Six budget-friendly holiday activities for families

Summer school holidays offer a break for kids, but we know economic challenges can hinder plans.

We spoke with a range of parents and caregivers to discover some budget-friendly ideas to ensure an entertaining summer for children of all ages during these Victorian school holidays.

We’ll break it down for you in our School Holiday Survival Guide, without breaking the bank!

1. Embrace nature

Encourage outdoor activities to enhance mental and physical health. Explore Victoria's abundant parklands, gardens, and accessible hiking trails. With beaches like Frankston and the allure of dinosaur footprints in Inverloch, Victoria offers diverse natural experiences.

Studies have shown that being in nature improves mood, decreases feelings of anxiety and anger, improves sleep and boosts immunity. So, entice your kid off their iPad with the promise of a packed picnic and a day in the great outdoors!

2. Enjoy Victoria’s Zoos

Discover the educational charm of zoos during school holidays. Kids enjoy free entry to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Foster and kinship carers benefit from discounted entry with the Victorian Carer Card, providing an entertaining and educational day out. All foster and kinship carers are eligible for the Victorian Carer Card, which entitles the holder to a range of benefits, from year-round concession fares on public transport to discounts on eating, shopping and recreation activities.

Every visit to the zoo is unique and allows new learning opportunities to build a child’s understanding of conservation, climate change, sustainability and biodiversity, while also promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and a greater sense of empathy and kindness.

3. Get active in your backyard

Rediscover the joy of outdoor activities in your very own backyard. From pool play to backyard cricket, summer provides an opportunity for active fun. Encourage flexibility and gross motor skills development while making the most of longer, warmer days. Just remember to be sun safe – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide!

4. Try creative at-home activities

Get creative with budget-friendly, but not boring, activities at home. Foster culinary skills with a Master Chef-inspired cooking challenge, and get your child involved from the shopping list planning through to the cleaning. Or get creative with projects like making DIY slime or playdough. Get out into the garden or wash the car together. Unleash your inner child with fort-building and enjoy downtime with a movie marathon, complete with homemade popcorn.

5. Take a day trip

Explore Victoria's wonders with scattered day trips. Whether exploring Melbourne's laneways, the Mornington Peninsula, or Geelong, local adventures offer memorable experiences – and you don’t need to go far to enjoy everything Victoria has to offer. Embrace spontaneity with your 'choose your own adventure' road or train trip.

6. Celebrate a summer of sport

Celebrate Victoria's sporting culture beyond cricket and the Australian Open. Attend unique events like Sumo Wrestling, Dragon Boat racing, or cheer on Melbourne’s very own baseball team, the Melbourne Aces, at Melbourne Ballpark.

Enjoying a fun-filled school holiday doesn't have to break the bank. The most memorable moments arise from quality time spent together, embracing new experiences and skills.

Become a foster carer and support a local child

Childhood is a journey. Partner with Berry Street to support a child or young person on theirs.

As a Berry Street foster carer, you’ll be a part of a team that is committed to supporting children and young people who cannot live safely at home.

By providing a safe and nurturing place to live – you'll be there for them at a crucial moment in their life.

*We use stock images to protect the privacy of the children, young people and families we work with.