32 cheap winter school holiday activities kids will actually enjoy

Winter school holidays can be a tricky balancing act. Parents often face two weeks of keeping kids entertained while trying to avoid spending a fortune on outings, movies and treats.

The good news is that memorable school holiday fun doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.

From free outdoor adventures and rainy-day activities to creative projects and family challenges, here are 32 affordable ways to keep kids busy during the July school holidays.

With the cost of outings, movies and attractions adding up quickly, choosing a mix of free and low-cost activities could save families hundreds of dollars over the winter school holidays.

Outdoor adventures

1. Go for a bike ride

Find quiet, scenic cycling trails through local council websites. Pack snacks for little tummies.

2. Have a picnic

Enjoy the winter sun by packing a picnic and heading outside - to your balcony, backyard or a local park. Invite friends or family to join you.

3. Playground hopping

Visit your favourite local playgrounds or venture further afield and find new gems.

4. Take on parkrun together

Check out your local parkrun, a free 5k where adults, kids and even dogs are welcome to run, walk or volunteer. There are more than 520 parkruns around Australia, and most start at 8am each Saturday.

5. Explore a national park

Plan a digital detox day. Pack a picnic and take the kids hiking in a nearby national park. Use online resources to find easy or moderate trails.

6. Go wildlife spotting

Visit nature reserves or national parks to see native animals and birds. Make it a fun learning experience.

7. Start a winter veggie garden

Get kids involved in watering plants, weeding, or planting flowers and vegetables. Visit a nursery together to pick out seedlings.

8. Camp out at home

Set up a tent in the backyard or go camping at a nearby site to enjoy nature without spending much.

9. Backyard games

Set up ball games like cricket, soccer, basketball, or bocce. Bring out badminton sets or play petanque.

10. Go on a winter nature scavenger hunt

Create a checklist of things to spot on a walk, such as colourful leaves, bird nests, mushrooms, wattle flowers, animal tracks or interesting tree bark. Kids can tick items off as they go and take photos of their finds.

Creative and performing arts

11. Put on a play or dance show

Encourage your kids to write a script, rehearse, and perform a play. Or let them choreograph a dance routine.

12. Art and craft days

Paint pictures, make sock puppets, try potato stamping, or create bookmarks and decorations. Try outdoor sketching or painting sessions.

13. Make a short movie

Use a smartphone and a free video editing app like iMovie, Splice or CapCut to film and edit a family production.

14. Teach your kids a new skill

Teach your kids knitting, embroidery, or woodworking. Or sign them up for a local craft workshop.

15. Visit the library

Borrow books, puzzles, games, and even camping equipment for free. Many Australian libraries also run free or low-cost winter school holiday programs, including craft sessions, workshops and story time events.

Rainy day activities

16. Start a reading challenge

Help kids find genres they enjoy - fantasy, mystery, or real-life stories. Use street libraries for free books.

17. Write stories together

Share family stories, childhood memories, or make up new tales. Write a little each day and read them together.

18. Play board games and cards

Rediscover old favourites like Monopoly, Scrabble, or chess. Learn new games with rules found online or at the library.

19. Word and puzzle games

Challenge your kids with crosswords, Boggle, Wordle, or jigsaw puzzles. Start simple and work your way up.

Learning and helping

20. Have a winter baking day

Bake a favourite treat or plan a meal from scratch, shop at a local market, prepare it together, and clean up as a team. Play MasterChef at home.

21. Volunteer as a family

Join a local volunteer group as a family. Many child-friendly causes welcome young helpers (with parents).

22. Support a cause

Choose a cause you care about-like endangered animals or the environment-and take action. Write letters to local politicians or start a small project.

23. Teach kids smart money habits

Talk about household expenses like electricity, groceries, and petrol. Let kids compare prices while shopping.

24. Declutter and make extra cash

Teach your kids Marie Kondo's "spark joy" method. Clear out old toys and clothes, and even hold a garage sale.

25. Try simple science

Conduct safe science experiments at home or visit science museums. Encourage curiosity and exploration.

Cultural and local activities

26. Museums and art galleries

Visit free exhibitions and children's programs. Permanent displays are often free, while special shows may charge.

27. Festivals and events

Look for free family-friendly events in your area-music, theatre, visual art, or cultural festivals often pop up in parks.

28. Visit an ice-skating rink

Many cities and towns host seasonal ice-skating rinks during winter. Look out for family discounts, off-peak sessions or community events.

29. Market hopping

Visit local markets for fresh produce, handmade items, or secondhand treasures. Great for learning and fun.

Ok, we know we know we said no screens, but rainy days and long drives can be made easier with mindful technology.

Technology with purpose

30. Family movie nights

Pick family movies to stream, pop some popcorn, and take turns choosing the film. Try an outdoor screening with a projector and a white sheet.

31. Listen to podcasts and audiobooks

On long drives or quiet afternoons, tune into family-friendly podcasts like Storynory, Short & Curly, or Six Minutes. Try audiobook services with free trials, or check out the Libby app for free e-books or audiobooks through your local library.

Bonus: Chill time

32. Value downtime

Let kids sleep in, stay in their PJs, or simply hang out at home. Unstructured time fosters creativity and relaxation.

Bottom line

School holidays don't have to be packed with expensive outings to be memorable. A mix of outdoor adventures, creative projects, family games and simple downtime can keep kids entertained during the July holidays while helping parents stay on budget.

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