School Holiday Fun on a Budget

Saving your wallet and sanity in the school holidays

School Holidays seems to come with a hefty price tag these days. The expectation of holidays away or multiple day trips and adventures to ‘fun’ places can be quite stressful. Just the thought of school holidays and I feel my wallet start to sob!

As parents, we often find ourselves navigating the delicate balance between creating memorable experiences for our families and managing the costs that come with it, especially during school holidays and even more on single incomes.

This challenge is compounded in winter, with rising power bills stretching budgets further and inclement weather restricting potential adventures. However, I am here to let you know that fun and meaningful family time doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag.

Some of the most memorable moments can be found in simple, budget-friendly activities that foster togetherness and creativity. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of these winter school holidays without breaking the bank.

The Great Outdoors

Nature exploration – age old and endless! Nature is calming and can reset your mind and body. Grab your gear and explore local parks, nature reserves, or hiking trails. Nature offers endless opportunities for adventure at little to no cost. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the fresh air and make the most of the scenery especially on a cold but sunny winters day.

Alternatively, head to the beach for a dose of vitamin sea. Yes, crazy you may think but even in winter, the beach can be refreshing and invigorating, providing a change of scenery and a fun day out. Paddle your toes or dare I say jump in!

Home Comforts

• DIY Science Day. Set up simple science experiments at home using household items. You probably have some old materials around the home from the last time we were stuck at home. There are numerous ideas online for making slime, creating vinegar and baking soda reactions, or building simple circuits. These activities are fun, educational, and keep everyone engaged, perhaps grandparents can help too.
• Creative kids. Clear out that bits and bobs storage area/container and use recycled materials to create art projects at home. Make collages, paint rocks, or create sculptures out of clay. Gift them to loved ones or use them as handmade cards for upcoming birthdays.
• Chef Day. Host a family cooking day where everyone gets involved in preparing meals, setting a fancy table like a restaurant, try some new recipes or make homemade pizzas with various toppings.
• Classic Games. Play board games, card games, or outdoor games like tag or Frisbee. These create hours of entertainment plus they build team work skills.
• Movies at home. With the bonus of wearing your Oodies and Uggs, homemade popcorn and multiple films, home movie day is the best. From family favourites to classic films, you can watch ALL day. My teenagers have started making us watch all the old shoes like Madagascar, Over the Hedge and Barnyard! This is the perfect way to spend a cold winter day indoors.

Explore your Community

Check your socials for ‘events near me’ – shopping centres, play centres or local councils have great ideas plus they support local small businesses too.

Spend a day at the library exploring books, storytime sessions or event.

Are you kids animal crazy? – check out local museums, zoos, or aquariums but check online for discount vouchers or holiday specials.

Giving back is a wonderful experience and spending a few hours volunteering as a family at a local animal shelter, food bank, or community garden.

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory bands of our children

Charles R Swindoll

The key to enjoying affordable family fun lies in creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace simple pleasures. By thinking outside the box and prioritizing quality time over costly experiences, families can create cherished memories that will.

Planning out your school holidays will alleviate any stress you can use my planner here and involve the children, other families and friends into sharing the load a little these holidays.