take advantage of water parks, cinemas, picnics, walks, beach, pool, aquarium and the pet shop. the library is great too

These school holidays I plan on getting my kids out and about experiencing the area we live. Trips to the national parks, to the beach and road trips to local areas is my plan. We live in Gippsland so am lucky we are within an hours drive of lots of areas

Depending on age, playgrounds and parks are a great idea. Cheap too if you take some food and have lunch while you’re out. Good way to spend a day. My kids are little, but a friend with older primary/high school kids lets hers choose 2 ‘big’ things (costs money like theme park, day at the movies, bowling) each and the rest of the hols they play at home, friends places etc. play dates are great for young kids. Im not much of a planner & im lucky my kids enjoy time at home playing outside, getting out old ‘forgotten’ toys, trampoline etc. Costs nothing! Check out free holiday activities in your area. Another idea is a day trip driving somewhere closeby – change of scenery, doesnt cost much and kids tired at the end of the day.

Also, find free activities at libraries and other community organisations.

Get the kids to write down their lists – they come up with good ideas.

We head to the park or beach. Play dates at home are pretty cheap and when the favour is returned, you get a child free day too! Water play with hoses/bathers at home is great fun. If you have the energy, theme days at home can be fun – try to get the kids to plan everything from clothing to food around a chosen theme – it keeps them pretty busy.

We are lucky to have parks and playgrounds close by. Tennis was good too. We live in the country so outdoors activities are prevalent. Cubby house building, creek paddling, sand pit games

I was going to say the same. My daughter is now 13 and, sadly, she can’t access so many nice activities at the library anymore.

If your children are under 12 years of age, the local libraries and museums often have a kids program for the school holidays and the activities are usually very cheap or free.