School holidays on a budget: Clubs, pubs and malls host Sydney’s best free activities

Booze and kids’ entertainment are on the chopping block as cost of living pressures bite, new research reveals. Here’s how to keep yourself, and the kids, sane these school holidays for free.

Booze and kids’ entertainment are on the chopping block for families as cost of living pressures bite, with new research revealing the things consumers plan to cut back on next.

More than half of Aussie consumers have reported a reduction in their disposable income in the latest YouGov surveys, and 30 per cent said that income had “decreased a lot”.

Alcohol is the first discretionary spending to go, the research shows, but kids’ toys, puzzles, books and games are next on the chopping block, with 59 per cent saying they’ll spend less on entertaining the kids if high rates of inflation continue.

Budgeting expert and Sort My Money founder David Rankin was “not at all surprised” by the findings, as families of young kids struggle most to find discretionary income amid increasing utility bills, groceries, rent and mortgage repayments.

“Parents of school-aged kids are at the frontline of the cost of living crisis. It’s coming at them from all sides … and the school holidays really exemplify that,” he said.

Nate Evans, 5 gets his face painted at The Country Club in Gledswood Hills. Cost of living is seeing families scale back spending on toys, games and activities, but there's still ways to keep kids busy without spending a cent these school holidays. Picture: Damian Shaw

“Having a picnic, going to the beach, or going to the park is free, but then the problem is parents haven’t always got the time – they’re having to work to pay the bills, balancing keeping the kids sane with keeping a roof over their heads.”

For those who can take time off, free events at libraries and shopping centres “would’ve gone under the radar previously, but are becoming a crucial solution”, Mr Rankin said.

Sort My Money founder David Rankin.

Across Sydney local governments and businesses are stepping up to meet the growing market for free or cheap ways to keep kids busy these school holidays.

At the Art Gallery of NSW kids can build rock sculptures, create spider-themed artworks and draw with an artist in free workshops inspired by current exhibitions.

Parramatta Square’s council-run event space ‘PHIVE’ has staged a giant colouring-in mural along with a free ‘crafty kids corner’ running between 1pm and 4pm every day.

Local shopping precincts like Blacktown’s Westpoint have also stepped in with free sporting activities like volleyball and rugby, while pubs like Brooks in Jordan Springs are running musical bingo and cupcake-decorating sessions.

Installation of Louise Bourgeois’ 'Maman' at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The gallery is hosting a free spider-sculpting workshop for kids, inspired by its exhibition of Bourgeois’ works. Picture: Supplied/Felicity Jenkins

Western Sydney retail park Eastern Creek Quarter has co-ordinated a busy calendar of events, entertainment and workshops, including free movie screenings, science experiments, and sushi and smoothie-making workshops.

“We are experiencing very high participation among local people and those across the western Sydney region for our free outdoor movie screenings, and activities in our Kids Quarter are consistently booked out,” senior centre manager Amanda Whittle said.

“Participation has been steadily trending upwards, the waiting list for our workshops is growing, and whenever possible, we’re putting on extra sessions.”

Free movies are being screened throughout the April school holidays at the Eastern Creek Quarter shopping district in Western Sydney. Picture: Supplied

In the southwest, Campbelltown Catholic Club is running cookie decorating, slime-making and fitness clinics for little ones.

“We are just one of hundreds of clubs across the state offering free or low-cost activities and entertainment to keep kids occupied these school holidays without breaking the bank,” CEO Michael Lavorato said.

Merrylands Bowling Club will teach kids how to play lawn bowls for free today (Tuesday), while on Wednesday fans of Disney’s Frozen can meet Elsa herself at Dooley’s in Lidcombe.

Gledswood Hills Country Club is getting creative with free face painting, with siblings Harper Evans, 7, and Nate Evans, 5, getting in on the fun.

Nate Evans (5) and Harper Evans (7) pictured with their dad Morgan and mum Meagan after getting their face painted at The Country Club in Gledswood Hills. Picture: Damian Shaw

Harper and Nate’s mum Megan Morris said finding fun but frugal activities was key to keeping her kids entertained during the holidays.

“I’m always looking for fun, safe and cost effective activities for the kids,” Ms Morris said.

“We’re feeling the (cost of living) pinch, which is why it’s important to find activities that don’t cost a lot.”

Ms Morris suggested other families keep their eyes open for events in their communities.

“Have a look around your local community, there’s so many offering which are cost effective or free, and remember it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to keep your kids entertained,” she said.

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