02 Jul 🌦️ School Holiday Survival Guide: Fun Ideas to Keep Kids Busy These Winter Holidays
School holidays are here—and while the promise of slower mornings and no lunchboxes is sweet, keeping kids entertained (and screen time under control!) can be a challenge, especially if the weather turns grey.
Whether you’re staying local or just looking to make the most of time together, here’s a bunch of fun, simple, and screen-free ideas to help parents and carers through the Easter break.
✂️ Got Crafty Kids?
Set up a craft corner: Dedicate a small space with paper, scissors, glue, coloured pencils, and recycled materials. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just stocked and ready for creative moments.
🔗 Need inspiration? Browse our Craft Mini-Mag for easy, fun activities.
Start a woolly scarf: Knitting is calming, confidence-boosting, and a perfect beginner project for kids of any age or gender. Bonus: it keeps little hands busy on chilly days.
🌿 Get Your Hands Dirty in the Garden
Get planting: Get ready for spring. Now is the ideal time to prep veggie patches or other garden sections ready for herbs and flowers. Let kids choose what to grow—it’s a great way to spark ownership and curiosity.
🌼 Inspire your child’s love of gardening with simple tips and family-friendly ideas.
🌳 Read one mum’s reflections on getting kids into nature, even if it’s just the backyard or a nearby park.
🚶♀️ Take a nature walk and stop by a local Street Library. Bring a book, take a book, and explore the birds, bugs, and creatures of your neighbourhood.
🔼️ Rainy Day Ideas That Don’t Feel Like Plan B
You don’t have to leave the house to have an adventure! Here a just a few online experiences are great for rainy days or quiet mornings.
⚗️ Try Scitech’s favourite slime recipes Psylliy Slime
🦡 Zoo Victoria’s Animal House – Livestream giraffes, snow leopards, penguins and more from the comfort of your lounge room.
🧶 Melbourne Museum – Explore Phar Lap, dinosaur fossils and First Peoples exhibits through interactive virtual displays.
🎨 Art Gallery of NSW – Their Together in Art series has digital exhibitions and creative activities for kids.
🌍 Google Arts & Culture – Tour global museums and landmarks like the British Museum or the Palace of Versailles—all for free.
🏎️ Create your very own moving vehicle with Scitech’s Rubber Band Cars
🎭 National Gallery of Victoria – Take a virtual tour or try an art challenge for the whole family.
🧶 Queensland Museum at home activities – Become a science explorer and see what you can find!
🌍 The South Australia Museum has lots of ideas for kids through Content for Connection
😶 “I’m Bored!” Let Them Be
Believe it or not, boredom is good for kids. It encourages imagination, self-direction, and problem-solving. Leave out some loose materials (cardboard, pencils, blocks) and let their creativity take the lead.
🎲 Bonus Pick: A Game with a Twist
Looking for a rainy-day game with a bit more meaning? Try Pandemic—a strategy board game where players work together to fight global disease outbreaks. Best suited for older kids and teens, it’s a great way to spark discussions about science, problem-solving, and teamwork.
🐣 Take the Pressure Off
School holidays don’t have to be packed with outings and activities. A few simple plans, some creative tools, and lots of downtime can go a long way in making this Easter break one to remember.
More ideas to add to your holiday toolkit:
🎥 See our winter Holiday Movie Guide
📚 Visit your local library for Easter-themed storytelling, crafts, or book clubs.
🍶 Host a backyard or balcony picnic—even in pyjamas!
🎧 Create a family podcast: give kids the mic and let them interview each other.
🎬 Stage a mini talent show or film your own movie.
🎭 Paint kindness rocks and leave them around your neighbourhood for others to find.
🌐 Try a new family recipe and turn the kitchen into a cooking class.
Got more ideas that work for your family?
Share them with us on social media—we love hearing how Aussie families make holiday magic happen!
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