Tags
School holidays, our kids live for them, but for parents… it can be a tough slog! Keeping the little tackers entertained for weeks on end practically feels like a full-time gig — especially if you're trying to do it on a budget.
The good news? You don't need theme park tickets, expensive day trips or a jam-packed calendar to make the school holidays a ripper. Some of the best things to do in the school holidays are the simple ones — heading to the park, wetting a line, exploring the backyard or getting the whole family together for a bit of friendly competition.
To help keep boredom at bay, we've rounded up a stack of budget-friendly school holiday ideas and kids outdoor activities that'll get them outside, away from the screens and enjoying some good old-fashioned BCFing fun.
Quick Links
Bring on the Backyard Games
You don't have to venture far to kick-start the fun. The backyard or local park can become the ultimate school holiday playground with a few simple outdoor games.
Think throwing games, frisbees, races, obstacle courses or a good old-fashioned family challenge. Split into teams, make up a few rules and let the bragging rights do the rest. It's an easy way to burn off some school holiday energy, get everyone outside and keep the whole crew entertained without overcomplicating things.
Best of all, these are the kinds of activities everyone can get involved in. Yep, Mum and Dad, that means you too.
Make a Splash
When the weather heats up, there's nothing better than adding a bit of water to the school holiday fun. Whether it's a trip to the beach, a swim at the local pool, running through the sprinkler in the backyard or kicking off a good old-fashioned water fight, there are plenty of easy ways to cool down and keep the kids entertained.
Pack the towels and the inflatables, slap on the sunscreen and make a day of it. Even something as simple as a bucket, a ball and a bit of imagination can turn a hot afternoon into hours of fun. If you're heading to the beach or pool, always keep an eye on the conditions and make sure the little legends are closely supervised around the water.
Take the Kids Fishing
When it comes to outdoor school holiday activities, fishing is right up there. Fishing with the kids is a great way to spend a few hours outdoors together, and you don't need a boat or a stack of fancy gear either. A local jetty, river, creek or dam can provide hours of entertainment – just be warned, one fish might be all it takes to get them hooked.
For younger fishos, keep it simple. Let them have a crack at casting, baiting up and winding in their own fish. For those with a little more experience, why not set them the challenge of catching one on a lure? A land-based session chasing flathead across the sand flats is a cracking place to start and can be heaps of fun for the whole fam.
If they're already hooked on fishing, Junior OzFishers from OzFish is another great way to keep the adventure going. The program gives young fishos a series of fun challenges while teaching them more about fish habitat, healthy waterways and looking after the places they love to fish.
Don't worry too much if dinner isn't sorted by the end of the day. A few bites, plenty of laughs and a couple of hours by the water is more than enough to turn an ordinary day off into a proper school holiday adventure.
Turn a Walk Into a Wildlife Adventure
Need another cheap school holiday activity? Grab the kids and head exploring. A trip to the park, bushwalk or beach can quickly turn into a mini wildlife safari when you start paying attention to what's around you.
Keep an eye out for birds, insects, animal tracks, interesting plants or anything moving out on the water. You could even make a simple checklist, throw in a pair of binoculars and see how many things the kids can spot along the way.
It's an easy way to add a bit more adventure to a day outdoors while getting the kids to slow down, look around and discover something new.
Keep a Few Rainy-Day Winners Handy
Not every school holiday day is going to be blue skies and sunshine. When the weather turns ordinary, having a few easy indoor activities up your sleeve can be an absolute lifesaver. Card games, board games, puzzles and a bit of friendly family competition are perfect for rainy afternoons, quiet nights at camp or those moments when you hear the dreaded words: "I'm bored".
Keep a few favourites tucked away in the camping kit, caravan or games cupboard and you'll always have a backup plan ready to go. Just remember, once the competition starts, all bets are off.
Get Out There and Make the Most of It
School holiday fun doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. Whether you're casting a line at the local jetty, heading to the park, spotting wildlife, setting up a few backyard games or spending a night at one of your favourite family friendly camping spots, there are stacks of ways to keep the kids entertained. Sometimes, it's those simple days that end up being the ones everyone remembers most.
So, pack the snacks, round up the little legends and get outside for some BCFing fun these school holidays. If you need a little extra inspiration, head into your local BCF and have a chat with our BCFing Experts for plenty more ideas to get the whole family outdoors.
School Holiday Q&A
What are some free school holiday activities for kids?
Local parks, beaches, walking trails, playgrounds and community spaces are great places to start. You can also check your local council, library or community centre for free school holiday activities and events happening nearby.
How can I plan a cheap school holiday day out?
Choose a free or low-cost destination, pack your own food and drinks, and bring a few activities from home. Parks, beaches, picnic areas and walking tracks can easily turn into a full day out without a big spend.
What should I pack for an outdoor school holiday day trip?
Start with water, snacks, sunscreen, hats and weather-appropriate clothing. Depending on where you're heading, insect repellent, a first aid kit, picnic rug and a change of clothes can also come in handy.
What are good school holiday activities for different age groups?
Look for activities that can be easily adapted, such as scavenger hunts, nature walks, outdoor games and family challenges. Younger kids can keep things simple, while older kids can take on harder challenges or help plan the activity.
How can I keep kids safe during outdoor school holiday activities?
Check the weather and local conditions before heading out, pack plenty of water and sun protection, and make sure activities suit the kids' ages and abilities. Around water, always follow local safety advice and supervise children closely.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
Read More