Photography: John Downs / Styling: Kylie Jackes
While going to a theme park, the cinema or a pantomime are all wonderful, they’re not always possible (or affordable). Most of us aren’t going to be able to do an extravagant outing every day. The good news is, there are many school holiday activities that are fun, easy and don’t involve you forking out a fortune. The hardest part is coming up with them, so here are a few ideas to fill the days ahead. We’re pretty sure you’ll adore doing them too.
1. Organise a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are an easy way to amuse kids—and unlike the relentless games of hide and seek, your job is done once the objects are hidden. You can use anything from around the house—soft toys, bouncy balls, and plastic animals can all be hidden around the house or garden for endless amusement. Once they’re bored with just looking, get them to take turns hiding the objects for each other. The best part? You can enjoy a hot coffee while they look.
2. Have a picnic at your local park
If its a nice day then having a picnic at your local park (or a new one further afield) can be a lovely way to spend the morning or afternoon. Get the kids to help you make some sandwiches or bake something sweet to bring to the picnic. You can then pack a flask of hot tea, a soft blanket to sit on and have the kids pack a couple of books and a ball to play with while you’re there.
3. Spend the morning at the library
With hundreds of books to borrow for free, the library is enjoyable and affordable outing for both parents and kids. Give the kids a tote bag and let them fill it with whatever may spike their interest as they browse the shelves. You all arrive home with a pile of new books and the guarantee of at least an hour of peace as the kids enjoy their new reads.
4. Build a fort
Building a fort is always going to be a hit with kids. If letting them rustle through your linen cupboard in search of sheets sounds less than exciting then it might be a good idea to give them a pile of pre-approved linens to use for their fort-building. You can make the task extra exciting by encouraging them to make the fort as big as they can, such as across their whole bedroom or playroom. Then, bring in pillows, books and some fairy lights to enjoy a cosy afternoon together.
5. Start a scrapbook
Creating a scrapbook is not only a really fun art activity but leaves you with something to look back on for years to come. Print a bunch of your favourite photos off your phone (print two sets of your favourite photos so that you don’t worry about the kids messing them up) and collect some stickers, card and fabric from the craft store. Sit with the kids as you all make your scrapbooks and talk about the memories they bring up.
6. Help them rearrange their room
Many children love the chance to rearrange their bedrooms into a configuration of their choosing. Try and give them the freedom to make their own decisions about where their furniture should go—even if it just stays there for the school holidays. You can also use the room rearranging session as a chance to declutter the space together.
7. Try gardening
Even if you’re not an avid gardener, teaching the kids how to plant a flower or grow a vegetable is a great skill for them to learn. You might choose to give them an area of the garden to have as their own little garden to take care of. If they’re still little, simple giving them a watering can and is a fun way to start engaging with the plants.
8. Create an art station
Instead of having to set up the arts and crafts things everytime the kids feel like drawing during the holidays, set up a temporary art station for the duration of the holidays. You can do this by laying butchers paper down over an indoor or outdoor table, and popping a bunch of arts and crafts supplies (paper, scissors, glue, paint) on the table for the kids to use. To keep them interested, consider adding some new objects to the table every few days—rocks to paint, an empty canvas and if you’re really bold, even some glitter.
9. Go on an animal walk
Just like when you go to a wildlife park and the kids carry a map and stamp animals they’ve seen, create your own animal map for your local area. Maybe you see a horse in a local paddock (or know someone with ponies, like the owners of this modern country farmhouse), notice magpies at the park and have lizards that bask on your deck. Whatever there are, create a map for the kids to stamp and go on a walk around your area.
10. Cook s’mores on a campfire
You don’t need to go away anywhere to enjoy a s’mores-making session. If you have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, toast marshmallows then sandwich them between biscuits with a piece of chocolate. Enjoy your gooey treats while watching the fire crackle (also known as a bush TV). While you’re at it, you might decide to bring set up the tent for some ‘backyard camping.’
11. Do a house swap
As the saying goes, “A change is as good as a holiday!” Plan with another family who owns somewhere you’d like to stay like this characterful Toowoomba farmhouse and do a house swap. It could be for the whole holidays or even just a night. This will take some planning and coordination but it’s a fun way to experience another neighbourhood without paying for accommodation. Agree on terms of food and housekeeping and enjoy their home as if it was your own. Your holiday can then be as extravagant or as frugal as your budget allows.
12. Have a zesty bake-off
You could make a whole day of this activity, starting with going on the hunt for juicy oranges. You might even go orange picking if there are orchards near you, or just head to your local markets, and pick up all the ingredients you need for these orange custard doughnuts. They’re fluffy, delicious and a nice change from basic kids’ cupcakes!
13. Make a wild bouquet
Hunt for foliage or flowers (whatever’s in season). The kids can display a bunch in their bedrooms or press them between pages of a book and after 10 days take them out to see how they’ve dried beautifully. You could even frame a few to put on the wall.
14. Take a drive
A good old-fashioned car trip is literally a breath of fresh air for the whole family. You don’t even need an itinerary! Set off with friends and drive in convoy to a destination – perhaps a great park or waterhole you’ve heard of. Stop plenty of times along the way and take the slow route. If going further afield, wind in and out of country towns, play ‘I Spy’ with the kids and linger under trees and in parks to soak up the daylight hours. Do nothing and everything.
15. Have a movie marathon
On those days when you’re all a bit worn out and need a bit of a ‘nothing’ day, a movie (or Bluey!) marathon is just what’s in order. Set up the living room with cosy quilts and pillows. Put on the popcorn and settle in to watch some favourites.
