![It's O.K. to lounge in your pj’s until 11am](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/0/z/l/6/image.related.landscape.380x253.gx0zfv.png/1498781733401.jpg)
Top Resources
![Arm yourself against the 'I'm bored' pleas this holidays!](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/y/c/f/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.gh9wfs.gjzs68.png/1489372188402.jpg)
Latest
![Above and Beyond, an incredible interactive exhibition presented by Boeing and developed in collaboration with NASA and ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/d/j/r/u/image.related.landscape.300x200.gvdjwd.png/1491453978290.jpg)
What's on these school holidays in Canberra
There's something on offer for kids of all types during the school holidays
![The school holiday finish line is almost in sight.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/v/2/n/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.gtv2n9.png/1484861133191.jpg)
Signs that the end of the school holidays is near
As the school holidays draw to an end, a collective sigh of relief can be heard throughout the country. Parents begin the countdown until the new term begins and it feels like there's finally light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.
![<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/japanese-paper-toys-kit-andrew-dewar/prod9780804846325.html" ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/p/x/1/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.gtpwxr.png/1484253101681.jpg)
The top recommended activity and information books for kids
They might be into novels, but it never hurts to fill their shelves with books full of activities for a rainy day, and information books to show them the wonders of the world.
![A game of hide and seek can be stretched into at least 10 minutes of alone time.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/o/n/e/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.gton5t.png/1484005418472.jpg)
Nine clever ways to take time out from your kids at home
My kids have a magical sixth sense that means they know exactly when I'm alone, what room I'm in, and how desperately I do not want to be found.
![Mini golf
<a href="http://www.illawarragolfcomplex.com.au/putt-putt" target="_blank>Img</a>](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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" ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170702144620im_/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.
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