Entertaining the kids on a budget during school holidays is a challenge. Throw in cold and rainy weather, and the difficulty levels rise.
Finding things to do to keep the kids entertained and the ‘I’m boreds’ at a minimum when the weather is poor needn’t present too much of a challenge though. With a bit of creativity, and some thinking outside the box, there’s plenty of things to do, even if you’re stuck inside.
If you’re worried about entertaining the kids on a budget too, don’t worry, keep calm and put your wallet away. There’s a tonne of of things that can help keep your kids entertained – even in cold weather – and they don’t have to cost you a cent. We’ve shared our favourites in the gallery below.
WATCH: Jamie on the kids and cooking. Continues after video …
10 school holiday activities during winter in Australia
Head out into the rain
Embrace the rain: Cabin fever from drizzly weather? Why not don the wellies and head out into the mud? The world is an incredible place in the rain, and you never know what fun you might find on an adventure to your local park, or even your own backyard when you rug up and brave the weather. Image: Getty.
Play board games
Play board games: Whether you dust off the vintage Monopoly or go for or some of the latest games like Rubik’s Race or Tri-ominos, setting up at the dining table for a game of friendly rivalry is hours of free fun. Get the neighbourhood kids over and make it a marathon session. Image: Supplied.
Visit your local library
Visit your local library: Exploring your local library is a perfect all-weather activity, and best of all, it’s free. Load up on books to read together and you’ve covered off more than one day’s worth of entertainment in one hit! Image: Getty.
Film a reality show
Film a reality show: Got a budding dance star, or inventor, or a mini-MasterChef? Why not use a phone or tablet to create your own reality television show? From scripting, to set design, filming and editing, this is a super fun activity you can keep adding to over the whole holiday break. Image: Getty.
Cooking in the kitchen
Cooking in the kitchen: Get ready to make a little mess! Set up some batch baking activities and cook the day away making snacks and treats to get you through the rest of the holidays. Image: Getty.
Make the most of movie night
Make the most of movie night: Blankets, popcorn, comfy clothes and cuddles ahoy! Load up your favourite movies for a family movie marathon and settle in for some lounge-time bonding. Image: Getty.
Build a cubby
Build a cubby: Whether you use boxes, or pillows inside or get creative outdoors with nature, building a cubby house and setting free your imagination is hours of fun for parents and kids alike. Image: Getty.
Have a playdate
Have a playdate: Inviting a friend over to spend some time with and make long-lasting memories is a sweet way to entertain the days in the school holidays. Mix things up by inviting someone who hasn’t been for a playdate at your house before. Image: Getty.
Dress ups
Dress ups: You don’t need to spend a lot on fancy dress. Letting the kids go wild in mum and dad’s wardrobes is often enough to set off a whole raft of adventurous, imaginative play. Image: Getty.
Get crafty
Get crafty: Try making your own slime, playdough or face paint at home with everyday ingredients you’re likely to find in the kitchen cupboards. Image: Getty.
