It gets harder and harder to find different things to do in the
school holidays without spending a fortune. Keeping the kids entertained can be a nightmare, not to mention expensive. However, it is possible to have lots of fun on a budget and there are plenty of things to do that are free or really cheap. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Visit
Ikea and their family friendly restaurant. Kids' meals are $2.95 each, some are just $1.00 each after 3pm and ice cream cones are 30c. Ikea have some great play areas set up in the children's showroom area, or you can book them into Smaland for 1 hour of free supervised play.
2. Take a
train ride to Perth, Fremantle or Mandurah. Riding on a train can be a novelty for kids. Children under the age of 5 can travel for free, children between 5 and 15 years of age get a concession (50c), or you can purchase a Family Rider Ticket or a Day Rider Ticket. These tickets cover travel on bus, train and ferry services. Check out the
Transperth website for all the details including ticket prices and a journey planner.
3. Visit
Perth Airport and watch the planes take off. Take lunch and spend a couple of hours watching the planes take off and land either from the terminals or the viewing platform.
Jandakot Airport has a viewing area with BBQ and picnic facilities and you can see the planes and helicopters fairly close up.
Jandakot Airport
Go to the
Galaxy Drive-In and see a movie. Perth's only Drive-In Theatre in Kingsley, is a great night out for the whole family. Prices are about $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children (children under 4 years of age are free) plus there is a Tuesday Night Special of $15.00 per car. Take your own snacks and save some money or there is a café on site selling drinks and snack foods.
5. Visit your local
library. There are always lots of activities going on, such as 'Story Time' or you can check out some great books, games or DVDs for the kids.
6. Head to
McDonalds or
Hungry Jacks. They have great kids' meals and a play area that kids love. McDonalds have the 'Loose Change Menu' range of food - there are several items for around $2.00 or less.
7. Have a
movie day. Some Video stores have really cheap DVDs for the kids or you can watch your own old favourites. Grab some popcorn and have a movie marathon at home.
8. Head to the park and have a
picnic, if the weather is fine. If the weather is not good have an indoor picnic at home. All you need are a few sandwiches, snacks and soft drinks and you're all set. It's great fun and the kids will have a ball.
9. Check out the DIY Kids Activities at
Bunnings Warehouse Stores. Call your local store or check on-line to see what is available.
10. Take a trip to the
Landsdale Animal Farm School, it's only $5.00 per person, children under 2 are free. There is a huge playground, beautiful gardens, gnome hunt, gnome cubby house, a cafe and much more. There is plenty of room for picnics and BBQs so take your own food and drinks or buy something from the café.
Landsdale Animal Farm School
