School holidays are upon us, which means your kids will be asking you questions like “what are we going to do today?” on repeat. While the school holidays are a welcome break for many families, they can also be chaotic. But, with a little planning, you can take the stress out of sorting out the kids’ school holiday activities and enjoy yourself these holidays. Before you start to panic, take a few moments to check out our five options on what to do during this time, ranging from free and cheap activities to fun, exciting adventures that won’t break the bank.
Go on an outdoor adventure
These school holidays are the perfect time to use the last of the warmer weather to get outside and get active. You don’t need to go scaling a mountain (though don’t let us stop you!) to have an outdoor adventure. Whether it’s visiting your local park or spending some time in nature, some fresh air and gentle exercise can do wonders for the mind and body.
There are hundreds of incredible spots around Australia to explore — even if you’re in the city! Consider taking the family on a beautiful bushwalk, hitting the beach, or exploring bike paths. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a thing! So, dust off your bike, skateboard, scooter or rollerblades and take the family for a ride.
Get crafty
Sometimes it’s easier to stay at home with the kids, especially if you’ve got a few things to catch up on around the house. Why not pitch a ‘crafternoon’ to the kids? YouTube and Netflix make getting crafty together more accessible than ever before, even if you’re just a beginner yourself. Find a video of something your kids have always wanted to make and get started. Other creative and fun school holiday activities at home can include dressing up as superheroes, painting a masterpiece or building a birdhouse out of popsicle sticks (that one is a bit harder). You’ll all feel a sense of achievement when their creation has come to life, plus you’ve taught them a brand new skill – that’s a win-win!
Once you’ve landed on a project together, it’s time to get the supplies. Riot Art & Craft is your one-stop-shop for kids’ painting, drawing, sewing, craft and modelling supplies. And as a bonus, if you sign up for their weekly newsletter, you get 10% off. If you’re stuck on project ideas, why not check out the Riot Art & Craft Kids Super Sale for some inspiration?
Visit a museum or an art gallery
If you’re looking for school holiday activities that are a bit educational and a whole heapa’ fun this one is for you. Museums, galleries, and zoos are great places to take the kids for a fun day out while also teaching them something new. Not only are they engaging, but they are also are great value for money (or sometimes free for kids under 12) and usually take up most of the day.
Museums are fantastic for teaching kids all about natural history, science, and each state’s multiculturalism, while the art galleries are perfect for kids with creative flare. Many museums have exhibits designed just for the kids, such as the Australian Museum’s Dino Lab where kids can discover what it’s like to be a real paleontologist.
For those little animals, the zoo is a place to learn and realise the importance of environmental awareness. Standout zoos and wildlife sanctuaries in Australia include Taronga Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the always popular Sea Life Aquariums.
Book an experience
Book a quality experience that your kids will love. Shopa Docket offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences, attractions and activities in Australia and New Zealand at discounted prices. It’s the destination where you can pick from over 3,000 awesome things to do with your kids in one easy place. Whether you’re after theme park tickets, wildlife sanctuary tickets, zoo and aquarium passes, or simply want to enjoy a scenic flight over the Blue Mountains, there’s something for every family. With just one click of a button, you can keep boredom at bay and the kids busy these school holidays.
10 family-friendly places to visit:
- Taronga Zoo
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sea Life Aquariums
- Sea World
- Dreamworld
- Australian Maritime Museum
- Wet’n’Wild
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- Movie World
- Puffing Billy
Can’t find what you’re looking for? You can also find more fun activities and entertainment at discounted prices in your local area on the Shopa Docket Website, the perfect school holiday activities for kids and adults alike!.
Hit the road
You might be lucky enough to be travelling interstate (or inner state) during the school break. If so, you’re probably already planning your itinerary, but in case you need a few new activities to add to the list, we have some suggestions for some great things to do on the East Coast.
NSW: School Holiday Activities Sydney – Taronga Zoo
Let’s be honest, all kids love animals—and there is no better place to see them than at Taronga Zoo. It’s got over 4,000 animals, including lions, giraffes, and ring-tailed lemurs. This Easter break, it’s also home to two adorable red panda cub twins! You won’t want to miss it. And don’t forget with Shopa Docket you can save with Taronga Zoo discount tickets.
QLD: School Holiday Activities Gold Coast – Dreamworld
Buckle up for some fun! The kids will love spending a day at a theme park. Dreamworld Gold Coast offers a variety of attractions, including rides, shows and animal encounters. You can even choose to stay overnight in one of their spacious rooms! If you’re visiting more than once a year, there’s always the option of purchasing annual Dreamworld passes for less than what it would cost to visit just once every year!
Special Value for Money Offer: Embrace your inner child with a visit to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World AND SkyPoint Observation Deck for 6 months – but only pay the same price as a 3 day pass!
VIC: School Holiday Activities Melbourne – Sea Life Aquarium
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne is the perfect place to take your little ones if they’re into the ocean. You’ll get an up-close and personal look at sharks, rays, fish from Australia and abroad, and more. With over 10,000 different species of fish in the aquarium, you could spend hours here without seeing everything. For the very little kiddies, you can join Peppa Pig on her Aquarium Adventure at Seal Life Melbourne these school holidays. Visit between 1 April and 20 May to meet Peppa and snap a “pig-ture”. Remember you can save on your Sea Life Melbourne tickets through Shopa Docket.
These are just a few of the hundreds of great local holiday activities you and your children can enjoy. There are plenty of challenges and attractions to suit all ages, tastes and budgets – the only problem is deciding which one to do first!
