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 worried about entertaining the kids on a budget, don’t worry, keep calm and put your wallet away. There are plenty of things that can help keep your kids entertained and they don’t have to cost you a cent. We’ve shared our favourites in the gallery below.
WATCH: Jamie on the kids and cooking. Continues after video …
11 cheap school holiday activities
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.
Make the most of movie night
Make the most of movie night: Blankets, popcorn, comfy clothes and cuddles ahoy! Load up your favourite movies for a family movie marathon and settle in for some lounge-time bonding. 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. 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.
Build a cubby
Build a cubby: Whether you use boxes, or pillows inside or get creative outdoors with nature, building a cubby house and setting free your imagination is hours of fun for parents and kids alike. 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.
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.
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! 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. Image: Getty.
Play board games
Play board games: Whether you dust off the vintage Monopoly or go or some of the latest games like Rubik’s Race or Tri-ominos, setting up at the dining table for a game of friendly rivalry is hours of free fun. Get the neighbourhood kids over and make it a marathon session. Image: Supplied.
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! Image: Getty.
