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School holiday activities: 15 free and cheap ideas for kids this autumn
Packed with budget-friendly hacks and autumn-ready school holiday activities, this guide will help Aussie parents embrace the chaos of the April school holidays without breaking the bank.
Why school holidays feel so chaotic for parents
The Australian autumn school holidays. That glorious fortnight where the leaves fall, the air cools, and your children rediscover the art of saying “I’m bored” 57 times a day. Across Australia, councils, libraries and community groups roll out school holiday programs and children’s activities designed to keep kids learning, moving and exploring the natural world. As fellow a parents, I know the struggle is real. And with Easter, ANZAC Day and a school holiday break all packed into two weeks, there’s plenty to juggle.
As a single mum, I’m well-acquainted with the pressure to create lasting memories on a budget. Whether you’re planning a family trip, staying local, or wrangling work and kids during the school break, having a plan (and snacks) is everything. That’s why I’ve pulled together my top autumn school holiday activities, plus some hands-on activities, craft activity ideas, and family-friendly activities you can try at home or through local school holiday programs, plus my personal school holiday budget, to help make your holidays feel more fun-filled and less frazzled.
Need a reminder when school is out? Here’s your updated list of school holiday dates across Australia.
15 free or cheap school holiday activities for kids
If you’re looking for school holiday activities that won’t blow the family budget, start with simple ideas that get kids moving, creating, and exploring. Many of the best school holiday boredom busters cost little or nothing. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
- Visit a national park
- Backyard camping or cubby house adventure
- Library craft sessions or story time
- Family board game championship
- Park scavenger hunt
- Bike ride or nature walk
- DIY craft day at home
- Movie night at home
- Picnic at a playground
- Visit a local museum or gallery
- Explore botanic gardens
- Wildlife park or zoo visit
- Easter baking or themed crafts
- Backyard obstacle course
- Op shop board game treasure hunt.
Plan your budget for school holidays
The secret to surviving the autumn school holiday break without accidentally buying a trampoline at full price? A school holiday budget. Whether it’s $50 or $500, knowing what you’ve got to spend will help you say yes to the fun stuff without the financial regret.
Grab MyBudget’s free Personal Budget Template to take the guesswork out of your holiday spending. It’s like a piggy bank with a plan, perfect for budget-friendly ideas that turn school holidays into something memorable.
5 Free or cheap activities for kids to stay busy and happy
Let’s kick things off with the best category of all: free or nearly free. Because outdoor activities, fresh air, and simple fun often lead to the most priceless memories.
1. Visit your local national park, day visits are free in Australia
Autumn is the perfect time for a bushy day trip. National parks offer access to hiking trails, nature playgrounds, picnic areas, and all the motor skills development opportunities kids don’t even realise they’re having. Whether you’re spotting birds, climbing towers, or just crunching leaves underfoot, it’s quality time disguised as physical activity.
Don’t forget your shopping list of snacks and audio books for the car ride, and consider public transport if your destination is nearby and accessible, it’s more eco-friendly and can be half the fun.
2. Enjoy a board games marathon, its a great free home entertainment activity
Dust off the board games and set up a family championship. Monopoly, UNO, or something more modern from your local toy library will keep everyone entertained (and maybe a little competitive). Or why not do a day trip to an op shop to find a few board games you haven’t tried yet? It’s cost-effective, great for the budget, and adds a fun twist to your collection. This is quality time and life skills in action.
3. Visit a nearby park and plan a scavenger hunt
A nearby park can become the scene of a full-blown adventure with a bit of creativity. Write up a scavenger hunt list (think: feather, red leaf, heart shaped rock), split into teams and watch your kids go full detective mode. Bonus: they’ll be so exhausted they’ll sleep like angels.
Add in a picnic and you’ve ticked the boxes for outdoor activities, fun activity and screen time reduction in one go. Parenting level: expert.
4. Try backyard camping or build a cubby house, its a free activity where your kids can have fun learning
Want a fun-filled adventure without leaving home? Set up a cubby house inside, or pitch a tent in the backyard and go camping, minus the actual campsite. Add a movie night under the stars, toast marshmallows on the BBQ, and create those wholesome, memorable experiences we all want for our kids.
5. Check out free programs at your local library
Libraries are goldmines during the Autumn School Holidays. Many run School Holiday Program events, craft activity workshops, and children’s activities for children aged 5 to 12 years. Look out for art and craft activities, book readings, STEM experiments, and interactive hands-on activities designed to keep kids busy and screen time minimal. Local libraries often advertise these school holiday programs as part of their School Holiday Guide listings and local events calendars. Many also offer indoor activity options like storytime, board games, and even fun recipe workshops, great for when the rain sets in.
Outdoor school holiday activities for families
Fresh air, open space and a bit of adventure can turn an ordinary day into one of the best school holiday activities for families. Outdoor activities are also one of the easiest ways to enjoy free family fun during school holidays in Australia. In fact, Australia’s Heart Foundation recommends children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and spending time outdoors is one of the simplest ways for kids to move more, improve their wellbeing and burn off some of that school‑holiday energy.
Budget-friendly ideas that still feel exciting
Once you’ve set your holiday budget, no matter the size… it’s time to map out your activities. Here are some ideas that’ll keep your kids busy, your wallet happy, and your mental health intact.
Book a budget-friendly movie outing
Look for budget-friendly movie experiences during the school holiday days, many cinemas offer affordable family movie day deals. Save even more by bringing your own cinema-style treat or pre-packed movie cinema popcorn.
Make it an exciting family movie day with a mid-movie snack break or turn it into a themed movie marathon at home. Popcorn optional, fun time mandatory. And if the weather permits, some botanical gardens even host moonlit outdoor cinemas, movie night under the stars, anyone?
Explore a local attraction with exotic animals
Zoos and sanctuaries like Monarto Safari Park, Taronga Zoo or Healesville Sanctuary often run special school holiday programs. These places offer a great mix of animals, outdoor activities and education that sneakily feels like fun.
Check if they have membership programs to reduce costs long term, and use public transport or carpool to save on travel.
Visit art galleries, museums or botanical gardens
If the weather’s unpredictable (hello, autumn), visit your local art galleries or museums. They often host family-friendly exhibitions and interactive exhibits over the school holidays. Botanic Gardens are beautiful for day trips or bike rides and are often free or low-cost.
DIY crafty activities at home
Pick up some supplies from your local craft shop and go wild. Tie-dye shirts, paint rocks, or create Australian coins out of cardboard, it’s all about crafty activities that are fun, hands-on, and easy to clean up (sort of). You could also make Easter baskets for an egg hunt or decorate rabbit masks. These kinds of hands-on activities and creative art workshops at home are perfect Easter holiday activities during the April school holiday break. Google is your best friend for free printable templates the kids can cut, colour, and assemble with tape or glue.
How my family budget for school holiday fun in the cooler weather
In our house, school holiday budgeting is a team effort. We have $250 for the school holiday fun fund and we make a plan together (even if my youngest’s suggestion is just “ice cream every day”).
Here’s how we’re spending it this autumn:
- $80 for a fun-filled adventure: we’re heading to a wildlife park to see some of the new baby animals
- $70 for a movie outing: budget-friendly family fun, plus we’ll BYO movie snacks
- $50 for crafty activities: art supplies, a visit to the craft shop, and some Easter-themed baking
- $50 for spontaneous fun: ice cream, bowling, or last-minute tickets to a show.
My eldest also lists unused items on Facebook Marketplace to fund little extras, like a souvenir from the zoo. Budgeting and entrepreneurial flair? That’s a proud parenting moment right there!
It’s not about the spend: it’s the time together
Some of our most cherished childhood memories come from simple moments: playing board games, jumping in puddles, or just having a laugh during a family bike ride. You don’t need a big budget to create epic memories.
Sometimes the best school holiday activities for kids are the simplest, ones that get them outdoors, engaged, and feeling connected with you. That’s what matters.
School holiday activities in your state
Many cities also publish their own School Holiday Guide listing cultural events, youth programs, fitness-themed games, and hands-on activities running throughout the April 2026 school holidays.
Looking for school holiday activities near you? Every major Australian city has fantastic low-cost attractions perfect for families. Here are some budget-friendly ideas in each capital city.
School holiday activities in Sydney
Sydney families are spoiled for choice. Spend a day exploring the Royal Botanic Garden, take a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, or visit the Australian Museum, which offers free entry for general exhibits. Parks, harbour walks and city beaches make Sydney one of the easiest places to enjoy free school holiday activities.
School holiday activities in Melbourne
Melbourne is packed with Melbourne school holiday activities and family-friendly cultural attractions. Popular spots include Melbourne Zoo, Scienceworks, the Melbourne Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Centre, and the Skyline Melbourne Ferris Wheel at District Docklands, many of which run special school holiday programs or themed Easter holiday activities. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) which often runs free exhibitions, explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, or jump on a City Circle Tram ride through the CBD for a fun and free sightseeing adventure.
School holiday activities in Brisbane
Brisbane’s warm autumn weather is perfect for outdoor family fun. Kids love the South Bank Parklands, with playgrounds, picnic areas and free swimming lagoons. You can also visit the Queensland Museum, which offers free entry to many exhibits.
School holiday activities in Perth
Perth offers beautiful outdoor spaces for family adventures. Spend a day exploring Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, or visit Cottesloe Beach for a relaxed beach day. Many local councils also run free school holiday events.
School holiday activities in Adelaide
Adelaide has plenty of affordable family attractions and seasonal children’s activities. Families often visit places like the SA Police Road Safety Centre, Woodhouse Adventure Park, or enjoy outdoor activities and youth programs during the school holidays. Walk or ride bikes around Adelaide Botanic Garden, explore the South Australian Museum, or take a nature adventure in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. Many Adelaide libraries also host free craft sessions and workshops during school holidays.
School holiday activities on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast isn’t just about theme parks. Families can enjoy Burleigh Heads National Park walks, beach picnics, or visit the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. Local markets and playgrounds also provide plenty of budget-friendly fun.
Let MyBudget help you budget for the school holiday fun, and all of life’s other expenses too
Whether it’s planning for the school holiday break or getting ahead on bills, MyBudget helps families create plans that work. We’ve helped over 130,000 Australians set up a personal budget that fits their lifestyle and goals and gives a life free from money worries.
Or call us on 1300 300 922. There’s no obligation, just a solid plan, more quality time, and a whole lot less stress.
Here’s to school holiday fun, autumn-style: less spending, more laughing, and hopefully zero meltdowns (from kids or parents). You’ve got this!
FAQs about Autumn school holiday activities
Can’t find what you’re looking for? See more FAQs…
Free school holiday activities include visiting national parks, local playgrounds, bike rides, backyard camping, scavenger hunts and library programs. Many families also enjoy simple activities like board game days, craft projects and picnics in local parks.
Planning a simple school holiday budget helps families avoid overspending. Mixing free outdoor activities with one or two paid outings such as a zoo visit or movie day can create a fun holiday without blowing the budget.
Cheap school holiday activities include visiting museums, exploring botanic gardens, attending local library programs, nature walks, playground visits and DIY craft days at home.
This article has been prepared for information purposes only, and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information in this article you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
