Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?
When they’re not glued to their screens, or moaning, “I’m bored!” they’re often expecting to spend their days doing expensive activities.
As much as we’d love to take our offspring on loads of fabulous outings, the reality is it’s expensive and most of us don’t have a limitless budget.
So if you’re looking for inspo on how to keep your kids busy AND happy these holidays, read on.
1. Go bike riding
Take your rascals for a bike ride (or scoot) and allow them to burn off all their energy. You also get some exercise, so it’s a win-win.
Visit your local council’s website to discover your nearby bike paths and set off on a cycling adventure.
2. Make a recipe
Cooking with kids. Ok, you’ll need to bring plenty of patience but sharing the kitchen with your kids is all about teaching them necessary life skills. Whip up a favourite family recipe, create a healthy lunch together, or bake a delicious treat.
It’s messy but it’s all part of the learning process and you will have fun, yes, YOU WILL.
Cooking with kids is messy but they love it.
(Getty Images)3. Explore the beach
Do you live within driving distance of the coast? Then, a day-trip to the beach is a must-do.
Take a picnic lunch to save on costs, bring a ball to kick around, and buckets and spades for sand play.
A lot of the Aussie coastline has amazing rock platforms to explore so keep your eyes peeled for sea creatures in the rock pools.
4. Build a cubby house
Is the weather keeping you cooped up indoors? Try building a cubby house.
Clear off your dining table and pull the chairs out to form a frame for your cubby. Then throw large blanket or bed sheet over the top to create some walls.
Spruce up the interiors with some cushsions and some fave toys and with any luck, your kids will be entertained for hours.
5. Visit the library
Take your kids on a bus trip to the library.
Why you ask? They are free to visit and you can encourage reading.
If you haven’t already, sign the little ones up to receive their own library card. They’ll feel very grown-up.
6. Go on a walk
One of the wonderful parts of living in Australia is that there is plenty of open spaces and areas to discover.
Visit your local council’s website to find walking tracks in your area.
Pack drink bottles, a picnic lunch, and a first-aid kit (just to be safe) and enjoy taking your curious kids on an adventure.
7. Organise a play date
Invite one or two of your child’s little buddies over for a playdate and let them create their own fun.
And playdates are even better when you get to share a cuppa (or a glass of wine, no judgement here) with the friend’s mum or dad.
Do a playground crawl around your local area and beyond!
(Getty Images)8. Go on a playground crawl
Remember, when pub crawls were totally your thing. Well, how about taking your mini-me’s on playground crawl!?
Map-out an afternoon itinerary of all the favourite local playgrounds, and set out to tick off each one.
Oh, the fun to be had!
9. Pull out the board games
Forget the Wii and the PlayStation because old-fashioned board games is where it’s at.
Sit down to play Monoplay Junior or Guess Who, or if you’re feeling limber, a few rounds of Twister will leave you and the kids feeling like you’ve just done a yoga class.
10. Camp in the backyard
Not going away over the break? Bring the holidays to your own backyard. Literally.
Set up the tent in the backyard and spend embrace the outdoorsy way of life. Make it a screen-free evening and enjoy a BBQ dinner, good conversation and just enjoy each other’s company.
You can then all bunk-down together in the tent in sleeping bags as if you’re on a family camping trip – but with the added luxuries of your own kitchen and bathroom just a few steps away!
