It's that time of year again: school holidays. While having the littlies at home means a reprieve from music classes, school drop-offs, and footy games, many parents find that these are replaced by an incessant schedule of budget-breaking activities. But school holidays don't have to be about spending up big at the movies or spending your own pocket-money on theme parks or other costly excursions. Here are some ideas for keeping your kids, and your wallet, happy over the holiday period.

Get out of doors, not out of sorts

Winter's not far away, so make the most of the weather while you can. Walking tracks and bike paths are invariably family-friendly, so kit yourselves out in your safety gear and get the kids rolling or strolling along the local paths. Most tracks hug nearby parks, so bring a frisbee or a flying fox—that's a ball in a long sock of fabric—to toss around. If you suspect your legs will be complaining after all this unaccustomed exercise, bring along a picnic rug and some healthy snacks, and recline for a bit before you head back home.

Thumb-sucking's a no-no, but green thumbs are a go-go

Whether you choose to blame Stephanie Alexander and her kitchen gardens, or Granny with her tasty heirloom tomatoes, there's no denying that kids are suckers for all things gardening-related. For a project that will keep the kids occupied for weeks to come, plant some herbs and vegetables in a small planter in the backyard, or even in a pot on the windowsill. Easy-to-grow veggies include anything with a bulb, as well as pumpkins, green beans, and carrots.

Find out what's cooking

Kids love making a mess, and they also love chowing down on just about anything—particularly if they've made it themselves. Pick some kid-friendly recipes and spend an afternoon getting your Masterchef on in the kitchen. Sky-high sugar content aside, no-bake slices are a good option, and it's hard to go wrong with simple eats like popcorn, pikelets, and anything involving puff pastry. Smoothies, frozen yoghurt, and icy poles are simple and fuss-free options that let you bypass the stove.

Get cultured on the cheap

Those august cultural institutions may look imposing, but their entry fees usually aren't. School holidays see your local library, museum, or art gallery alive with all sorts of fun free events, so be sure to stop by to see what's on. Don't be surprised if you find a glorious smorgasbord of exhibits, classes, and activities on offer. Try nearby produce markets, the botanical gardens, and community halls for some fun freebies, too.

Release your inner nerd

If the daily sodoku is your secret nemesis, then why not get the family in on the fun? Crossword puzzles, jigsaws, riddles, card games, and board games are things of majesty for kids of all ages, so raid the games cupboard or scour the internet for some stuff to test your Mensa potential. Just don't be surprised if the kids solve those puzzles faster than you do!

Still stuck for ideas? Well, there's always Grandma's house!

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