Memorable School Holidays – on a Budget!
BY: GOOD.
When school holidays roll around, many parents feel a familiar mix of excitement… and financial pressure. With the rising cost of living and fuel prices hitting hard, the idea of entertaining kids for weeks can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Meaningful, memorable school holidays don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best childhood memories come from simple, low-cost moments spent together.
Here’s how to keep the kids happy (and yourself sane) without blowing the budget.
🌿 1. Rediscover the Outdoors — It’s Free for a Reason
Nature is one of the best (and cheapest) playgrounds available.
- Visit local parks you’ve never been to before
- Pack a simple picnic — even sandwiches feel special outdoors
- Go for a family bushwalk or coastal walk
- Try “nature bingo” (spot birds, bugs, different leaves)
Kids don’t need expensive attractions — they need space to explore and your attention.
🏠 2. Create “At-Home Adventures”
You don’t need to go anywhere to make the day feel special.
Try:
- Backyard camping (tent, torches, and marshmallows if you can swing it)
- Movie afternoons with homemade popcorn – check out the GOOD ‘Screen Time… sorted’ playlist in the GOOD family channel
- Indoor obstacle courses on rainy days
- “Restaurant night” where kids help cook and set up
It’s not about perfection — it’s about shared experiences.
📚 3. Tap Into Your Local Library
Libraries are a goldmine during school holidays.
Many offer:
- Free activity sessions or workshops
- Craft days
- Storytime for younger kids
- Free books, audiobooks, and even board games
Plus, it gives kids something new without spending a cent.
🚶♀️ 4. Explore Your Own Backyard (Literally)
With fuel prices high, long drives might not be practical — but you don’t need them.
- Walk or cycle to places you usually drive
- Visit local landmarks or hidden spots
- Try a “tourist in your own suburb” day
You’ll be surprised how much there is close to home that you’ve never noticed.
🎨 5. Get Creative Without Spending Big
You don’t need fancy supplies to get creative.
Use what you already have:
- Cardboard boxes → forts, cars, cubby houses
- Old magazines → collages
- Kitchen ingredients → baking or simple science experiments
👨👩👧👦 6. Make Time the Main Event
When budgets are tight, it’s easy to feel like you’re “not doing enough.”
But kids don’t measure holidays in dollars spent — they remember:
- Laughing together
- Feeling included
- Having your full attention
Even small traditions — like a daily walk, a board game, or a shared treat — can become the moments they cherish most.
💡 7. Swap, Share, and Connect
Lean into your community:
- Organise playdates and rotate hosting
- Swap toys or books with friends
- Share lifts when outings are needed
- Plan group picnics instead of paid activities
It reduces costs and builds connection — for both kids and parents.
❤️ Final Thought
This school holiday period doesn’t have to be about spending more — it can be about slowing down.
In a time where everything feels expensive, togetherness is still free.
And years from now, your kids won’t remember what you spent — they’ll remember that you showed up, got involved, and made the time count.
GOOD‘s new ‘Screen Time… sorted’ playlist is now streaming on GOOD. Screen time… sorted! takes the stress out of school holiday viewing with a handpicked collection the whole family can enjoy. From fun, engaging kids’ favourites to uplifting stories and feel-good entertainment, this playlist is designed to keep everyone happy (and parents sane). Whether it’s a quiet afternoon indoors or a well-earned break, GOOD has your holiday viewing covered. Browse now: CLICK HERE
Feature Image: Photo by Natalia Olivera on Pexels