17 Sep School Holiday Survival Guide
School holidays are a welcome change of pace — and a good chance to spend time together, try something new and break up the usual routine.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, looking for low-cost activities close to home or simply trying to keep boredom at bay, here are some easy school holiday ideas for families.
Outdoor Fun
- Plan a bike ride, scooter loop or family bushwalk
- Pack a picnic and explore a new playground or park
- Visit a botanic garden, community garden or local nature reserve
- Try a beach, lake or riverside walk
- Explore a local walking trail
- Take a night walk or stargazing trip and see what you can spot
It is also worth checking local council and community listings for free events, holiday programs and family activities.
Nature Activities at Home
You don’t have to travel far to keep children busy.
- Plant herbs, vegetables or flowers suitable for your area
- Make a simple bee or butterfly-friendly garden
- Try a backyard bird count
- Collect leaves or natural materials for craft projects
- Start a nature journal
- Give kids a magnifying glass and see what they can find in the garden
Unique Family Adventures
School holidays are a good excuse to try something the family doesn’t normally do.
- Wildlife parks and animal sanctuaries
- Scenic train rides and heritage experiences
- Treetop walks, mazes and adventure parks
- Kayaking, paddleboarding or beginner water activities
- Farm visits, fruit picking or farmers’ markets
- A day trip to a town or suburb you haven’t explored before
Look for activities that suit your children’s ages rather than trying to fill every day.
Rainy-Day Ideas
It always helps to have a few indoor backups.
- Museums, galleries and science centres
- Indoor climbing, bowling or skating
- Libraries and free council holiday programs
- Family movie days
- Indoor swimming pools
- Craft afternoons using things already at home
A rainy day can also be a good excuse for a slower day between bigger outings.
Learning Without Making It Feel Like School
School holidays don’t need to become an extension of the classroom, but there are plenty of ways children can learn while having fun.
- Cooking challenge: choose a country or cuisine and cook something new
- Photography challenge: pick a theme such as shadows, colours, animals or shapes
- Gardening project: grow something the family can eventually eat
- Map challenge: let older children help plan a walk, drive or day trip
- Library challenge: choose a new author, series or topic to explore
Relaxed and Low-Key Days
Not every holiday day needs an outing.
- Backyard camping or an outdoor movie night
- PJ day and blanket-fort building
- Family puzzle or board-game challenge
- Swap playdates with another family
- Picnic lunch in the backyard
- Make-your-own pizza or taco night
- Set up a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt
- Let everyone choose one “nothing much” day
Sometimes the best school holiday memories come from the days that weren’t heavily planned.
Keep the holidays affordable
School holiday activities can add up quickly, especially when you’re paying for several children.
Mix one or two bigger outings with free activities such as parks, beaches, libraries, walking trails, playgrounds and council events. Pack food and water where possible, look for family tickets and free-entry days, and book ahead for popular activities.
Pick your state for local school holiday ideas
For selected events, playgrounds, outdoor adventures, cinema movies and rainy-day activities near you, choose your state below:
[NSW Holiday Ideas]
[ACT Holiday Ideas]
[VIC Holiday Ideas]
[QLD Holiday Ideas]
[SA Holiday Ideas]
[WA Holiday Ideas]
