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 when you’re trying not to break the bank). A trip to the movies, museum or theme park is a ripper way to spend the day, but by the time you’ve shouted tickets, food, and a souvenir (because apparently they need it), you can be looking at over $350 just for one day out – ouch!
That’s where we come in. The BCFing experts have pulled together an epic list of gear and ideas that’ll help keep the kids busy for hours and your wallet intact. Even better, our school holidays catalogue is out right now filled with epic offers, so you can snag a bargain while you’re at it!
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UNO Card Game
School holidays are made for family fun, and nothing brings the crew together like a few rounds of UNO! Whether the kids are stuck inside on a rainy day, you’re kicking back at camp after an adventure-filled outing, or maybe you’re looking for a new favourite after the kids have outgrown eye spy – this classic card game is the ultimate boredom-buster. This beauty is quick to play, easy to learn and chock-a-block with cheeky twists. It’s a game we’ve all grown up on and now it’s time to share it with the next gen. UNO guarantees laughs, friendly rivalries, and plenty of “UNO!” shouts these school holidays.
Verao Travel Backpack Toss Game
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained (and off the screens) these school holidays? The Verao Travel Backpack Bag Toss Game is just the ticket! Lightweight, portable, and super easy to set up, it’s the kind of game you can take with you just about anywhere — the park, the campground, or even the backyard. With hours of fun packed into one handy bag, the kids will be burning energy, building hand–eye coordination, and most importantly, having a blast.
Barbie Inflatable 3 in a Row Game
School holiday fun is about to blow up — literally! The Barbie Inflatable 3 In A Row Game is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained whether you’re poolside, in the backyard, or at the park. You can bring the BCFing good vibes with you everywhere! This little ripper is compact when deflated and epic when inflated. It’s quick to set up, easy to pack and guaranteed to bring out everyone’s competitive nature. With a Barbie twist and the option to play in or out of the water, it’s full of big laughs and even bigger fun for the whole family.
Cooee Range
Take the fun level to new heights these school holidays with the epic range of toys from Cooee! From high-flying discs and sky rockets to splash-tastic aqua splatterz and stunt gliders, there’s something for every little legend in this lot. Whether you’re at the park, the beach, the pool or the backyard, Cooee gear can do it all – it’s easy on the wallet too! So, if you’re looking for school holiday fun that’s easy, active, and unforgettable, just give a big “Cooee!” and let the good times roll.
Toboggan
Sick of hearing “I’m bored” coming from your favourite little peoples lips, have we got the solution for you! A BCF Toboggan guarantees hours of fun for the kids, and at under $25 how can you say no to that! Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s perfect for sliding down sand dunes at the beach, racing down grassy hills, or hitting the white stuff through winter. No matter the season this beauty is a beast and if your littlies have a need for speed – here’s how you can help them scratch that itch.
Fishing Gear
Fishing and school holidays are a match made in heaven! Whether your kids are fishing newbies or little pros, there’s nothing like wetting a line to kick off the holiday fun. All you need to do is grab the littlies, head to your local river, creek, or dam, and let the adventures begin. With a bit of bait, some fishing gear, and plenty of laughs, you’ve got hours of fun in the sun. Who knows, you might even land some dinner! The Pryml Junior Angler Spinning Combo is lightweight, durable, and perfect for little tackers, while the Plano 6101 300 Piece Family Tackle Kit has all the bits and bobs you need to reel in the fun. Don’t forget to check out our fishing checklist to make sure your school holiday adventures go off without a hitch!
If talking to someone face to face sounds more up your alley, head in store and our friendly team of fisho's will be able to sort you out with everything you need to know. Plus, as locals, you can be sure they'll have at least a few epic local fishing spots up their sleeve to share with you. You can also check out some expert tips here for our Top 7 Tips for Fishing With the Kids.
Binoculars
Here's one we know the kids will love, and at under $50 your wallet will love it too! The Ruby Lens Binoculars from Wanderer can turn any walk or trip to the park into a local wildlife safari. The kids will spend hours looking for birds, insects, or trouble! Take these beauties to the beach and you've got whale watching on a budget. The ideal choice for kids and big kids alike, made to be ultra durable so they'll handle almost anything the kids can throw at them. The rubber materials are water resistant, so are perfect for outdoor use. They come with a soft carry case that adds further protection and a handy neck strap keeping them close at hand – just what you need!
Junior OzFishers
Junior OzFishers is a club designed by our good mates over at OzFish that won't just keep the little tackers occupied but will teach them a thing or two about looking after our waterways as well. There are 10 challenges to complete ranging from writing a story about the importance of healthy fish habitat, to building a 'fish hotel' out of things lying around the house. At the completion of every challenge OzFish will send you out an exclusive pin. Join for only $15 and get your Junior OzFisher Welcome Pack delivered to your door which includes, an OzFish cap, BCF Gift card, sticker, some platypus line plus your first badge to get you started on your junior challengers. If you're looking for a great way to keep the littlies on a budget during the school holidays, it's hard to beat the Junior OzFishers Club!
You can also get your hands on a Junior OzFishers fishing shirt or donate to OzFish through the BCF website
So there you have it parents, a whole bunch of BCFing school holiday fun that will keep the kids out of trouble…and out of your hair! If you need some more ideas or hot tips, then be sure to pop into your local BCF and have a chat with our experts – they have bucket loads of knowledge and are always itching to help. And if you're heading out camping, be sure to check out our guide Family Friendly Camping Spots for the School Holidays. So get out there and enjoy the school holidays - they’ll be over before you know it!
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
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