School holidays can quickly get expensive and a bit overwhelming. One minute you're thinking about relaxed days at home, and the next you're staring at the calendar wondering how you'll keep everyone happy without spending a fortune.
Good news: keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to cost a lot. This post contains a mix of ideas for both parents and youngsters – practical, low-cost or free alternatives that make the break feel manageable and enjoyable for the whole family.
At-home activities
There are plenty of at-home activities that are simple to organise, low-cost, and keep kids happily engaged.
A movie day or themed marathon is an easy place to start. Choose films or shows you already have access to, whether from your own collection or a streaming platform you already have access to. Add a few cushions and snacks, and you’ve got hours of entertainment ready in minutes.
Creative projects are another great option. Use cardboard boxes to build castles or vehicles, and bring out scrap paper and markers for drawing or collages. When children can choose their own theme, they’re more likely to stay focused and enjoy the process.
Cooking or baking together can also be a simple, low-cost activity. Stick to pantry staples and have each person take on a small task. It’s an easy way to spend time together while making something to share.
For something more active, set up backyard games or a simple obstacle course. Chairs can become hurdles, ropes can be used as balance lines, and balls work well for target practice. It’s a fun way for kids to burn off energy and stay entertained.
Get outdoors
There are plenty of outdoor activities that burn energy, change up scenery, and require no spending at all.
When the weather cooperates, head out for park visits, beach days, or bike rides. Local parks have plenty of open grass for running around, beaches offer sand and waves for digging and splashing, and a bike ride along a shared path brings fresh views and a welcome shift in scene.
Nature walks or scavenger hunts add direction to the time outside. Compile a short list of stuff to spot – different leaves, bird shapes, smooth stones, or fossils in rock pools at low tide. The hunt makes sure minds stay active and transforms a simple walk into an engaging discovery session for primary kids and early teens.
Sports or games with friends multiply the fun. A casual kick of the ball or a round of tag draws in neighbours and releases loads of energy. You don’t need any special equipment, just what you already have at home.
For creative kids and quiet days
Interested in activities that work well for creative children or on quieter days when everyone needs something calmer?
Drawing, journaling, and photography challenges are perfect for such times. Give the kids a notebook for sketches or to write thoughts about the day. They can also use a phone to photograph unusual angles around the home; look through the shots together later.
Build something with what you have on hand. Building blocks, blankets draped over furniture, or cushions stacked high can turn into forts or inventions. The construction keeps hands busy sans noise or mess and lets young ones experiment freely.
Reading challenges or storytelling sessions also fit here. Set an achievable goal of finishing two chapters or pages from books on the shelf, then take turns retelling the story in your own words. It creates a gentle rhythm that stretches imaginations.
These options suit creative or reflective kids and fill the hours with purpose.
For social and active kids
Once quieter activities have run their course and the kids start looking for more energy and company, try something different.
Invite friends over for a games day. Pull out your board games or card decks and let the group rotate through them. Conversation flows naturally, plus the gathering feels like a casual get-together with no pressure.
DIY sports tournaments or challenges make the backyard a venue for friendly competition. You could time relay races, set up ball-kicking targets, or create a points system for skills. Every child participates at their level, and the structure keeps it all fun and fair.
Group activities like picnics or hanging out need only a patch of grass. Friends can bring a small item if they wish, but the focus stays on shared time and easy conversation. The format suits active personalities and strengthens bonds during the holidays.
Lively kids and those who like being around others get to let off steam and connect with friends in these activities.
Low-cost outings (if leaving the house)
Want to venture beyond the home and backyard? There are places you can go that won't break your budget.
Libraries are a reliable starting point when you want to leave the house. Many offer free children’s sessions during the holidays, along with a wide range of books and resources to borrow. It’s always worth checking your local library’s website or noticeboard to see what’s available and what’s coming up during the holidays.
Community events and local markets provide atmosphere with no entry fees. Browse the stalls, listen to live music if it’s on, or simply soak up the buzz of people enjoying the day while picking up fresh ideas for later.
Free exhibitions or public spaces give another layer of interest. Art galleries run open drop-in sessions on weekends, where reserves or lookouts let you explore views and local history at your pace, perhaps with a scavenger hunt you print before you go.
For a minimal spend, try “pick one treat” outings. Combine a single ice cream with time at the park so the focus stays on the activity.
Tips for parents
A few practical tips can help the week run more smoothly for you as parents:
- Plan a loose schedule to avoid boredom creeping in mid-morning.
- Mix structured and free time so the week feels balanced rather than rigid or empty.
- Rotate activities to keep things fresh and prevent any single activity from losing its appeal.
- Involve kids in choosing what to do. Their input reduces push-back and gives them a real stake in how the days unfold.
Small changes can make the school holidays much more manageable.
Encourage kids’ perspective
After all the activities, it’s worth giving the kids some ownership over the holidays too.
Let them pick the activity from time to time. Let them look at their options, think about what sounds good, and tell the adults.
This break offers them a chance to shape the time into something they will look back on with a smile, not as a set of rules but as open space for their own ideas. Make it feel like an opportunity, not a limitation.
School holidays can be genuinely fun and low-cost. You don’t need to spend a lot to make fantastic memories and enjoyable days.