Escape to gaol this summer and sentence yourself to some serious fun.

When summer holidays hit Adelaide, there are plenty of really great things to do in and around South Australia.

From the beaches, to the great shopping destinations, to all the rich history our state has to offer, there is stacks to see and do.

But if you’re looking for something unique for you and the kids; something which is heaps of fun, a little educational, and a lot of adventure, the Adelaide Gaol is the place to be.

One of the oldest remaining colonial public buildings in Adelaide, the gaol held approximately 300,000 prisoners during its working years.

Sometimes spooky, quite quirky and famously fascinating, the Gaol has some incredible tales to tell.

And during the school holidays, there are some amazing activities you can get involved in with the kids at the Gaol, including hatching an escape plan!

These school holidays, visit the Gaol between 10am and 4pm to learn about the people who stayed between the tall walls of the prison during its almost 150 years.

For a real adventure, take the Escape Trail and try to bust out of gaol by solving clues and hiding from guards to find your way to freedom!

On arrival, you’ll get a mugshot to become and Adelaide Gaol prisoner and then you set off on the escape trail learning about daily prison life as you go.

During its operating years, prisoners spent an average of 14 hours a day alone and ate all their meals inside their cells, but sometimes they were able to do classes and make the most of it, like one resourceful prisoner in 1983.

The inmate planned an escape, took his pyjama coat to art class and painted it to resemble an officer’s uniform. To add to his ensemble, he even created an impressive officer cap out of a biscuit box!

By taking the Adelaide Gaol Escape Trail, you could be as innovative as that prisoner, but perhaps more successful – his creative escape attempt failed.

In the early 1980s it was decided that Adelaide Gaol would close its doors and on 4 February 1988 it was officially decommissioned.

However, its rich history has been well kept between the walls, and you have an opportunity to visit, participate in activities, or you can get really spooky and book a ghost tour.

Whether you’re from South Australia or further afield, it’d be a crime not to visit the gaol and see what’s behind bars.