Despite the fact it feels like we were just on holidays, the weeks have flown and the school break is almost upon us again. Which means it’s time to find things to do to keep the kids entertained and the ‘I’m boreds’ at a minimum for parents across Australia.
If you’re looking for ways to stay cool and have fun in the summer holidays, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found, and you don’t really need to spend a cent.
If you’re worried about entertaining the kids on a budget during summer, don’t worry, keep calm and put your wallet away. There are plenty of cheap things that can help keep your kids entertained and cool. We’ve shared our favourites in the gallery below.
WATCH: Jamie on the kids and cooking. Continues after video …
10 cheap school holiday activities for summer in Australia
Water play
Water play: While hitting a backyard with the hose or a sprinkler is great fun, even a small waterplay table set up on a balcony will keep kids entertained and cool in the summer holidays. Buckets, tubs, cups, colanders, water balloons, ice and sponges make great props. Remember to always supervise kids around water. Image: Getty.
Explore your local waterway
Explore your local waterway: Creek, beach, pond or river, whatever your local waterway is, you’re sure to find adventure ripe for exploring. Remember to always supervise kids around water. Image: Getty.
Backyard camping
Backyard camping: You don’t need to travel far to have an adventure. Setting up camp and spending the night in your own backyard will introduce you to a whole new world, just outside the back door! Brave the summer bugs and get camping! Image: Getty.
Cooking in the kitchen
Cooking in the kitchen: Get ready to make a little mess! Set up some batch baking activities and cook the day away making snacks and treats to get you through the rest of the holidays. Image: Getty.
Plant a veggie garden
Plant a veggie garden: From researching the right plants for your garden, to sourcing and digging it out, planting a veggie garden in your yard is not only good, cheap fun, it’s a pretty delicious too. Bring on the summer salads. Image: Getty.
Film a reality show
Film a reality show: Got a budding dance star, or inventor, or a mini-MasterChef? Why not use a phone or tablet to create your own reality television show? From scripting, to set design, filming and editing, this is a super fun activity you can keep adding to over the whole holiday break. Image: Getty.
Visit your local library
Visit your local library: Exploring your local library is a perfect all-weather activity, and best of all it’s free AND air conditioned. Load up on books to read together and you’ve covered off more than one day’s worth of entertainment in one hit! Image: Getty.
Have a playdate
Have a playdate: Inviting a friend over to spend some time with and make long-lasting memories is a sweet way to entertain the days in the school holidays. Mix things up by inviting someone who hasn’t been for a playdate at your house before. Image: Getty.
Get crafty
Get crafty: Try making your own slime, playdough or face paint at home with everyday ingredients you’re likely to find in the kitchen cupboards. Image: Getty.
Dress ups
Dress ups: You don’t need to spend a lot on fancy dress. Letting the kids go wild in mum and dad’s wardrobes is often enough to set off a whole raft of adventurous, imaginative play. Set up a stage under the clothesline and put on a summer show for the neighbours. Image: Getty.
