Alice Springs

Alice Springs Family

Families in Alice Springs can join free library sessions, borrow toys, try inclusive riding, find school-holiday activities and connect with practical parenting or developmental support. From babies and preschoolers through to teenagers and young parents, these local services offer useful ways to play, learn and get help when it is needed.

✨ Play, learning and school-holiday activities

Alice Springs Public Library – Children and Youth Programs

Free weekly activities give younger children and their carers several ways to enjoy stories, music and play together. Preschool Storytime runs on Mondays at 10.15 am, Music and Movement on Tuesdays at 10.15 am for ages 2–5, and Baby Rhyme Time on Fridays at 10.15 am for babies and toddlers aged 0–2. Children aged 6 and over can join Lego Legends on Fridays, while weekly VR afternoons provide another option for young people. Bookings are not required for the listed early-years sessions or Lego, although some other library events have limited places. For enquiries, call 08 8950 0555 or email library@astc.nt.gov.au.

Alice Springs Town Council – School Holiday Program

During school breaks, the council runs a free program of activities at venues across Alice Springs. The published calendar sets out the suitable ages, locations and booking arrangements for each activity, making it helpful for planning days around different children’s interests. Some sessions require advance bookings, while others allow families to drop in.

Alice Springs Youth and Community Centre – Tiny Tots and Children’s Activities

Tiny Tots Play Time welcomes children aged 0–4 for free play with age-appropriate toys in the hall and gymnastics area. A parent or carer must stay with their child throughout the session. The centre lists a fee of $5 per child, with no booking required. For older children aged 5 and over, its broader activity range includes gymnastics and selected martial arts, as well as circus, lion dance and drumming.

Central Australian Community Toy Library

Families, carers and community groups can borrow toys and equipment for children from birth to about nine years, offering variety without needing to purchase every item. Standard loans are for three weeks, with one possible two-week renewal. The toy library is at Shop 16, Diarama Village in Araluen. Contact 08 8952 6720 or toylibraryalicesprings@gmail.com for membership and borrowing information.

SusuMama Multicultural Playgroup

SusuMama gives children and their parents or carers a relaxed place to play and connect. Run by Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia with Playgroup NT, it prioritises multicultural families while welcoming everyone. The playgroup is non-denominational and non-religious. Sessions are listed for Mondays and Fridays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am at the Alice Springs Youth and Community Centre, with a small fee charged per family for each session.

🌟 Inclusive activities and early-years care

Riding for the Disabled Alice Springs

At Ilparpa, RDA Alice Springs provides riding lessons and horse-husbandry activities for riders with varying abilities. Participants may include people with physical, intellectual, social-emotional or learning disabilities, as well as those experiencing disadvantage. Each rider is assessed individually so that an appropriate program can be identified. Annual registration and term riding fees apply, and eligible participants may be able to use NDIS funding. Enquiries can be directed to 0488 732 277 or office@rdaalicesprings.org.

Alice Springs Family Day Care

This community-based, not-for-profit provider arranges play-based education and care in small, home-based groups. It is an approved provider under Family Assistance Law and administers the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families. Its administration office is at Helm House, 40–42 Bath Street, Alice Springs. Families can discuss care options and availability on 08 8952 3406 or at office@asfdc.org.au.

💡 Parenting, development and family wellbeing

Larapinta Child and Family Centre

The NT Government centre works with families from pregnancy through to a child’s eighth birthday. Support covers early childhood education and development, health and wellbeing, parenting and family needs, and community and cultural engagement. Staff can also connect families with other services through referrals. The centre is in Larapinta and can be contacted on 08 8958 5180.

Alice Springs Children’s Development Team

NT Health offers free allied health therapy for eligible children from birth to 18 years in Alice Springs, remote Central Australian communities and the Barkly. Services include developmental assessment, goal-based intervention, assistance for educators and links with the NDIS or other supports. For the referral pathway, a child must have Medicare coverage and not already be on the NDIS; families may make referrals themselves. A weekly occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology drop-in does not require a referral. The team is in Building A at Flynn Drive Community Health Centre and can be reached on 08 8951 6711 or CDT.AliceSprings@nt.gov.au.

CatholicCare NT – Children and Parenting

Families can self-refer for free support, including parenting education and help in the home or through community outreach. Available options include parent education groups, peer groups for mothers and babies, primary-school parents and single fathers, plus counselling for children, young people and families. Transport to activities, playgroups and appointments may be available where offered. Contact the Alice Springs team on 08 8958 2400 or alicesprings@catholiccarent.org.au.

Relationships Australia Northern Territory – Children and Family Counselling

Counselling is available face to face in Alice Springs for children aged five and over and their families, with phone and video appointments also offered across the Territory. Families can seek support for concerns involving school, friendships, behaviour, emotions, grief, separation or other family changes. A parent or carer referring a child first talks with a counsellor about suitability; in some circumstances, young people aged 14 and over may book directly. Fees vary according to the parent’s or carer’s income.

❤ Safety, housing and intensive support

Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia

WoSSCA provides 24-hour crisis accommodation for women and their children experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence. Its outreach team offers specialist case management for women and children in Alice Springs, with outreach also serving Ti Tree, Ntaria, Yuendumu and Papunya. General contact is available on 08 8952 6075 or at ws@wossca.org.au.

Alice Springs Youth Accommodation and Support Services – Ampe Akweke House

Ampe Akweke House supports young women aged 14–23 who are pregnant or have a baby under two, cannot live with family, and are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Short- and long-term crisis accommodation is available, with the option for a female family member to stay as a support person. Outreach and case management can address parenting, housing, income, appointments, education and support networks. Contact ASYASS on 08 8953 4200 or office@asyass.org.au.

📌 Before you visit or enquire

• Check the age range: activities and support pathways vary from infant sessions to programs for older children, teenagers and young parents.
• Confirm bookings and availability: drop-in options are available, but school-holiday sessions, assessments, counselling and care placements may require prior contact.
• Ask about accessibility: discuss mobility, communication, sensory, cultural or other participation needs directly with the provider before attending.
• Check current fees and funding: some activities are free, while others charge session, registration or term fees. Eligibility conditions apply to subsidies and NDIS funding.
• Clarify supervision: some activities require a parent or carer to remain, while care and youth programs have their own participation arrangements.

🎯 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Alice Springs or the surrounding region, you are warmly invited to add your details or update your listing so local families can find accurate, useful information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on alicesprings.town.