School holidays can cause even the most level-headed parent to tear their hair out trying to keep their kids busy. Thinking of new ways to occupy children so they’re happy and healthy shouldn’t be an arduous task, but can be tough when you have a budget to keep in mind.
But you don’t need to break the bank to keep them occupied.
We’ve got ten ideas for holiday activity each under $10. We guarantee these pastimes will have them tuckered out on the couch before you can say “chocolate eggs.”
1. DIY drive in movie theatre
This is most definitely the coolest way EVER to watch a movie - too bad boxes don’t come big enough for adults!
Find some old cardboard boxes, get out the paint and brushes and let your kids design their own ‘movie house’ from which to watch their favourite movie.
2. Plant a veggie garden
Unleash your green thumbs and dig up those old gardening tools, it’s time to get dirty! Getting your kids interested in gardening is an awesome way to connect them with nature, and give them a chance to get into some, not-so-clean fun.
Whether it’s growing on the windowsill, pots on the back veranda or a plot in the backyard, gardening is a great way to share time with kids this Easter.
3. Easter baking
Baking with your kids is a fantastic way to spend quality time together. Kids love getting involved in the baking, decorating and most of all eating of the delicious recipes they helped make. Get creative with the decorations, think chickens, bunnies and anything else Easter related.
They make a perfect gift to share with friends and family too. Check out our recipes section for some ideas.
4. Jump like an Easter Bunny
Think about heading to one of your local indoor trampolining arenas, such as Flip Out.
Trampolining arenas offer the ultimate activity for the whole family, as all ages can get involved. For just $10 anyone can bounce for 30 minutes - hop to it! You could even win a family pass from us - check it out here!
5. Volunteer as a dog walker
Have you always dreamt of owning a dog but don’t have the time, money or space? Are your kids constantly nagging you to buy them a furry friend?
Head to your local animal shelter and spend an hour walking a four-legged friend. Warning: may cause warm fuzzy feelings!
6. Indoor fortress
Why not take the opportunity to re-live your childhood by helping the kids create a pirate ship, magical castle or an ancient fortress?
All you need is a room in the house you won’t mind being rearranged for a few hours, a large table or couch, plenty of blankets and pillows, and loads of imagination!
7. Easter Egg Hunt
What better way to celebrate Easter than with an Easter egg hunt?
Mix up the traditional egg hunt with the addition of clues that leads everyone in different directions around the garden. Or colour code the eggs you hide according to age so that means the two- to four-year-olds can hunt for blue eggs, while the older kids go for purple. Or have the boys hunt for green and the girls hunt for yellow.
8. Make your own play dough
Get your hands dirty and bring a smile to your kid’s faces by making your own play dough!
Let them choose the colours and you can create all kinds of weird and wacky shapes to play with.