Serina Bird: How to have family fun on a budget
School holidays inevitably mean kids will get bored at home. It’s easy to give into digital babysitting but there are ways to keep your kids engaged without it costing a fortune.
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“I’m bored, mum.” These words are as common on school holidays as “Are we there, yet?” is on a road trip.
School holidays inevitably mean kids will get bored at home. It’s easy to give into digital babysitting but there are ways to keep your kids engaged without it costing a fortune.
Of course, kids like expensive and fancy things such as theme parks and movies. I like these, too! But thinking back on my childhood, what mattered the most was the time just to be together. I remember my nana teaching me to knit and crochet, cook fairy cakes and listen to me prattle on. Maybe that doesn’t sound like super turbocharged fun, but now that I’m a parent, it’s what I remember and treasure.
Here is a list of some frugal family fun ideas to keep you and your family connected during the holidays.
MOVIES AT HOME
This is an oldie, yet a goodie. Choose your favourite kid-appropriate Netflix, Amazon Prime, Stan or Disney special. If you don’t have a streaming service, don’t despair.
Consider using a free trial (put it in your diary so you remember to cancel it) or purchase the individual movie or show (which can often be cheaper than a subscription).
Alternatively, go through old DVDs, pick up some cheaply at your local op shop, order from your library or ask for some through friends or on your local Buy Nothing Project group. And don’t forget free online services such as ABC Kids on iview.
Cost: Free to $15
A BACKYARD TENT
Traditionally, many families go camping during the spring school holidays. But this year, we are living in unusual times and many are opting not to travel. Celebrate the great outdoors – at home – by pitching a tent in the backyard.
Include a fire pit (with adult supervision) and marshmallows for that extra special outdoors touch. For upper primary school-aged kids, you can combine this with a sleepover to help them connect with friends from school. A few slightly scary stories can help add to the sense of fun.
Cost: Between $2-$5. (If you don’t have camping equipment, ask to borrow through your local Buy Nothing Project group)
LOCAL INSTITUTIONS
The good news is that entry to many public institutions is free, including kid-themed exhibits. Check out what your local museums, art galleries and town halls have that may be of interest to your kids. Make sure to book ahead – even if free there are limits on numbers due to COVID.
Cost: Free or small cost
GO ONLINE
For those who are still in COVID lockdown, who don’t live near an urban centre or who want to avoid the crowds, you can go online instead. As a result of #stayathome, many of our national institutions have boosted their online programs for kids. Some of my favourites are:
* Mt Stromlo Observatory: Is your child keen on outer space? If so, join the Mt Stromlo Facebook page and participate in free information sessions about the sky, the stars, satellites and even bushfires.
* Museum of Australian Democracy – On Air PlayUP! Within Old Parliament House there is an innovative kid-friendly space called PlayUP, which is aimed at promoting international human rights, including the rights of children. Every Wednesday at 1030am, PlayUp goes OnAir via Instagram and Facebook Live sessions.
* National Museum of Australia – Fun at Home: Thinking of doing some craft activities at home? The National Museum of Australia has some great online resources filled with things to watch and do.
Cost: Free
FEED THE DUCKS
When my kids were little, going to the park and feeding the ducks and black swans was one of the things they enjoyed the most. I used to use leftover bread to feed ducks – until I learnt that it is a big no-no.
Yep, bread is bad for ducks and other water animals. Not only that, but you can get fined if caught throwing bread to them. Instead, feed ducks with sweet corn kernels, peas (not frozen), oats, pieces of lettuce, seeds or specialty duck pellets.
Cost: $1 to $3
BOARD GAMES
Get the family involved with a good old-fashioned board game. Rummy is a favourite in our house, and I love how it teaches strategic problem-solving and basic maths. Uno, Monopoly, Game of Life, Scrabble are all good, and it’s amazing what you can do with a deck of cards. Be prepared for meltdowns, and judge when it is best to let little ones win.
Cost: Free
CELEBRATE SPRING WEATHER
Take your kids out and about to explore the beautiful spring weather. Get them out on bikes, walk in national parks, visit the beach or even just take a trip to the local park or shops for an ice-cream.
Cost: Free