![The school holiday finish line is almost in sight.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/v/2/n/y/image.related.landscape.380x253.gtv2n9.png/1484861133191.jpg)
Top Resources
![Arm yourself against the 'I'm bored' pleas this holidays!](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/9/f/u/v/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.ge7i.gjzs68.png/1447733291895.jpg)
21 things to do in the school holidays - on a budget!
How does one entertain children and visitors on a restricted budget during the school holidays?
![ek-holidayplanner-a](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/3/a/u/m/p/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.3aulu.gjzs68.png/1447733291895.jpg)
Printable school holiday planner
Download and print this free printable chart to organise the school holidays.
![Family picnics are a great way to spend the summer together.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/3/0/2/a/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.3028x.gjzs68.png/1447733291895.jpg)
Australia
Top picnic spots in Australia
![There is plenty of fun to be had at the park.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/w/3/1/e/image.related.landscape.120x80.1w30i.gjzs68.png/1447733291895.jpg)
![260_monkeybar_kids](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/i/0/w/b/image.related.landscape.120x80.hyzi.gjzs68.png/1447733291895.jpg)
![Australian School Term and Holiday dates for 2016](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/y/c/f/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.gh9wfs.gjzs68.png/1450768622699.jpg)
Latest
![Mini golf
<a href="http://www.illawarragolfcomplex.com.au/putt-putt" target="_blank>Img</a>](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/m/a/x/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.gtma10.png/1484003106256.jpg)
School holiday activity ideas
Click through our gallery of activity ideas that range from free or cheap to a little more expensive. You are sure to find something nearby to suit your family's budget and likes.
![Image: Getty](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/a/1/v/r/image.related.landscape.300x200.gt9wpi.png/1481860935572.jpg)
The Essential Kids Summer school holiday guide
Find events and activities for the summer 2016/2017 school holidays.
![Ryan McNaught is one of only 14 Lego "grand masters" in the world.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/v/c/a/u/image.related.landscape.300x200.gsvc1n.png/1479863771315.jpg)
Lego 'brickie' brings world's wonders to Brisbane
Ryan McNaught was in his mid-30s when he sheepishly asked his mum if she had kept the Lego bricks he'd loved as a child.
![CAMELOT PLAYGROUND
2.6 X 3.9 X 3.6M $1,349.00
<p><a class="btn btn--cta" ...](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/c/x/m/8/image.related.landscape.300x200.gscxec.png/1479787497214.jpg)
Backyard surprises from Santa this year
When the kids get up on Christmas morning, surprise them with an outdoor breakfast to show them what Santa has left for them with these great outdoor play equipment and activities for kids this Christmas.
![Kids will get to meet the real Peppa Pig.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/o/s/s/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.gs7cuf.png/1477002343566.jpg)
Peppa Pig Playdate World coming to Australia in 2017
Peppa Pig mania is set to get a whole lot more intense in homes around Australia with the news of a travelling life-size Peppa Pig world coming in January.
![A beautiful morning at Kidtopia.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/x/2/b/e/image.related.landscape.300x200.grx2yg.png/1475819369830.jpg)
Kidtopia Festival this weekend: what's on
Kidtopia is the new generation festival for all the family - and it's on until Sunday at Parramatta Park. Here's what you can look forward every day.
![Carving our play time for kids in our busy lives.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/u/g/o/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.grudeu.png/1475550040084.jpg)
10 ways to help children get their play back
Even when parents agree that their kids need to play more, current lifestyles often prevent it from actually happening.
![Aaron Zenz painted 1000 rocks with his kids for an art competition and then used them for this brilliant idea.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/s/e/s/h/image.related.landscape.300x200.grscu6.png/1475211601374.jpg)
Dad and his six kids create epic "I-Spy" game with 1,000 rocks
If you're after some long weekend or school holiday inspiration, take a look at this dad's genius idea.
![Corset braids are taking over.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/o/q/x/x/image.related.landscape.300x200.groquq.png/1474870402307.jpg)
Corset braids are the latest must-have hairstyle
They're striking, colourful and pretty impressive.
![Keeping kids entertained for 14 days straight can be an overwhelming challenge for some.](/web/20170128135925im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/o/b/q/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.grob5i.png/1474848345552.jpg)
5 school holiday survival tips for the uninspired parent
If you're anything like me, the school holidays are a time of a joy and a time of fresh hell.
Search pagination