Have the June/July school holidays snuck up on you?

If you’re scrambling to fill the activity calendar, we’re here to help!

Below are some ideas to cherry-pick, depending on your brood’s ages and interests…

Free, outdoor activities

Nature Play Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages families to get out in nature.

They have lots of great ideas on their website, including this list of things to do outside as a family. The best thing about it? Every suggestion is free. You can also read up about their long-running Nature Play Passport – a free document that children can fill out as they complete set nature-based activities.

Bushwalks are another great activity – enter “child-friendly bushwalks” and the name of the region you live in into your internet browser for inspiration. MustdoBrisbane have this list of easy walk options in south-east Queensland.

Museum of Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane (located in Brisbane’s City Hall in King George Square) can be relied upon for free (or low cost) school holiday entertainment.

They have a dedicated Winter School Holidays page on their website with the latest offerings, including “Bling Your Ride” workshops to turn bikes or scooters into a “rolling disco” as well as sun catcher making classes.

Queensland Museum

Do you have a child fascinated by STEM?

SparkLab is an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths space specially designed for 6-13 year olds. (Please note there is an entry fee.)

Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended during the school holiday period.

Local council offerings

It’s definitely worth checking in with your local council’s website ahead of school holidays. Movie nights, library activities, and free workshops are some of the common offerings by large councils over school breaks.

Podcasts for kids

Not all activities require travel. Today’s kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to interesting (and subtly educational) podcasts. We compiled this list of podcasts for children. The ABC radio website has a bunch of G rated podcasts listed on their website.

Drawing lessons

If you’ve got a child who loves to create, there are plenty of free online tutorials available. Art For Kids Hub has a YouTube channel with step-by-step videos for drawing everything from jellyfish to mini-ninjas.  (Remember to ensure an adult is close by supervising and/or privacy controls are in place while your child is accessing YouTube.)

There are also free downloadable art worksheets available from the Ken Done website, divided into age brackets.

Get busy in the kitchen

Want to attempt some cooking together? This guide from the BBC has some great recipes kids can do with an adult.

Tell us your go-to boredom-busters!

Do you have other ideas? We’d love to grow this list. Please send your suggestions to us at Info@parentsnetwork.qld.edu.au