School holidays are well and truly underway, and if you’re on the home stretch wondering how to keep kids engaged for the next few weeks, you’re not alone!
Don’t worry – we’ve done the homework for you and pulled together a list of resources packed with free and low‑cost school holiday activities. This school holiday survival guide is perfect for parents, foster carers and anyone juggling busy days on a budget.
Browse through the list below to access a range of free school holiday activity resources near you!
A central hub listing free exhibitions, walks, tours, markets and kid‑friendly activities across the city. Updated regularly and ideal for finding something new at short notice.
A vibrant program of free family events across NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Activities include live performances, storytelling, drawing workshops and dance parties designed to suit a wide range of ages.
While Small Ideas offers a cost effective paid membership for discounts, the free directory is a great source of inspiration when you’re simply looking for ideas to fill a day without spending money.
Artist Claire Mosley’s nature‑inspired prompt cards encourage families to explore Melbourne Gardens in a playful way. Collect the free cards from the visitor centre and head off on a gentle outdoor adventure.
🔗 https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/seek-find/
A fantastic resource for things to do near you – updated regularly it’s one to bookmark and keep coming back to, especially before school holidays!
A source of free and low‑cost school holiday activities including youth programs, library events and community activities.
A dedicated hub for school holiday ideas including free ranger programs, self‑guided nature activities, outdoor exploration and family‑friendly events.
🔗 https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Things-To-Do/School-Holiday-Activities-In-Frankston-City
Libraries across Frankston host free holiday sessions including craft, games, workshops, storytime and creative activities for children of different ages.
🔗 https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-Connection/Children/School-Holiday-Activities
Check out their school holiday guide, plus more find free activity ideas under ‘Things to do’… our favourite one – geocaching anyone?
Lists free and low‑cost community events, library programs and family activities – many of which increase during school holiday periods.
🔗 https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/phoenix-youth-hub/Events-Activities
A broad mix of free library events, youth activities and family‑friendly sessions held across Sunshine and surrounding suburbs.
A useful roundup of community events, library school holiday programs and free family activities across Portland and the wider shire.
A local directory for events across the Warrnambool and surrounding region. It includes free and low‑cost family‑friendly activities, community events, library programs and seasonal celebrations during school holiday periods.
Features free council‑run activities, family events and school holiday programming across the region.
Libraries host free workshops, craft sessions, STEM activities and storytimes during each school holiday period.
Free activity programs in the Ryan Family Children’s Gallery for kids.
A helpful round‑up of kid‑friendly attractions and free family events, including National Arboretum and seasonal school holiday programs.
🔗 https://visitcanberra.com.au/things-to-do/family-fun
🔗 https://visitcanberra.com.au/articles/canberra-for-free
A great list of free activities and attractions to do in Canberra with kids that everyone in the family will enjoy exploring.
🔗 https://kidbucketlist.com.au/free-things-to-do-in-canberra-with-kids/
A range of free and low cost activities for families in Canberra over the holiday period.
🔗 https://www.act.gov.au/our-canberra/latest-news/2025/2026/whats-on-these-summer-school-holidays
Some great free and low cost options for things to do in Canberra during the school holidays.
A range of free and low cost activities for families in Canberra over the holiday period.
🔗 https://hercanberra.com.au/city/family-city/kids-summer-holiday-activities-canberra/
A seasonal guide highlighting free and family‑friendly events across Sydney, including outdoor cinema, markets, cultural festivals and summer activities.
🔗 https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/what-to-do-in-sydney-this-january
Hands‑on creative activities, workshops and events for children and families, available year‑round and during school holidays – many at no cost.
🔗 https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/visit/plan-your-visit/kids-and-families/
A fantastic resource for things to do near you – updated regularly it’s one to bookmark and keep coming back to, especially before school holidays!
Free and low‑cost creative workshops, library programs, youth activities and family events during school holidays.
School holiday activities, community events and free library programs suitable for kids of all ages.
🔗 https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On/School-Holiday-Guide
A list of activity providers, parks and playgrounds in the Camden area.
Free creative sessions, exhibitions, workshops and play‑based activities across the holiday period.
A free exhibition curated by Andy Griffiths, featuring playful objects and hands‑on activities. Includes free drop‑in workshops and activity books during the holidays.
🔗 https://powerhouse.com.au/program/powerhouse-materials-paper
Free and low cost creative sessions, activities and workshops across the holiday period.
🔗 https://penrithcity.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRNGEN/OPAC/PROGRAMSHOLIDAYACTIVITIES
A great mix of free library programs, outdoor events and youth sessions offered throughout the school holidays.
Features free school holiday activities including library events, outdoor play, cultural programs and family workshops.
Covers parks, nature centres, free walking tours, live music and outdoor play ideas – perfect for flexible, low‑cost outings.
🔗 https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/inspiration/free-things-to-do-with-kids-in-brisbane
Some great, practical ideas for families, including free school holiday activities, local events, playground guides, parks, walking tracks and indoor options. Bookmark the page and look out for their school holiday round‑ups!
A mix of free and paid holiday activities, exhibitions and workshops suitable for children and families.
🔗 https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/summer-school-holidays/
Free creative sessions, exhibitions, workshops and play‑based activities across the holiday period.
An affordable way to beat the heat! Council‑run pools across Brisbane offer $2 swims daily.
A fantastic resource for things to do near you – updated regularly it’s one to bookmark and keep coming back to, especially before school holidays!
Includes Active and Healthy programs, free community activities and family‑friendly events throughout the holidays.
Free performances, craft sessions, LEGO, digital activities and workshops across Ipswich library branches.
🔗 https://www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/whats-on/holiday-program/
A curated list of family‑friendly holiday ideas, attractions and activities across the Ipswich region.
A go‑to resource for free and low‑cost activities across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast – great for finding local events.
Free and low‑cost school holiday activities across the Gold Coast – including council‑run events, community programs, outdoor activities and family‑friendly workshops happening in parks, libraries and community spaces throughout the holidays.
🔗 https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/School-holiday-events
Family‑friendly events and experiences across the Gold Coast, including free community events, outdoor activities, markets, festivals and kid‑focused programs.
Family‑friendly live performances, creative experiences and cultural events and workshops designed specifically for children and families. Some events are free, while others are low‑cost, making it a great option for a special outing without stretching the budget!
A practical list of parks, hikes, street art trails and wildlife spots – ideal for building an easy weekly holiday plan.
🔗 https://www.familiesmagazine.com.au/free-things-to-do-in-toowoomba/
Libraries host free holiday craft sessions, STEM workshops, storytimes and creative activities across the region.
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/o/toowoomba-region-libraries-66571600873
Council‑run and community events, many of them free and family‑friendly, with extra activities added during school holidays.
Low-cost, accessible workshops, programs, and events for young people aged 12 to 25 across the Toowoomba Region.
We hope this list has helped you plan out some fun, free school holiday activities. If you know a great local resource we’ve missed, we’d love to add it – let us know by email and help other families make the most of the holidays too!
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