, show food is also painfully expensive. Save a stack by bringing your food, snacks and drinks from home. If you know the kids will desperately want to have a treat, save an ice cream, hot chips or other indulgence for the end of the day!
TIP 2: Grab some FREE Goodies and a FREE Locker thanks to BankSA
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12noon – 4pm, Piping Shrike’s Helpers will be roaming the show handing out sunglasses, sunscreen and mini fans to BankSA customers.
PLUS, if you’re a BankSA customer, they’ve got 48 FREE lockers up for grabs each day at the BankSA Farmyard Nursery. First in best dressed, so get in early!
TIP 3: Avoid the Showbag Pavilion Altogether – or Set a Firm Budget
If your children are small enough to have not clued into the plastic-fantastic joy that is showbags – lucky you! Keep on walking and avoid the pavilion (and cost!) altogether. If you know you’ll struggle to avoid it, the best way to handle showbags is to give each child an allocated budget. Set the expectation before show day and let them enjoy the experience to a budget you can afford!
TIP 4: Take Advantage of All the Free Activities
The Royal Adelaide Show offers stacks of no-cost, family-friendly activities. In fact, there’s actually over 100 totally free things you can enjoy! Grab the program before you leave and consult the website to see everything that is on offer. Plan your day so it’s jam-packed and you don’t miss a thing. There are hot live shows including Paw Patrol, Ninja Turtles and the famous Street Parade. There’s also wood-chopping, cooking, music, fireworks, animal judging, pig racing, the BankSA Farmyard Nursery and much, much more.
TIP 5: Collect #ALL the Samples
If you’re a show rookie you might not know this but there’s lots of free samples, stickers, balloons and brochures to be collected at the show. You might question what you needed it all for once you get home but (spoiler) the kids LOVE this stuff. Detour past the IGA Taste SA Pavilion twice if you need to, there are lots of delicious morsels to be enjoyed. Let’s be frank, everyone loves a freebie!
TIP 6: Grab Some BankSA Discounted Ride Coupons!
Ride coupons are available from Ticketek, www.theshow.com.au, IGA or Foodland for use on ANY DAY for all carnival rides. Pre-purchase $40 worth of ride coupons for $35 or $100 worth of ride coupons for $80.
TIP 7: Leave the Car at Home and Take Public Transport
Ditch the car, parking costs and petrol and enjoy easy access via the Adelaide Showgrounds Train Station. With over 30 bus, train and tram stops within walking distance of the Adelaide Showground, including a dedicated bus interchange and railway station, there are plenty of Adelaide Metro services available for your Show travel needs.
NOTE: Kids under five travel free at all times when accompanied by a fare paying adult. Two kids under 15 travel free on weekends when accompanied by an adult using a Daytrip ticket, and seniors can travel free of charge at most times during the week and at all times on weekends.
If you did want to bring the car, casual parking is available in Leader Street, Rose Terrace and Cooke Terrace for $20 all day or $10 after 6pm. Alternatively, the Adelaide Parklands parking is available off Greenhill Rd & Anzac Highway for $13 per day.
TIP 8: Pre-Purchase Tickets or Show Memberships for Cheaper Entry
- Pre-purchase your tickets at Ticketek / IGA/ Foodland and save $$ on purchasing at the gate.
- RAA Members Save $10 off a Family Pass when purchased via RAA website or flash their RAA membership card at the gate.
- If you attend the Show you can purchase a $10 personalised return ticket AT THE SHOW and return on another day.
- Adults can save $6 and enter for just $16 on Bargain Days (Enter before 1pm, Wed 7 & Thurs 8 September)
TIP 9: Visit After Work/Evening for Cheaper Entry
Enter the Show for $12 at the gate after 6pm on Monday 4 to Friday 8 September ONLY with a voucher from The Advertiser. The voucher will be in The Advertiser every day of that week. There is a limit to one voucher per admission ticket.
TIP 10: Family Value Packs will Save you a Packet
For just $149 you’ll get the family through the gates with entry for a family of 4 people (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children), food & drinks for 4 people, 2 Showbag vouchers, $40 of BankSA Ride coupons and Parking at the Netball SA car park, Mile End. If your family spans more than 4, extra children’s tickets are $47 and you can buy up to 3 additional Child Value Packs. We think they’re pretty clever and have used them in the past and the kids loved them. A bit of everything without blowing the bank!
You can pre-purchase your Family Value Packs from IGA/ Foodland supermarkets and Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au) or www.theshow.com.au up to and including the duration of the Show.
From us to you, here’s to a great day at the Royal Adelaide Show! Have a ball, soak every glorious sight, sound and smell, live in the moment and don’t forget the camera! These memories are priceless Mumma!
Thanks to our friends at BankSA, we’ve scoured the showbag hall and come up with 10 of the hottest showbags this year, and we’re putting them up for grabs to our loyal readers!
Up for grabs we have:
- Peppa Pig
- Paw Patrol
- Thomas
- TMNT
- Dr Seuss
- Bertie Beetle
- Emoji Movie
- Cadburys
- Shopkins
- Pokemon
To enter, simply complete the entry form below in full, nominate the bag you’d like to win and you’re in with a chance. Remember, the more times you share the more chances you have to win!
WIN 1 of 8 Amazing Showbags in our Great Showbag Giveaway
This is a sponsored post for BankSA.
470 Comments
My money-saving tip is to definitely take your own snacks from home. Bringing your kids’ absolute favourite snacks as a special treat will add to the special occasion of the day, and you won’t have wasted money on food that’s only half-eaten because the kids want to rush off to the next exciting activity.
Set yourself a budget for each child and make them and yourself stick to it. Once the money is spent, there is no more.
Eat before you go
Good quality nutritious food full of protein.
Taking food and a few big bottles of water! Save your self $5 a pop for water. Take in the free shows and the farm animals. Have a budget and stick to it . Pick one big show bag and a smaller one, then walk away and go enjoy a $2 toastie sandwhich 🙂
I always take mt own snacks and drinks. We also save our money a month before we go. Always go through the show bag guide and choose carefully before hand.
Take your own drinks and food this will save alot of money. Also do yellow brick road really the best value show bag.
Take your own food and drink a great way to keep costs down and keep their diet healthy
Bring your own water
Stick to a strict budget, pack big bottles of icey water pack snacks, lunch, buy tickets from pre purchase & get coupons from banksa!
Take drinks &light snacks but enjoy a lunch or tea treat to make the whole experience of being at the show 10/10 have a plan with money spent on show bags /limit.&1 special treat pick each eg:dippy dog or toffee apple /fairy floss
At lunch time walk around the food pavillion and enjoy all the free food samples.
Definitely take snacks and drinks! Also let your children know they have x amount of rides/showbags so there is no tantrums and no going over budget if you give in.
Being a Pensioner. I pack a home made lunch. Allow some money for things like Fairy Floss and some afternoon treats. I check out all the free displays and go to places like Centre Stage. A couple of special rides for the Grandkids. We can still have a great day on a Budget. There is a lot of sight seeing and informative stalls to see at no cost.
Win these show bags and save. 🙂
Definitely eat before you go. Take snacks and drinks for yourself and child. Have a set budget and let child pick out 1-2 showbags with a set price.
Take snacks and drinks from home !
We’re mean but it’s a choice of one show bag AND it has to be chosen at the end of the day. Also – definitely catch public transport!
Try and win entry tickets. Sooo many giveaways for tickets the odds are good.
Also get the kids to browse showbags on the website and choose what they want before going. That way you have the option of going in without the kids (if with another adult) and getting the bags without them there.
If kids are old enough make them do chores to earn pocket money to pay for their bags. They may well decide all the plastic fantastic toys are not worth it when they’ve had to work hard for the money.
Take refillable water bottles. Make note of all the events times to make sure you get to do everything you want to and don’t end up just wandering a wasting money
Take pre packed food and give the kids a limit on what show bags they can buy
My boys are aloud one character and one lolly on each
Make sure the kids have been fed a hearty breakfast that will keep them full for a few hours and bring refillable water bottles from home. Get the Yellow Brick Road showbag almost as soon as you enter the grounds and time it so you’re in the food pavilions around lunch time. You can then sample all of the foods that local producers have on offer (you’d be surprised at how filling all of those samples can be!). If the kids are still feeling peckish, have them eat the fruit and/or other snacks that they’ve collected so far on the Yellow Brick Road. This then allows you to either finish up and leave so you’ll be home in time for tea, or stick around for the fireworks only having had to buy one meal for the day.
Bring your own snacks and only 1 showbag per child.
A hearty breakfast for all and taste testing all day. With a massive list of free activities there are many a saved penny and pre plan the show bags. Growing up my favourite evening was my brother and I reading the showbag list and knowing what we wanted so no time or money wasted.
I find that encouraging an interest in the cakes and flowers and artworks and going to see the wood chopping and free shows in the pavilion (which are pretty great these days) means less time for the little ones to blow the loot on rides!
I would certainly NOT enter the show in the sideshow/ride alley. Enter on the opposite side and have a deal with the kids to do those things once you make your way there (then detour past all the other FREE and interesting things)
Take your own supply of snacks and drinks to keep the kids going!
Pre purchase tickets and bring food from home
Plan your day to keep the kids away from sideshow alley and rides, that is where ALL the money just flies away. There is so much to do without it.
Check out the timetables for fun free shows. See if you can arrange to attend on the discounted days. Bring fun snacks and drinks from home. Set and stick to a budget!
Defintely take nibbles and water from home. Take advantage of all the freebies 🙂
check out and be organised of what you want to see, bring your own lunch and snacks
My money saving tip would be to bring your own food and drinks and if you do want to get showbags maybe get the kids to pick a showbag with snacks (food and drinks) in them so you hit two birds with one stone.
we always pack our own food. that way we save money and get to eat nutritious food
We take our own snacks, drinks and lunch. We park at hubby’s work and walk. We also allow our boys to take a set amount of money for showbags/sideshows so there’s no over spending. Lastly do all the free things, not only is it a money saver, but you can learn lots too!!
Pre purchase tickets and take snacks from home
Use the free lockers, this saves carrying around all of the treasures that you collect along the way.
Thank you Bank SA
Get the kids to save the pocket money up and plan their one showbag choice, one ride and one game.
Pre-purchase tickets before hand and definitely bring along snacks, even lunch if you can.
Set a budget and plan your day in advance. Only take the money that you’ve allowed for, once it’s gone, that’s it, no more spending. It’s much easier to keep track of that way. Also take your own food and drinks as that is the most expensive part.
Bring your own picnic lunch and drinks as food stalls charge like wounded bulls
Bring your own food and drink
Save up a year in advance depending on how much you want to spend there
Plan the showbag purchases BEFORE you go to the show!
We pack our own lunches & drinks to take to the show. More money then to spend on rides & attractions
With having 6 kids i always have to write all my bills, food shopping camps ect sporting events.. so i make sure it is managed and hopefully follow so i dont over spend as i always gotta make sure im in budget to have a family dinner night out..
Bring a thermos with your own coffee to save a fortune and always take any snacks and meals.
Always take your own snacks, a thermos with coffee, plan a budget and stick to it
Pre buy tickets to save on entry, look out show bag specials & enjoy the many free activities like farm yard, fireworks
Def packaged lunch and plenty of drinks are a must incl snacks xx
Prepacked food and drink. To avoid massive lines, crowds and save a lot of time and money
Bring extra drinks and snacks in case you run out of money at the Show.
Do the yellow brick road trail. It’s excellent value for money and you get to experience parts of the show that you wouldn’t usually go to or look at. Lots of yummy treats along the way!!
Our kids have piggy banks and over the year we put our loose change in and pocket money so the kids can buy what they want. We make sandwhiches and and take our own drinks.
We look through the show magazine and see what kids shows are on and what is free to have a look at 🙂
Packing snacks and limited show bags. Teach the kids to enjoy the show for not just rides and plastic toys but about family time, visiting animals, food tastings ect.
Go and walk around all the animal displays, dispise rides so I cannot go on them but the Kids have two rides and they are done. We take Lunch and water. Arrive on a full Tummy so you wont feel like all the yummy food you Smell. Don’t overstay as this causes you all to get tired and probably impulse buy like Shopping Therapy lol
We take our own lunch, and we pre- purchase tickets for the rides
I specify a number of rides or a $ value prior to arriving at the show, my daughter then chooses what or where the money is spent, when it’s gone it’s gone.
Only take how much cash you want to spend
Bring own food 🙂 then special treat at the end for sure!
Enjoy the freebies in the halls, so many things to see and try
Pack food and drinks to take. Also catching the train in, instead of driving and having to pay parking.
Please and thank you
Set a budget for rides and showbags before you go so that there are no arguments!
Try to win tickets and if that doesn’t work buy before to save on entry and rides then take your own food and drinks.
Plan ahead! We always put aside a certain amount of money, and stick to that limit on the day so we know exactly how much we’ll be spending. We usually work out how much we want to spend on showbags, food, rides etc, and once we’ve spent it, that’s it!
Pre-packaged snacks are a must, and we always make sure to enjoy the many free activities available.
Tickets are pre-purchased, and public transport utilised!
Go on the cheap days & take most of your snacks and food. Pre pick your show bags so you don’t look around for more
Go on cheaper days. Take your own water. Spend time looking at the animals.
Best way to save money / budget on the day is to pack your own lunch / snacks
Byo food is a must then you vegan have more for other things.
Do all the free stuff and learn to say NO
Go see all the free things at the show and leave the showbags to last .. pack water and lunches
Most definitely pack your own food and drinks!
Don’t play the side shows
Take food and drinks with you, we practically spend the whole time there looking at all the free stuff. My 3 year old suffers from Autism so he loves looking, touching and gets excited over the smallest things.
Feed them up before you ferry them out on public transport and no matter how hard they try, don’t let your precious little gems use their magic and get you to spend ALL your money.
Tip: grab the guide and plan what you want to see and do before you go. Stick to the free events and save yourself wandering aimlessly tempted to spend money!
Oh and go to the ATM before getting there (save yourself time in the queue!)
browse the Showgrounds first and don’t purchase anything on the first round to avoid impulse buys
My best tip is to freeze lots of water bottles & popper juice drinks..
Save’s us approx $50 & the good thing is my backpack is empty at end of day & perfect to put all our showbags in which saves our hands from carrying
Give the kids money and explain once its gone its gone. Saves you been the never ending money bags with the kids wants for everything. They need to learn to make sure they are spending it wisely and they aren’t allowed to pester once its gone and take lots of snacks to keep those rumbling tummies full
bring food and drinks from home, use public transport where possible and limit rides and show bags (depending on ages of children)
Take your own snacks and drinks
Let the kids know before you go that your on a budget and what they can and can’t have when you get there
Send someone else to get your showbags
Bring snacks from home and set a budget per person. This includes setting a budget for my hubby who loves showbags too much
Take your own snacks and water, and buy the Yellow Brick Road show bag – such great value, and it takes you all around the show!
Take your own snacks and drinks!
Always take your own food items and drinks. They can be very costly. Make sure you pre-purchase ride tickets to save money as well.
Buy the kids a Yellow Brick Road Showbag as you walk in and let them eat all the healthy snacks (like fruit and yoghurt) as they’re collected. Saves you carrying them and keeps little tummies full too.
Pre pack all our lunches and drinks as the show is very exspensive. More money for rides
Take own food, use public transport, pre-purchase tickets, stick to a budget.
Money saver is go with out the kids lol
Pre-purchase entry tickets, pre-purchase ride tokens and take food and drink with you.
I’d say take food with you, see all the free shows first and set a firm budget for anything else you want to do. Take cash with you so once it’s gone, that’s it. Easier to monitor than using eftpos.
We always take a picnic and then just have a treat as we watch the Arena events in the evening before the fireworks.
Our biggest saver is to only go every other year!
Leave buying show bags to last so you don’t have to carry them around
The best way to save money going to the show is to take a packed lunch
Do all the free activities.give the kids a limit of rides before you leave eg 3 rides each,set a limint on bag eg 2 charater bags,3 lolly bags.Take food and drink and set a budget!
We take a bottle of water and biscuits and fruit bars, coupons from magazines if we can find some. Then we try the samples on offer and the Yellow Brick Road Bag, which has fruit and a roll, mostly we snack through out the day. We also visit the Foodland stall for extra fruit and snacks.
Knowing the show is every year, get a jar for each child and put coins throughout the year in them, once full that’s their money to spend on showbags or rides, worked a treat when we were little
Pack loads of snacks, set a budget and get the kids to choose their Showbags in advance so you can zip in and out of the showbag pavilion as quick as possible!
We get our children to do chores leading up to the show that they receive pocket money for. When we go to the show we pay their entrance fee and then they are only allowed to spend what pocket money they have. It really makes them think about what they want and not waste it.
Best money saving tip would be taking your own food and drink. However who an I kidding I’d still buy a dippy dog and chips. Oh and some fairy floss. Hmmmm maybe some hot cinnamon donuts. Now I’m hungry ………..
I always take a bottle of water and snacks plus set a budget for the show the kids also have had no choice but to put their pocket money away for a few weeks so that atleast get a extra $30 or so to spend
Learn to say no is my best tip lol
We make a plan before we go of what we want to do, how many rides we can go on and choose a showbag or two so we already know how much it will cost. We also take our own food and drinks, enjoy all the free activities and samples, pre-purchase tickets and catch public transport.
Taking food and drinks and setting a budget.
Definitely the Taste SA Pavilion is the best along with the Yellow Brick Road for budget friendly ideas to have fun at the show
Go for the FREE shows!! and load up on water for the kids.
Pack food and drinks, look for ways to win / earn tickets, stick to a budget and plan out your day before you get there.
The biggest expense after the price of entry is food so I would bring lunch & drinks from home& pre-purchase tickets.
Take water, snacks and sandwiches for lunch. Work out the times for the free shows and try to win tickets
Take your own lunch and drinks, this saves you alot.
Go walking around the animals and watch the shows wood chopping, pig races ect before going down the show alley with all the rides and games. This way the children are too tired to go on many rides as all they want is rest
We havent been to a huge big show, but for our local country town show, we purchase a membership with the show society which gives entry and tickets, we also buy a book of tickets which save quite a few dollars. (when we were younger they used to put tickets in the newspaper, mum would buy a bunch and make booklets and share between my 3 siblings and i).
We agree on set limits of drink and show food, bringing home made snacks and water, and have tea slow cooking for the arrival home. Showbags thats the hardest, because i remember how much glee they brought to me and i cant bare to see those “please mummy” faces. I try to find the best value looking showbag (theres not as many lollies and stuff as i remember), therefore we get some value for money with them. There is also the limit of 2 showbags per child no more than $40. If we were to go to a big city show things would definetly change.
Let the kids have 2 show bags each. Make the most of all the free activities, there’s enough variety to keep everyone happy.
Budget Buster at the Show. Take water bottles & refill them at SA Water stand. Ensure the family have a big breakfast before going to the Show. If planning on eating at the Show choose cheaper but healthy options eg toasted cheese sandwich $2.50 & milkshake from Dairy Pavillion or go to the CWA Cafe or Red Dove Cafe for sandwiches, pies/pasties, yummy scones.
Best money saving tip will be buying the family value pack
Bring your own drinks and snacks
Take a bottle of water and fill it up as you need to 🙂
Eating before we leave for the show and taking extra food and water with us!
Buying the bank SA ride vouchers are a great saving too!
Make your own Showbag at home with food and drink treats and small toys, hat, jewlery etc to wear at the show!
Take lunch!
Eat before you go and bring your own snacks and drinks
Pre purchase ride vouchers & set that as your limit. We take a trolley for the day to make it easy to carry our own food and drinks as well as jackets etc then showbags at the end of the day but our kids have to take their own pocket money to buy these.
Instead of buying food go through the pavillions & try all the sample foods on offer.
I suggest you wander all the free activities first….this uses up the kids bouncy excited energy and wears the kids out a bit first, before hitting the rides and showbag pavillion. Gather all the free brochures and make a competition of who has the most pamphlets.
Who doesn’t love a show bag. Everything in moderation limit the number and budget of show bags and rides. Visit the free demos and animals they are fun and interesting.
Bring lunch, snack, juice and water from home.
Give the kiddies a nice big Breakfast before we go and pack small snacks.
Take lots of water and snacks. These are essential items and are very expensive at the show.
We pack lunch
Be organised, snacks and budget. Research the different things that are there and on, so you don’t get overwhelmed on what’s there and forget your budget.
Take food with you instead of buying food there
We always try to go with some friends to help split the costs, eg. car pooling to get there, sharing a picnic lunch from home and the entry prics are generally discounted for larger groups. We always save a lot this way, and it means we have a little bit more to spend on the fun stuff! It’s nice to have some moral support from other adults too!
Bring your own snacks, all the food really adds up!
Take as many provisions with you as you can- lunch, drinks, snacks. All those bits & bobs can make for a very expensive day otherwise.
Teach your children to love the animals! We attended the show from a few years old and always stayed with out uncle in the cattle/pig sheds (depended on what he was showing) and never learnt about rides and things. When the animals are the priority, life is much cheaper for parents. Also plan ahead and have the children make their own showbag which they decorate and take with them to fill with samples and freebies.!
With 4 kids we most definitely take lunch and dinner food, or it would cost a fortune to feed them all. But also we give each child an amount of money, and that is for them to decide what to spend whether it be food, showbags, rides, everything. That way they know exactly how much they have to spend and can’t ask us for extra things, then spending can never get out of control.
take snacks and take drinks packed in an insulated bag with cold packs…
I would say to visit everything that is free for the kids. And give a certain amount to each child, once its gone, its gone. Food and drink wise, do the food trail or purchase showbag that you get to collect bottled water and yummy food samples.
Plan your day, take snacks and drinks and stick to your budget ,,,
This will be my sons first toys show so I am excited to show him all the animals which I loved as a child
Take a picnic lunch and take advantage of the free shows in the arena and animal pavilions. There are showbags as cheap as $1 and ride coupons in the West Australian newspaper if you go end of the week.
My money saving tip is to make it a fun adventure to get prepared for the show day. Including creating fun packed lunches together with the children, getting fun show outfits ready for the day and having a small amount of money each to use at the show and that is for them to last the day. This is as well as pre purchasing tickets to save $
Definately yake snacks but look around before you buy showbags dont just buy the first one when you walk in…usually its the dearst 🙂
Pack sandwiches and other snacks to avoid paying inflated prices for junk food.
Take your own lunch, snacks and drinks. Will save you a heap of money. Also, if you find something you like, walk away, if you still want it an hour later, go back and get it. 9 times out of 10 you will have forgotten about it and saved some money.
Bring your own food, and eat before you go!
Pre packed food and drinks is always a way to cut cost it leaves more money for the fun and excitement to be enjoyed also look for special deals leading up to the day and look around before buying or trying something cause everything looks exciting and u don’t want to overdo it all at once space the day out
If your not a family try and buy tickets with friends who are in the same boat so you can buy a family pass which is cheaper. We always buy ride coupons from foodland, carpool where possible or catch public transport, take snacks and drinks.
BYO food and drinks
Avoid showbags altogether or even limit those purchased by the little ones!
Have a budget and stick to it. Thanks for this mmm mmm good giveaway.
Bring own food. Buy tickets in advance
We use the discount coupons for showbags and rides published in The Royal Show Guide book that you can pick up for free at Foodland. Saves us a bunch!
We go on the last day normally. There is twice the freebies and everything is going at a cheaper rate.
Have a big lunch at home then aim to get to the showgrounds about 2pm, lots of the early birds leave around then so there’s a good chance to get a free park on the street.
Pre-purchase your tickets and take your own food1
Plan your day before you go, and have your children help. That way they’re looking forward to the many free fun activities and free samples to be had. They won’t even notice you’re not spending money!
Take healthy, sustaining food from home, with a few treats added in. Sit and watch the arena activities while eating.
Bring what you can from home, walk through the pavilions and collect all the free stuff and save the show bags for last
Always come prepared. Pack lunches, drinks and treats for the family – it saves so much money. Let everyone in the family pick one show bag and one ride. You can still have a lot of fun without going over the top.
My money saving tip is to burn them out, Go here, Go there and stress them out so they have a rotten day then next time they will not be so eager to go.
check out all the free kids shows throughout the day! They wear themselves out dancing and having fun
Send the kids to the show with grandma… saves mum and dad a bundle AND gives us a whole day child free – a rare and eagerly awaited treat for the whole family (thanks grandma)!
Plan ahead what you want to see maximise all the wonderful free stuff available take snacks and water bottles I take the stroller to carry everything and the tired feet plan a budget and stick to it
Take public transport to save money and time on parking
Something I always love is Freebies
Collect heaps, also bring your own food and water as shows are so expensive, yes it will make your bag even heavier but will reduce the spending you don’t need. Take a set amount and once it’s gone it’s gone. Most of all have fun.
Bring your own lunch so then you can still have fun tasting the odd snack food without having to spend a fortune on that and lunch as well.
Take snacks for the kids. And have a plan on where and what you want to see and do, and know what showbag you are buying beforehand.
Take twice as much water than you think you will need. To buy water is expensive so carrying your own will save a lot and walking is very thirsty work.
Go at night to save money on the entry fees.
theres plenty of places to refill bottles for free water stations and pura tap stall
I always catch the train in so don’t pay for parking and always take my own snacks and drinks with me to avoid expensive prices
My tips would be to eat prior to going and take snacks, set your kids a limit of cash each and let them choose what they want to spend it on.
Definitely set a budget and discuss limits with the kids prior. That way you’re all on the same page!
Go online and look for great deals and Pre-purchase where ever possible. I know too that at our local show there are always heaps of freebies.
Eat a big meal before going so you are not overly hungry and set a budget for the showbags.
My best money saving tip is to take advantage of public transport & get the yellow brick road showbag to collect LOTS of goodies.
We always bring our own food and snacks for the kids and limit to 1 treat.
Always always always bring a water bottle for each person. Cheaper than buying and refillable
Give your kids a cash budget, once it’s out it’s out!
Bring your own water and food!! 🙂
Bring own drink and. food. Make a budget on how much and what to spend on before going:)
*Enter as many of these comps as you possibly can to hopefully take away some of the cost if you happen to win! You’ve got to be in it to win it.. And there’s so many opportunities to try win too.
*Take your own lunch/dinner, snacks & drinks. Include treats that you may normally wouldn’t have (to make it more special).
*Plan your whole day on paper. Listing all the free stuff & where they are (there’s so much to see & do for free).
*Decide how much money you’re spending on show bags & rides (purchasing ride coupons prior to the day work out to be cheaper) & list the show bags you’re planning on purchasing (so there’s no arguments or over spending on the day).
*Yellow brick road is a good one to get/do, as you end up seeing everything, plus it’s fun for the kids & great value!
It’s been said above but buy tickets/ ride coupons on advance and visit all the animals and things before you start going on rides because those ride coupons disappear FAST.
Peppa Pig!
Purchasing tickets earlier and also pre-packing lunches and just getting a few snacks for the kids while there.
Set a ride and showbag limit for each child and take advantage of all of the free exhibits.
Take your own food and drink; visit the free activities like wood chopping, farm barn, Tasting SA pavilion, crafts, animals, fashion parade and daily shows. Set a budget and only take that amount – leave cards at home so you can’t be tempted.
Tell the kids (if you have budgeted for it) that they can choose 1 showbag and 1 ride prior to attending. Take plastic bags to fill with free giveaways so that the kids can ‘make their own’ or purchase low cost items/toys and make a quality showbag at home – paper bags are cheap to purchase from places like the Reject shop.
Remember rugs and a thermos for later if staying for the fireworks.
Enter every competition you can to win tickets choose showbags before you get there and try all the free samples
Best money saving tip is to do as much free stuff as possible, select a few rides beforehand, and take drink and food with you.
Take advantage of special offers such as 2 for 1 rides ticket options.
Cadbury please
Take your own lunch for sure
Preplan your trip, what rides etc
Set a budget for each kids to spend on the show bags and rides and stick to it.
save in advance especially if you don’t want to take all the extra bags of food and drink
Take Public Transport it says, and save on parking, and buy tickets beforehand through RAA.
Then you can buy more Showbags!!
Leave the kids at home
Stick to budget and only bring that amount of cash with you once it’s gone it’s gone!
Plan the day, with everyone’s preferences, shows and allocate an amount to spend of showbags. Always take snacks in your bag.
I cut out the coupons in our paper the week before – even if it’s only for $1 off something – it all adds up! We get discounts for food, drinks, rides and sometimes reduced price entry tickets, saving us money so our family can all go and enjoy the show!
I get girls dad to take them. He and I are separated. I’m scared of TheShow. Don’t know …… crowds, rides? I save because it’s dads day!!
Pack your own snacks and water! Take advantage of free samples and the yellow Brick Road often has fruit and snacks in it too!!
Take snacks and drinks from home. Have a set budget and set limits on number of rides and showbags and take advantage of the free entertainment
Bring your own food for the day!
Have the kids carry their own backpack with food, drinks, poncho and jumper if not wearing it. Have envelopes with the kids names on it and an amount of money in the envelope, each child will feel they have a bit of control over what they are buying/spending, if they want to waist it all on food, fine, but if they would rather buy showbags and do fun stuff and carry food then its their choice.
Bring your own snacks and lunch, bring plenty of drinks and budget! Only bring what you want to spend!
I would say pre purchase tickets or go on cheap days and definitely pack your own food and water, plus looking out for vouchers in the advertiser etc for rides is always a good idea
What an awesome giveaway!!!
Bring water bottles for each member of the family and a thermos full of hot coffee !
Limit the number of rides your kids go on & let them know before you get there.
Definitely budget and make sure it’s Even between your kids. So no arguments on who has more stuff
To save on money I buy early bird specials and I also bring my own snacks and water.
Plan your day out the day before, bring the right amount of money with you and keep it in a safe place on you (not in your bag) keep your keycards at home and ask your children what they would like to do first.
always, always set a budget
Definitely take your own food and drinks since it can get quite expensive especially when u have little ones and they want to snack alot during the day
Always bring our own snacks and water bottle! Saves so much money when you’re at the show!
Best saving going to the Show is bring your own food and drinks. 🙂
Pack snacks and carry a refillable water bottle. Sent a $ value for showbags and rides.
Wicked
I didn’t think the budget would spread to Bertie Beetle Bag this year…
Definitely bring a packed lunch, snacks and drinks! Food and drink prices are astronomical at the show!
Definitely pack your own lunch/snacks/drinks. Also worth checking the internet for any vouchers/deals related to items at the show in order to save you some money. Another good thing to try and do is get there early in the day when the crowds are smaller, and during the middle of the show being run as the first few days and the last couple are usually the busiest. I also suggest public transport if available as parking can be costly.
Take your own food and drinks and write a list before you go to stop impulse buys.
Plan in advance what you’re going to see/do/spend and stick to that budget/plan – and bring your own food/snacks plus refillable drinking bottles! Take advantage of the free shows and galleries, and the Yellow Brick Road is always a good one for keeping busy on a budget!
Water bottles! Lots of walking and kids always get thirsty, so bringing your own water is a must!
Try and win tickets and take all your own food & drinks
take as many snacks as you can
I like to save money by taking home made food for lunches & have a family fun cooking day cooking the food
Go through the food halls and sample the produce before lunch so you don’t need to spend much money on food.
bring drinks and snack food from home
Definitely pack your own drink bottles. Drinks can really add up. Also get the kids to choose 1 showbag from the guide and get 1 adult to go into the showbag pavilion while the other waits with the children.
Plan, plan, plan, plan, plan – own food & drinks, 1 or 2 showbags for the kidlets, purchase tickets early online or at a local establishment, take a friend if travelling by car, leave home early if using pub transport, dont give in to temptations of buying things “just cuz”
Take a shopping cart (the ones that stand up and have 2 wheels) to cart around all the stuff you buy, so you’re not carrying it all day!
Food and snacks from home
My money saving tip is to set a budget and preplan your activities and purchases (show bags) before you get there.
Pack your own snacks and water bottles so you don’t have to purchase. Also have a chat with your partner and child before you go to the show and agree on how many show bags you will purchase so there is no tantrums or disappointments
Definitely bring your own packed lunches and snacks to keep the kids going through the day.
Take food, have a set budget for each kid and stick to it.
Plan and only buy what you need the most. Don’t bring atm card.
Take your own cold drinks and snacks to get you through the day. I still like to enjoy the shows treats for lunch but by saving on snacks and drinks it allows for more rose money!
How awesome that all the eggs go to the salvation Army.
We are only taking cash. No cards so we can’t spend anymore than necessary.
Take your own drinks and snacks, but if you do need to buy food, look for the $2.50 coon toasted sandwich and the $2 kids icecream cone in the dairy pavilion.
be organised have the children tag name and your mobile number if get lost plenty of water and foods keeps cost down more money for rides for the children
Buy things on special from the supermarket the night before the show and pack a picnic lunch
Easy one. Just bring food, drinks, snacks etc from home. Saves a fortune
Easy one. Just bring food, drinks, snacks etc from home. Saves a fortune! Also, catch the bus!
Get the kids to save their pocket money for 12 months to spend at the show, on the show bags and rides they want. Take lunch, snacks and drinks. It saves a lot of money and teaches the kids the value of money and how to spend it wisely.
buy the showbags last, save on lockers
Pack all sorts of snacks. Packets of chips, fruit and sandwiches to keep the kids going and yes eat before you go as well dont forget the picnic blanket just to relax on the grass while you snack hopefully away from food trucks that way kids are not tempted. Dont forget to have full
Have kids pick their showboat ahead and if possible one patent goes to collect whilst other takes kids through animal exhibits. Saves money, avoids indecisive kids and possible meltdowns!
Take your own snacks ans spemd most of the day away from side show alley. 🙂
bring own food drinks ice packs buy a $10 locker that you can visit all day to drop your freebies off and pick up more food and drinks you can store jumpers etc it makes it easier not to carry everything all day
Take only the amount of money you planned to spend
We love planning the day in advance using the Show Guide. So many great offers ans coupons available AND it teaches my little ladies about time, timetables and setting plans and money. (I’m a teacher, so any opportunity!)
Definitely have a plan of what you want to see in what order and get there early.
We’re from the country so we drive in so can’t save there but always have pre packed fruits and snacks for the little one. Our water bottles. Plus lots of free food samples from the stalls is a winner. We go for the animals mainly so we save on money there too. Plus we always get homemade food from CWA as it tastes the best and value for money.
Love Shopkins and Dr Seuss it was hard to choose
My tip would definitely be to take your own food. there are usually lockers where a cooler can be stored to lunch time. Not only do you save money but the food is edible
Pre-purchase tickets before hand and definitely bring along snacks, even lunch if you can. Also get the kids to save there money if they want rides or showbags, get the kids to go through the showbag book and pick out with ones they afford so when u get there they only get the ones they picked out.
Make sure kids eat before you go so you only have to take some snacks & water bottles. Use public transport to save on carparking. Set a limit on the amount of money you want to spend, get kids to pick the showbags they want beforehand & try to get them the deals of 2 for $6 etc. Make sure to utilise the free activities such as the animals & free shows.
& a must is to track down some freebie snacks in the halls, kids love food & the parents love the “free” side of things!
Pre-purchase tickets at IGA and take food / drinks from home
Definitely take your own food and drinks, saves money and you don’t have to stand in the long queues to buy something giving you more time to enjoy the free activities!
leave the kids at home- ha ha, kidding
Definitely take packed food and drinks. Have kids pick out showbag before getting therefore so you know what exactly you’re looking for
Pre purchase Entry and Ride Coupons. Bring food and set a limit for Showbags.☺️
Do the Yellow Brick Road to keep the kids busy and engaged. Take own snacks and water.
Byo water, soft drink… in case your sugar levels drop. And a few sweets. Do all the free food sampling. If you do it right, you will only need to buy the token milkshake or farmer’s union iced coffee from the Dairy Hall
I believe teaching children the value of money at an early age so saving pocket money and contributing to the costs of the show. My son will put $2 out of his money ey each week aside for the show. Packing your own lunches and enjoying the free stalls and shows aswell.
Bring drinks and snacks for kids, prepurchase tickets and only 1 show bag per child
Bring your own drink bottles of water, all that walking around makes the family thirsty and drinks at the show are expensive.
Always always pack water! And cater for every season! You don’t want to have to buy ponchos in case it rains so pack your own or umbrellas! Snacks are always packed as well!
Best way to save money on the show is… To not go at all!
pre purchase tickets we but the family for 2 adults and one child have found this cheaper then buying 3 individual tickets
RAA members get $10 discount off family tickets
My money saving tip is to take your own eats and drinks. Travel there by public Transport. Collect freebies available. Make sure to check when free shows are on and visit at that time.
Have a clear set budget prior to going whether it is a set amount of money per person or certain number of rides and showbags.
There are plenty of activities at the show that don’t cost money, animal exhibits and showing, kids corner, stage shows, main arena. One year we spent most of the day just at the main arena. Hardly spent anything! It was great!!
Bring food and drinks frI’m home and get the kids to pick a couple of show bags before you head to the show and catching the train/bus or team is a good idea.
My best money and time saving tip is to make a itinerary for the day to utilize all the free activities and performances. I always prioritize what my kids would hate to miss and work around that. Does take me a little time to work out the best plan but means we are not double backing, making impulse purchase (usually a small child wanting food) and our children know they have a time limit and budget to make decisions.
Definitely take your own snacks and steer towards the free stalls!
The 2 that I do without fail are pre-purchase our tickets and always pack our own lunch and drinks.
I find working out your showbags before you go. Take snaks and drinks and attend most of the free entertainment.
Pack your own foods and drinks – it’s healthier and cheaper. Take advantage of all the free activities – experience isn’t about how much money can be spent.
Pre plan day…. showbags picked, ride shortlist, prepurchase entry tickets and ride vouchers, pack water, snacks, lunch, extra drinks, take an extra backpack for all the freebies along the way!
Definitely bring own water bottles and favorite snacks and enjoy the armosphere
Definately go on cheaps wednesday or Thursdays before 12pm
Take cash out before you go and only spend what you have on you. Don’t be tempted to use your card.
Hope to win some free ticket to get into the show would help
Make up a list of the kids favourite things and have a budget for showbags, rides etc and stick to it, plan out the day before you go and do as many free things as you can. Ride coupons are available at Foodland
Tell the kids it’s either extras this year or entry next year.
Walk around the pavillions to score heaps of free samples. Take food and drinks and avoid showbags and purchase a ride coupon if thats your thing
Catch bus or get someone to drop you at gate, take own snacks for the hungry little kidlets. Take time to soak up all the free activities and be lucky enough to win showbag to share with family.
Save up to 30% on tickets to the Show when pre-purchasing online or buying from an RACV Shop 🙂
Eat before u go take snacks and lunch with u and if u have a pram take extra hooks for all the great showbags ur kids want
Go in lots of competitions to win tickets otherwise go on a Wednesday before 12 for
cheaper entry
My tip is to bring your own food and drink and also to set a budget and stick to it
Pre purchase tickets, take refillable water bottles , take own snacks, yellow brick road for samples, take public transport
Leave the kids behind!
My money saving tips are to eat before you go, pack drinks and make use of the free entertainment! Remind yourself and your kids it’s about the experience not just the rides and showbags. There’s plenty off FREE things for the kids to do that’ll take up time and make them enjoy themselves.
The yellow brick road bag has great foods in it that the kids can eat as you collect them. It also takes you to the dairy hall for samples and cheap toasties.
Two showbag limit for kids (saves money). They pre-choose (saves time). They get them at the end of the day on the proviso they have been well behaved and co-operative (saves your sanity).
Find a “save money” friend. You can share tips, enjoy cheap nights out and borrow from each other. Compete to see who saves the most and go to the show together to share the cost and prevent each other from excessive spending!
Get the grandparents to take them!
Only spend what you can afford
Definitely bring your own lunch and drinks from home. Also plan out your day and choose which showbags the kids want ahead of time.
Pack water!! Lots and lots of water
Pre purchase your tickets, catch the train in, bring some snacks and water, have a budget.
Pack snacks &/or lunch & some bottles of water. Staying for as long as you can & enjoying the free activities to make it feel like you’re money spent has been worth it
Buy tickets in advance
When we used to go i would always take snacks and drinks -as that gets really expensive, go on the yellow brick road and let the kids eat the things from there
The Coon stand does the best toasties, bring your own water and give the kids a budget for a showbag each. Enjoy all the free activities.
Make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen for everyone.
We take our own food. But I do add some treats so they do get something special and it helps when they see show food around
Leave the kids at home and go on your own!!!
My best advice for saving money at the show is to take advantage of the many many free attractions. For the ones that cost money, set a budget and stick to it. Take along your own food and drinks – which isn’t to say you can’t still have a treat but it will save you a lot of money if the majority of the food is brought from home. Turn it into a fun picnic at the show.
We pack our own food, purchase the BankSA ride coupons, and let the kids know prior to entering the show that they can choose 1 show bag each.
Definitely set a budget for the day… make use all of all the free activities and give aways.. also pack your own drinks and snacks… 1 show bag per child.
Bring your own food and have designated meal times so you don’t stop and snack on the show food.
Eat before you go or pack a back pack of your own food.
Love reading all the comments this will save us money as this is our first year
Packed lunch, drinks and snacks, work out all showbags before getting there and stick to it…. kids love animals so the nursery there is a great free activity, take note of all the other free things.
Set a limit to number of rides or sideshows!
Buy the Family Value Pass
leave the credit cards at home..
Pre purchase tickets, use RACV card and pack a picnic 🙂
we take $50 no key card, thats it once its gone the end
Pre purchase tickets and bring food from home
My family saves hundreds of dollars each visit to the Royal Adelaide Show by attending on the last night and stocking up on the show bag, toys and perishable items bargains to be had.
Offer the kids $50 each not to go to the show.
Kids choose 1 showbag and save their pocket money we match what they save so they can spend on rides, side show alley etc
The bank sa trail (free)
for kids that are a little older; do a with them before you go. that way they can have a plan about what they want and the cost.
The best way to save your money is pre purchase your entry tickets and set a limit on the amount spent on showbags and rides.
Travel by bus and make sure everyone is fed beforehand so only a snack is needed
Write a list before you go! The easiest ways to save money is to go with a list.. Because when you’re without one, you typically end up making impulse buys and unplanned purchases.
Bring water bottles and packs of chips with you. It will save you a lot of money when kids need a drink or snack.
Definitely pack snacks, nothing worse than constant Im hungry!!!
Best tip is to leave your wallet at home and only bring $50 and your pre paid tickets and food with you as drinks and food are expensive
Win Tickets For Entry
Take your own food and drinks .
Limit num of showbags
Or better still go on your own lol
The children (and adults) reckon the Yellow Brick Road Showbag is fun as you collect all sorts of food and drinks as you follow the trail.
Get there by public transport and take your own eats.
City rail have train and family entrance to the show deals saves parking fees.
I give my kids $30 each to spend as they like on showbags, rides or treats.
Take your own food & drinks.
I prebook tickets online for a discount, Buy a ridepass for the bonus value, Set a limit for showbags and go and get them as soon as you arrive, then pop them in a locker. Nothing extra until after rides and fun is done, then you can decide if you have extra money to spend at the end. We take our own food but i also account for a show style treat, maybe fairy floss, or a chip on a stick. I have 1 kid, he is 12, we can get by on under $100 this way, and as long as i got my Bertie Beetles, i don’t need much else. We do save on entry though as I am his carer (disability) and use my carer card for free entry for myself. Only one child ticket needed then.
Take lots of snacks and save your cash for the things you can’t get anywhere else xx
Oops, pls disregard my previous comment about the GO Generic saving tip.
With regards to a money saving tip for THE ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW, I would definitely suggest to pack a lunch box for each attendee and would only purchase a few ‘sometime food’ items at the show. I would also avoid any expensive car park near the Showgrounds along Goodwood road.
3 Years ago we won entry tickets after purchasing Sunny eggs. So the money we saved on entry, gave us extra $$ to spend inside. We also bought multiple ride tickets and let the kids choose what they wanted to go on. Rather than buying them individually. It was a great experience for all of us. I think we did the same with the show bags and of course you can’t go past the Bertie Beetle bag! What a brilliant buy and indulge.
We pre purchase tickets to save money, bring along snacks and water, purchase food at the IGA stand where it is cheaper, and use any coupons from the paper for rides at show side alley. We also take advantage of any show bag promotional offers available ( buy 3 for the price of 2 etc )
Prepare your own special snacks and drinks to take with you
Enter each and every competition to win tickets to the show to get in for free leaving you money to spend on showbags and food.
Lots mentioned above but i try save up coins each year to help pay for the Show &Samples !
Pack a bag for Lunch and munchies and drinks. Search for all the available freebies.
I give the kids $50 each and tell them thats all they can have so they spend well then halfway through the time i give them their other 50 i kept back and it works as that really is the last 50s.
Money saving tip would be to eat lunch or dinner before hand!! “Bring your own” food at least. Bring a water bottle so you can you do not need to purchase water. Go on 1 or 2 rides that are worthy and are not rip offs such as “Spooky” which is not scary and is a waste of money. Choose the show bags wisely. DO not go for the ones you can get at the super markets, check the amounts in each packaging. Budget would be under $50 at the most. KEEP your minds on the free coupons and entertainment.
xoxo have fun loves
We like to take our own food and drinks. We set a definite number of showbags, 2 each child.
BYO refillable water bottles and coffee cups, save $$ and the environment. Also bring your own snacks inc fruit and veg as you will want to balance out from the show food.
Take your own food and drinks!
We are fortunate enough that my kids grand parents give them $50 each to spend at the show. I insist that they carry their own wallet and purse so they are visually conscious of every dollar they hand over and what they have received or experienced.
I assure you that it makes them have considerable second thoughts about which treasures they buy.
Take public transport, pack a picnic lunch, decide on showbags before you go and limit rides. Participate in as many free events as possible!
We save all the gold coins we can in lead up to any event. You’ll be surprised how quick it adds up 🙂
Definetly taking your own food, snacks and drinks and finding a spot in the grand stand to relax and enjoy the horses and entertainment ☺️
Always have a budget
Don’t take anymore money than what you have budgeted to save from overspending.
Always have a budget and try and fill up before you all go also take your own drinks
BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET!!! Everything is available online and printed show guides. Plan everything down the toilet stops and lunch breaks. plan your day around popular displays and events and view them in the least popular time slots (eg. wood cutting is on more than once a day) Avoid food stalls at lunch time by eating before going and if buying food get it before the rush.
Bring food from home and catch public transport if possible or have a family member drop you off and pick you up saving money on parking.
We went yesterday and still spent a lot although we took our food, we still spent a lot. The sideshows are a bit rich but we have a 3 year old who doesnt like rides…
purchase the family value pack, great value and includes lunch, ride tokens and showboat vouchers. Also bring along drink bottles and snacks.
My tip would be to pack lunch and snacks and get a cheap locker to store it all in when you get there
Have a budget and stick to it. Make sure the kids know it also.
Stick to a budget. Choose showbags before going. Take own food/snacks. Stick to the free things to do
Plan Plan Plan!!!
Take food and drinks! Buy pre-sale tickets 🙂
Eat before we go, take plenty of water and we set each child an amount they’re allowed to spend and not go over.
Eat before you go and take some snacks and water bottles then you have more money to spend on other things
Getting the kids to choose their showbag before we go (only 1 each) and not purchasing them until the end of the day. Also take some snacks and drinks with us.
Buy the plush toys the kids want outright rather than throwing your money away in sideshow alley
Our saving tips are: pre-purchase your tickets so you save some money abd then pack your bags with drinks, lunch and lots of snacks! Things that you know your kids love and will see there like doughnuts or cotton candy, plus biscuits, cheese sticks, yogurts or chips.
And definitely put your food down with the showbags (only 1 per child/ only one for family or none!)
I always take my own snacks which saves alot of money with little ones.
Take our own lunch
I get my tickets from foodland saving me 10 dollars then we leave the car at home and get the train saving on petrol. We also per pack our food and drink so saving us heap there more for our favorite showbags and rides and last but not lease we do all the frele stuff and go half wat through the day so we spend less
Definitely bring snacks and drinks when you go and if you are going on rides, pre-purchase the $80 ride tickets!! Wear comfortable shoes is always a good idea 🙂
Set a budget before hand. And take snacks! Lots of snacks!
set a budget beforehand. And take snacks….lots of snacks!
Always leave buying the showbags til last so you not stuck carrying heaps of bags! And free samples of food are great for filling up.
My money saving tip is to bring your own lunch and drinks in a backpack. Much cheaper and yummier than show food
Always have a budget
I pull money out before going the only time I use my card is for entry.
Buy a money box and put your silver in there. Each payday put whatever coin, silver or gold into the box. It builds quickly and if you dont go to the show you can put it towards christmas or a special treat.
My money saveing tip is to take your own food and drinks. Make a budget for show bags and a strict limited bugget for the rest of the day. And never drive in
Buy tickets online not at the gate, big breakfast & im sure a 700g Slow roasted pork hock to share will suffice as lunch added in with a few snacks from home!
Definitely take your own food and don’t forget water!
Buy tickets beforehand
&
Pack food and drinks.
Take a large back pack so you don’t have to buy a carry bag or something there for all their creations end must haves. Not to mention snacks and drinks.
Only take a certain amount of cash with you and no cards so you don’t end up spending more then you planned.
Look around before committing to face painting some are charging $15 others are charging only $8, plan the day out to every minute theres alot of free activities
Small snacks from home throughout the day makes for less bloated tummies, especially if going on some rides!
My money saving tip is to visit reject shop or cheap as chips before going to the show- you can usually pick up a few small toys or items that centre around your child’s interests (maybe some cheap chocolates or lollies) and buying a cheaper lolly bag I.e a $2 Bertie beetle bag and adding the extra goodies to it. Better value for money and no one feels like they have missed out.
We always pre-purchased our tickets for the show and I pre-purchase our ride vouchers from IGA before we go. This saves our family heaps. On the day of the show we get in early and grab a free locker to store our lunch, snacks and drinks in. It all helps to keep the cost down and we always have a fantastic day out making memories to last a lifetime.
Don’t buy the first thing you see. Shop around and go back and buy something once you’ve seen what is available.
I always like to price and compare the toys and bags that the kids want. Ask the venders and compare whos cheaper and also do the same with the foid venders.
Take your own food and drinks
Give each child a set amount of money to spend. We also make an agreement that whatever money is left at the end of the day they get to keep. I find this ensures that my sons don’t spend for the sake of spending! 🙂
Take your own food from home
Best tip is to plan ahead. Research the show bags and activities. Select the ones you like (to budget) and stick to plan. Pack lots of snacks and drinks for the kids. Take advantage of all the free stuff and just have a ball!
Take a water bottle for everyone and keep them filled up. Remind the smaller kids that a treat drink will come later in the day if thats the plan
Take snacks, sandwich and drinks for the kids as they get so hungry. This cuts the costs dramatically especially for our family of seven.
Eat before you go, take a few snacks & a drink bottle then while you look through halls you can get free samples of food at some stalls to give you a little bit more energy to keep going all day.
I always pre-purchase tickets, byo food & drinks & check out all the free entertainment & animals
Pack lunch, public transport, have set limit for show bags rides etc. we promote saving towards the show so increase chores
We love the $149 family ticket. The kids get all the ride tokens and have to budget carefully, they get yellow brick road show bags as the included so we see the whole show and then they get a more expensive show bag each. They have a ball and we come out only spending $200. We take grandma to buy additional treats 😀
Workout what showbags you want before you go to add into the budget take food and drinks
My kids were never really interested in the show itself, just the showbags. We would drive to the showgrounds and sit in the car whilst my wife paid to go in, got herself a jam donut, then headed for the showbag pavilion to purchase the chosen bags. If some weren’t available, I would drop in on my way home from work, (after 6pm), tell the person at the gate my sad story on how the kids missed out, and I would get in for free, just to get the missing showbags. Those were the days *smiles*
Lol my mum’s tip for saving money at the Show was to somehow manage it so that I didn’t even know the Show existed until I was 12 years old! But every year, she used to get my sisters & I a Darrell Lea showbag to make up for not taking us! (it was the 80s, she & dad both worked full time and were up to their eyeballs in debt)
Take your own food and lots of water
Prime the kids weeks before you go. They will be so looking forward to the special picnic you’re packing they won’t want show food.
Always bring lots of water, pre purchase tickets, take some treats for the kids
Take water with you, eat before you go and make sure you add enough time to use public transport
By staying at home and watching videos of the show and of people opening showing, you save heaps!
Seriously though, one showbag in a certain price range, unless of course they want to use their own money, a few rides each, and free attractions. Eating a treat or two, not a meal. It does depend on how much there is to spend on the show available.
Plan ahead, let your kids know the limits so they don’t keep asking for more. Doing the show bags first helps so they they don’t spend all their allocated money on rides
I love these tips but I always like to buy something at the show as well – we eat before we go but I always buy popcorn or snacks, and a drink this is the fun of going I find.
Pre purchase tickets and ride coupons and give the kids a limit that is arranged before you arrive to avoid any over spend
Catching the train
Pre plan and set a budget also taking a water bottle than can be refilled is a good idea.
Only take out enough money for the day and stick to the budget. Also take food and drinks from home and pack a picnic rug and make a cool picnic out of it.
On a tight budget and would love to get my son paw patrol as he is in love with the show it’s on all day
Yellow Brick Road, refillable water bottle and the stage shows.
Last year I went on the last day and waited until the last minute for showbags, the ones on the wall go for cheap.
For a family of 4, you can do the show for under $150 by using public transport, partaking in free activities, do the yellow brick road for an entertaining tour of the show AND this includes healthy snacks! Visit the Dairy Hall and Taste SA for free food samples!
Avoid the sideshows!
Take snacks and drinks, it saves a fortune especially when the kids are always hungry!
Don’t go to the show with any of the family hungry. Take snacks that aren’t heavy, or awkward to carry around. Sort out with everyone the food or drinks you intend to buy from the show. Lastly work out how many rides and showbags you can afford on the day.
Sounds like a lot of work, and fuss, but it was so much easier than having unhappy children at the show. On a tight budget shows can create a huge hole, putting some guidelines before you go can help.
Spend time setting budget with the kids and deciding on which showbag and arcade game they’ll play.
Budget ahead, and if your kids are old enough then allocate them $$ each and make them plan what they’ll spend it on. Then eat a big meal beforehand and take snacks and plenty of water. The kids will be satisfied to check things off of their list and your wallet won’t be hit by impulse purchases!
Raise your children to be interested in crafts and animals to prevent having to even go near the rides and showbags
The yellow brick road is great to get some healthy snacks to eat in the afternoon – and what kids don’t love a treasure hunt! We also bring bottles of water for the kids as well.
Pack a picnic! That way you can save money on food and use it for other things for the children like rides and showbags!
Purchase tickets before online,
Have a good brunch,
Pack some snacks, chocolates and drinks,
Travel by bus avoid parking.
Select the free entertaining events and try planning the day.
Cater a budget and try not to carry cards or extra cash.
Set a budget and time frame.
Pack own food and drinks.
For big families set a ride/side show limit for each person.
Avoid the show bags haha
I always bring water and lots of snacks! Saves me so much money when we go!
Only take cash, leave the cards at home
Bring own food from home
Bring your own water and food. Give each kid their own money to spend they can see when it’s running out and choose the things they really want to spend it on.
If yoh can get a family pass fit one or two days that will save you heaps Pack your own food and drink as it can be very expensive for food drink and rides and games and dont forget the handsenidiser just in case there is no soap at the toilets. And just aware of your surroundings as there is alot of people.
Go later in the evening when ticket prices aren’t as much to get thru the doors.
Have a budget for each child!
Family value pack is a great buy. We used it this year and it’s good value for money.
My saving tip is taking your own drinks and food have a strict limit on how many rides and enjoy the free shows
If kids are old enough, give them a set amount of money to spend, they can choose what to buy with their own money.
– Take a packed lunch
– Pre purchase show tickets
– Limit show bag buy to just a couple
After new years and christmas save all gold coins for The Show! In a piggybank.
We give the kids a dollar amount limit rather than ‘you can have 2 showbags, 3 rides and 2 free choice items’. Because some of the showbags are $40 and I’m not spending $80 on showbags per child. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about budgeting and choosing where they spend their money and whether they really ‘need’ it.
Using show guide. Plan your day. Take your food and drink. Look for free samples. Stick to budget. Enter every contest for freebies (entry, coupons for rides or showbags. Enjoy!!!
We very rarely go to the show but when we do we budget being a single mum means not much money so I pack a small picnic and then give my boys an option of either a decent show bag or a ride.
At the end of the day if they are smiling and we are loaded up with freebies then I know I’ve done good.
some of the show bags are very good value, jump on the shows website and research the show bags as you might be surprised and actually treat yourself a show bag
What an amazing prize to win , not sure if me and my family of 6 can afford to go this year but this would be such a fabulous prize
Enter as many free competitions to try and win show related goodies…. and what the article suggests.
Get free tickets by opening a Bank SA account and pack your own food + drinks. If you can get a family member to drop you off and pick you up is a big saving on parking too.
Get a group together and take advantage of the cheaper ticket prices for groups of 10+
Take your own food
Try and plan your day so you can get in what you actually want to see and do
Definitely bring your own food and water.
GOOD HAT AND GOOD SHOES SO YO DON’T GET TIRED IN THE HEAT SO QUICKLY
Set a budget and stick to it, there are plenty of free activities to do and see at the show. Get a locker and take a bag of food and drinks, you can come and go to the locker as much as you like during the day.
What an awesome prize!
Bring plenty of food so you can all share and water, as you will save a lot.
Don’t go 🙂
Pack plenty of snacks and pack a lunch and drinks. You will save a fortune!
The best money saving tip I have is to use somebody else’s money. You can save lots this way. Go with an aunt, cousin, or even a parent. You are guaranteed to save a small fortune of your own money this way..
Definitely take your own food and drinks, and try to find free samples or activities.