5 cheap or free summer holiday activities for kids in Australia

School holidays can strain the family budget, but fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

From backyard camping to free museum programs and splash parks, here are 5 cheap or free summer holiday activities for kids in Australia.

1. Go camping…in your own backyard

Summertime is the busiest holiday season in Australia, and this means that even traditionally cheaper options like campsites and cabins come at a premium (or are booked out months in advance). But this doesn’t mean your kids have to miss out on an adventure in the great outdoors.

A fun (and let’s be honest, much easier) option is to pop up a tent in your own backyard for a night of camping. You can fill up an esky with fizzy drinks, eat marshmallows, have toasties for dinner, star gaze, snuggle up in a sleeping bag and wake up at the crack of dawn to the added bonus of a warm shower and flushing toilet.

2. Head out on a public transport adventure

Not every adventure needs to come with a 3-hour road trip. Jumping on a train, bus or tram for a day of exploring is a low-cost, air conditioned and fun way to spend a hot summer’s day with the kids. Just turn a regular commute (minus the 9-5 crowds) into a scavenger hunt by making a list of interesting things to spot on the ride, and then choose a random suburb (with some cool new parks and playgrounds) to discover together.

3. Take advantage of free holiday programs

Most public institutions like libraries, museums and galleries run holiday programs for children of all ages – great options for curious kids on hot days. In Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW has enlisted artist Mike Hewson to install a thrilling underground art park called ‘The Key’s Under The Mat’, open to anyone of any age (yes, that means even Mum and Dad can get in on the fun). In Melbourne, the NGV is holding a Kids Summer event series, which includes disco parties, craft sessions and free artist-led family tours of the gallery itself.

If you want to keep things within riding or walking distance of home, check out your local council’s website for details of all the library holiday programs happening in your area. From movie days and sewing activities for teens to arts and crafts for toddlers, local libraries are a treasure trove of free and accessible activities over the summer months. Added bonus: you can kick back and read a book in air-conditioned comfort while the kids play.  

4. Avoid the crowds and cool down at a splash park

Public pools are a super accessible and affordable option on hot summer days, but they can get very crowded. As an alternative, look up your nearest splash play or open water park, pop the kids in their rash vests and hats, pack a picnic lunch and go for a cool down with a bit more breathing room (and a fraction of the stress).

There are amazing water play spaces popping up right around the country. Some popular free options include Tumbalong Park in Sydney’s Darling Harbour; Melbourne’s Booran Reserve in Glen Irra; Geelong’s Eastern Beach waterfront; Streets Beach in Brisbane; Perth’s Hyde Park water playground and Thorndon Park Reserve in Adelaide.  

5. Go to the movies…at home

A day at the movies is a great way to beat the heat and relax with the kids, but between the tickets, popcorn and tag-along friends it can add up fast. If you’re maxed out at the cinemas already, a great activity (especially for the bigger kids) is to hold a movie day at home.

Rather than popping on the TV as usual, make a day of it. Let the kids choose a film, craft some fake tickets, set up the lounge like a cinema with bean bags and cushions, and invite over some extra friends. You can cook up home-made popcorn, make lolly bags and fill up large travel cups with drinks to let the kids “order” their snack beforehand. Even the smallest details turn a usual day in front of the telly into something special.

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