The school holidays are here again, and for many Aussie families, it means a welcome break from rushing out the door in the mornings, taxiing kids to extracurricular activities and the endless homework and dinner routines. For kids, it’s often a much-needed mental break from school routines and an opportunity to let loose with some family fun. And while that all sounds positive, for parents, it can also mean scrambling to keep the kids entertained without emptying your wallet.
We’ve got you covered – here’s your guide to low-cost activities, free events, and family-friendly highlights that support small businesses across Australia this July.
1. Markets, family movie nights, and outdoor festivals
Public events like markets, open-air cinemas, and outdoor festivals often pop up during the school holidays, making for some affordable and fun entertainment for the whole family. They’re a great opportunity to support local vendors and soak up live music, games, face painting, and food trucks.
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- Find local events at What’s On Australia
- Search by city on Weekend Notes
- Check local Facebook groups or community noticeboards.
2. Workshops that spark creativity without costing the earth
From DIY to drama clubs, pottery workshops, and cupcake decorating sessions, there’s something for every budding artist, tech whiz, or hands-on learner. These workshops keep kids engaged during the break and help them discover new interests and build valuable skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- Find free kids’ activities at your local Bunnings.
- Check if your local Lush Australia store offers bath bomb making.
- Find out if your local drama school, art studios, or music centre offers free taster sessions.
- Sign your kids up for some crafting at a local Spotlight store,
3. Get active outdoors (or indoors!)
Encourage your kiddos to step away from the screens and head to a local nature reserve, skate park, bike park, or set off on a bushwalk. The combination of fresh air, physical activity, and unstructured play provides the perfect mental reset after a busy school term.
Wet weather? No worries! Seek out a local indoor trampoline park or climbing gym.
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- Find bushwalking and bike trails at All Trails Australia.
- Plan for any-weather action at trampoline parks like BOUNCE.
- Tackle climbing gyms like Latitude or BlocHaus.
- Search out skate parks & pump tracks through your local council’s website.
4. Holiday programs and camps
If, like many parents, you’re juggling work with childcare, holiday programs and camps have got your back. Many organisations, such as recreation centres and private providers, run full-day, half-day, and multi-day programs – from sports to crafts, games, and excursions – specifically designed to keep your kids occupied and having fun while you focus on business as usual.
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- Check the school holiday schedule at your local YMCA.
- Find your local PCYC Club in NSW or Queensland.
- Code Camp is perfect for kids keen on coding, animation, and design.
- Check out Camp Australia’s school holiday programs.
5. Teach a lifelong lesson by donating or volunteering
For those parents with a bit of time up their sleeve, the school holidays are a great opportunity to teach your kids about community and kindness. Whether it’s encouraging them to donate toys, help out at a community garden, or join a beach clean-up, there are plenty of ways to show your kids how a little generosity and empathy make a big difference to others.
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- Help at a local community garden
- Join a Clean Up Day
- Donate to a local food drive
- Get involved with Homemade Cards For Seniors Australia.
6. Local council and library events to entertain
Most local councils and libraries offer free or low-cost school holiday activities – from craft sessions and movie screenings to storytelling and tech workshops. Check your local council website or visit your library to find out what’s on these holidays:
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- City of Sydney School Holiday Activities
- Libraries Tasmania School Holiday Activities
- Queensland School Holiday Events
- Melbourne Libraries Holiday Activities
- Perth School Holiday Events
- Adelaide School Holiday Activities
- Northern Territory School Holiday Activities
7. Look forward to rainy days
Not every day needs to be jam-packed with activities and adventure! Rainy days are a great excuse to hunker down for a slower-paced, cosy, relaxed day at home. But before the sibling in-fighting begins, arm yourself with a plan – whether it’s a movie marathon, bake off, an arts and crafts session or board game championship – turn a gloomy day into one filled with old-fashioned family fun and laughter.
Planning tips for school holiday fun:
- Plan ahead with some arts and crafts
- Gather supplies for a movie marathon – popcorn, cosy blankets and all the classics.
- Collect some fun prizes for a board game tournament.
- Get the ingredients together for a bake-off or pizza night in.
Top school holiday events across Australia
From starlit skies to Disney magic, if you’re looking for more school holiday inspiration, check out these events across Australia.
🖤💛❤️ NAIDOC Week
Running from 6–13 July, NAIDOC Week combines family-friendly events, performances, art exhibitions and workshops in communities across Australia in celebration of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Entry is often free or low cost, and it’s a meaningful way for kids to learn about Indigenous heritage through traditional dance, art, bush tucker tastings, music, and more.
❄️ Winterlight festivals
Rug up and embrace the cooler months as cities and towns from Bathurst to Canberra and the Gold Coast transform into winter wonderlands with light installations, pop-up ice rinks, fire pits, food trucks, and twilight markets. Many festivals are free to enter, with tickets available for specific activities like rides or skating.
⛸️ Disney on Ice
A guaranteed crowd pleaser for younger Disney-loving kids, Disney on Ice skates through our capital cities from 27 June to 20 July. While it’s far from frugal, it’s sure to be a highlight, and if you book early, get a group together or choose an off-peak session, you’ll find some slightly more affordable ticket options.
🌌 Starry nights
Many observatories and astronomy groups around Australia host free or low-cost public stargazing nights during the winter months. Look for special family events through organisations like Sydney Observatory, Perth Observatory, or your local science centres.
🏔️ Snow day adventures
Live near the Snowy Mountains, Falls Creek or Tassie’s peaks? A snow day or overnight stay is a fun way to make winter memories. Even if you’re not skiing, there’s tobogganing, snow play, chair lift rides, or just a hot choccy by the fire. Here’s how to plan your snowy getaway.
Final tips for frugal fun
There’s no doubt about it, school holidays can be a real financial drain. But with a few simple tips and a little prep, you can ease the pain. Here’s how:
- Book ahead – early bookings for workshops and tickets can save money and guarantee you won’t miss out.
- Pack snacks – food expenses add up fast, pack snacks to save on money and avoid hangry kids.
- Bring reusable water bottles – buying water is a waste of money and plastic, so save all-around by taking your own bottles and utilising public refill stations.
- Utilise apps and websites – research your way through apps like Playground Finder or local council websites for free or low-cost, kid-friendly events and activities near you.
- Public transport for the win – in many states, off-peak or family passes can add up to big transport savings, and smaller kids often enjoy the journey more than the destination!
- Check deal sites – before you book anything, check sites like Groupon, Klook, or your local council’s site for reduced entry fees or discount codes.
- It takes a village – team up with other families to trade toys, books, or even children! It’s a great way to keep things fun, share the load, and minimise costs.
Hit pause, keep it simple and keep it local these school holidays
No matter your budget, the July school holidays are an opportunity to slow down, create memories, and explore your community. And with a bit of planning, some local know-how and clever tips, it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Tap into community events, support local businesses, and enjoy the chance to hit pause with a rainy day or two at home – you’ll keep the kids entertained and build meaningful connections right where you live. And if your current neighbourhood isn’t quite cutting it with the family-friendly lifestyle you’re after, reach out to your local First National Real Estate team. From exclusive off-market listings to tailored local advice, we’re here to help you find a community that feels like home.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.