32 cheap school holiday activities that get kids off screens

School holidays sound dreamy until you are a few days in and the kids are bored, restless, and asking for screens before breakfast. The break can stretch finances and patience. But keeping kids busy does not have to mean expensive outings or constant entertainment.

With a bit of creativity, you can plan a break full of outdoor adventures, simple crafts, learning moments and proper downtime, all without blowing the budget.

Here are 32 fun and affordable school holiday activities for kids, mostly screen-free, and easy to adapt to different ages.

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 autumn 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. Garden together as a team

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. Learn to snorkel

If you're near the coast, a snorkel and mask can open up a whole underwater world. A great skill and gift rolled into one.

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. Get crafty 

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

Reading and writing

15. Visit the library

Borrow books, games, and DVDs. Many libraries offer free activities like story readings during holidays.

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.

Home entertainment

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. Cook together

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. Talk about money

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

24. Declutter and organise

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. Kid-friendly cafes and pubs

Enjoy time out at venues with dedicated kids' areas, menus, and games so adults can catch up while kids are entertained.

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.

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