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7 fun holiday activities to keep the kids entertained

By Bunnings magazine /

a child in a black and white t-shirt, running through a sprinkler and enjoying summer water play outdoors
Looking for fun and in some cases free holiday activities? Our school holiday activity ideas will keep kids happy and entertained all summer long.

The long summer holiday provides a welcome breather after a busy last term and allows children (and parents) to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life - until ‘I’m bored’ breaks the spell! Our school holiday activity ideas are sure to keep kids entertained. And with warm weather inviting time outdoors, it gives kids a chance to spend their days playing and interacting in less structured ways. 

The break from term time usually means less rushing around, but coming up with ways to keep kids happily entertained for this extended stretch requires some creative thinking. Try these fun (and in some cases free) school holiday activities to fill their summer days. 

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Free school holiday activities: Water play

When it’s hot, water play works for all ages. Littlies can splash around with pots and buckets, while older kids might like to spray each other with the hose or set up a slip ‘n’ slide.

Outdoor holiday activities: Get their hands dirty

Nurture junior gardeners – let them sow fast-sprouting seeds and help you with watering the garden. Or go on a bug hunt.

Creative school holiday activity ideas: Get the kids in the kitchen

Plan and pack a picnic for the park or beach – this can help to develop their food-prep skills, which could be a good precursor to them getting their own school lunches ready!

Fun holiday activities: Go fruit picking

Fruit picking is a great way to enjoy the season’s bounty, whether it’s cherries, berries, citrus or stone fruit. Search online for ‘pick your own’ farms, then use your harvest to make a fruit salad or include in yummy baking.

Free school holiday activity ideas: Explore their creative side

Embrace their inner artist. From drawing with chalk on concrete to taking the paints out to capture a picturesque scene, encourage kids to express their creative side. 

School holiday activity ideas: Back-to-school prep

While thinking about school may not be at the top of every kid’s list of holiday activities, practical planning can help everyone feel like they are starting the new school year on the right foot. Setting up a designated homework station with a comfortable chair and desk, storage for stationery, a shelf for books and a noticeboard will make the idea of sitting down to learn or study seem less arduous. Allow them to personalise the space with picture frames, a pot plant and a lamp. Put up a wall planner in a shared space with everyone’s weekly routine, and make sure school activities are clearly marked so there are no surprises. Finally, set up good storage spaces for uniforms, school bags and shoes to help make the morning rush and after-school drop zone more manageable.

organised study space with desk and storage]

Free school holiday activities: Visit your local library

Take a trip to the local library and let them explore the wonderful world of books. During the holidays there are often kid-focused and free school holiday activities to join in with, too.

Discover free school holiday activities in your area

Explore free activities for kids in-store including Kids D.I.Y. Workshops, school holiday activities and other events the whole family can enjoy. Ask at your local store for details or head to bunnings.com.au/ kids-activities to book your spot.

Keep in mind...

  • When supervising holiday activities, ensure children are wearing appropriate sun protection and have regular water breaks.
  • For all free school holiday activities involving water play, make sure there is always adult supervision.
  • During outdoor school holiday activity ideas, keep a first-aid kit handy and ensure any equipment or tools are appropriate for your child's age.
  • Take care when selecting your pot plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets, and check their suitability for your region, as some may be classified as weeds in certain states and territories.

Looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained?

Check out these kids' games and fun D.I.Y. activities.

 

Photo credit: Adobe Stock, Sue Stubbs.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.