Fun free winter school holiday activities for kids

By Gabriella Margerison · · 3 min read
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Winter school holidays have arrived, and with the cost of living on the rise, Aussie parents are on the lookout for fun activities to keep their little ones entertained without breaking the bank. 

From coast to coast, there are plenty of f free and exciting things to do during these chilly winter days. Fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, so grab your scarves and mittens, because we're about to take you on a virtual tour of free school holiday activities across the country that kids of all ages are sure to get excited about.

New South Wales:

  • Take your little ones and explore the beauty of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where kids can take part in self-guided garden quests or join free guided walks.
  • Get artsy at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which hosts free drop-in activities and workshops for children, allowing them to unleash their inner artists.
  • If you’re in the Newcastle area there’s lots of free activities at the Wallsend Library to get the kids involved in including crafts, culture and music to keep little minds busy.

Australian Capital Territory:

  • Kids can marvel at the iconic Australian landmarks in Canberra, such as Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia – all of which offer free entry and educational experiences for children.
  • Enjoy the sprawling landscapes of the National Arboretum Canberra and participate in their free school holiday activities, including nature walks and discovery quests.

Victoria:

  • Immerse yourself in the wonders of science at Museums Victoria, offering free admission for families, with interactive exhibits and educational activities.
  • Discover the vibrant street art scene in Melbourne's laneways. Take a stroll and let the little ones marvel at the colourful murals and creative expressions.

Queensland:

  • Dive into the magnificent underwater world at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Kids can enjoy the splash pad, swimming, or build sandcastles in the attached sandy play area.
  • Head to the South Bank Parklands in Brisbane, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline, take a dip in the man-made Streets Beach, or explore the Riverside Green Playground.

Western Australia:

  • Why not take the kids to visit the Perth Cultural Centre and explore the Western Australian Museum? The museum offers free entry and interactive displays that will captivate young minds.
  • Take a stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth, with its beautiful views, walking trails, and outdoor nature-based play areas.

South Australia:

  • Let your little ones unleash their imagination at the State Library of South Australia in Adelaide. The library hosts free school holiday activities, including storytelling, crafts, and workshops.
  • Embrace nature at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, where kids can explore the Children's Garden, featuring sculptures, a bamboo forest, and a kitchen garden.

Tasmania:

  • Participate in the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary's educational feeding tours, where children can interact with Australian wildlife and learn about conservation.
  • Take the kids on a scenic drive to The Nut in Stanley, a volcanic formation offering beautiful views of the coastline. Pack a picnic and have a family outing on top of this natural wonder.

Northern Territory:

  • Immerse your children in Aboriginal art and culture at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin. Admission is free, and kids can enjoy the interactive exhibits and art workshops.
  • Take a short hike in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, offering a vast collection of tropical plants and picnic spots that they are sure to tire them out.

No matter where you are in Australia, this list should provide plenty of inspiration for free and fun activities to enjoy with your children during the winter school holidays. So, get out there, make priceless memories, and embrace the joy of exploring our beautiful country.

Learn more about how you can save more on your family finances below:

4 easy cost of living tips
Some of the best smart money and budgeting apps to help you save
The myths your energy provider wants you to believe
What features to look for in a cheap home loan