What To Do with Your Kids on The School Holidays

School holidays are here, and if your house is anything like most, the kids are already bursting with energy… and asking ‘what are we doing today?’ before you’ve even had your first sip of coffee.

If you’ve found yourself Googling ‘what to do with kids on school holidays’ while reheating that same cup for the third time, you’re definitely not alone.

Between juggling work, managing sibling squabbles, and trying to avoid a full two weeks of screen time, keeping the kids entertained can feel like a full-time job in itself.

The good news? You don’t need expensive outings or packed schedules to make it a great break.

With a little creativity (and a backyard that works with you, not against you), school holidays can be full of fresh air, active play, and the kind of fun that actually tires them out.

So if you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few easy, screen-free ways to keep the kids busy — the kind that don’t require a full day out or a big budget.

And if you’re based in Perth, there’s a simple outing idea in there too.

Plan for Your Sanity’s Sake

Hot tip: sit down with the kids at the start of the holidays and create a ‘boredom jar’ filled with activity ideas.

When the inevitable ‘I’m bored’ hits (usually five minutes after breakfast), they pick one and run with it.

No negotiating, no overthinking — just instant direction.

 

1. Backyard Obstacle Course Bonanza

If you’re wondering what to do with kids on school holidays, start with your backyard — it’s a ready-made adventure zone.

Use pool noodles for hurdles, buckets for weaving, and ropes for limbo lines. If you’ve got a Funky Monkey Bars setup, even better; climbing ladders, monkey bars and grips instantly turn it into a full ninja course.

Let the kids design the course, create time trials, or build ‘levels’ to complete. You’ll be surprised how seriously they take it — and how competitive it gets once you join in.

2. Water Play Wonderland

Water play is a school holiday classic for a reason.

Turn on the sprinkler, set up buckets and sponges, or create a DIY splash station. You can even run a ‘car wash’ for bikes and scooters or play target games with wet sponges.

For something different, freeze small toys in ice and let the kids excavate them. It usually starts calmly… and ends with soaked clothes, muddy feet and a lot of laughter.

3. Bushwalks & Bug Hunts

You don’t need to go far. A local park, reserve or walking trail is more than enough.

Create a simple scavenger hunt — feathers, bugs, interesting leaves — and let the kids explore. Bring snacks, take your time, and let them lead (even if it means stopping every two minutes).

Back at home, they can draw or write about what they found. It’s screen-free, low effort, and surprisingly engaging.

And if you’re ready to mix things up with something a little more active (and a bit less dirt-focused), here’s an easy option.

4. A Simple Outing That Actually Wears Them Out

If you’re in Perth and looking for an easy activity that gets the kids moving, a visit to the Funky Monkey Bars showroom is a surprisingly good option.

It’s not just a look-and-see — kids can actually climb, swing and test out the frames while you get a feel for what might work in your own backyard.

It’s an easy way to:

• Break up the day with something active

• Let the kids burn off energy

• Get inspiration for your own space

If you visit during the Easter school holidays, you can also tie it in with our Funky Monkey Bars Easter Egg Hunt (April 7–10), making it an outing that feels a little more special (and a lot more exciting for the kids).

And once you’re back home, you’ve got plenty of ways to keep the momentum going.

5. Build a Cubby Kingdom

Indoors or outdoors, cubby building never gets old.

Drape sheets over chairs, outdoor furniture, or your monkey bars frame. Add blankets, pegs, fairy lights, and let the kids take over.

It can be a café, a castle, a jungle hideout — whatever they decide. Some of the best afternoons start with ‘we’re just building a cubby’ and somehow turn into hours of imaginative play.

6. Funky Monkey Play Sessions

Your Funky Monkey Bars aren’t just for climbing — they become whatever the kids imagine.

One day it’s a ninja course, the next it’s a pirate ship or jungle expedition.

Set challenges, add timers, or create themed play days to keep things fresh. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep them active at home without constant input from you — especially when you’re figuring out what to do with kids on school holidays day after day.

And during the Easter break, it also opens up a few extra ways to play.

7. Make the Most of the Easter Break

With Easter woven into the holidays, it’s the perfect excuse to add a little extra fun to your usual backyard play.

Think DIY Easter egg hunts, obstacle courses with chocolate rewards, or even a ‘golden egg challenge’ on your monkey bars.

And if you’re already planning a few Easter-themed activities, it’s a great opportunity to mix in something a little different — whether that’s getting out of the house for a climb, or simply making your backyard setup feel new again.

It’s also a nice time to make the most of the Easter Sale, especially if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your outdoor space.

And if you’re leaning into that ‘holiday at home’ feeling, this next idea is always a winner.

8. Backyard Camping Night

Set up a tent, roll out the sleeping bags and bring out the torches.

Add marshmallows, stories and maybe a bit of stargazing. It feels like a big adventure for the kids — even if you’re only a few steps from your own kitchen.

And if plans change halfway through the night, it’s an easy retreat indoors.

9. Let Them Be Bored

Not every moment needs to be planned.

In fact, boredom is often where the best ideas come from. When kids have space, they create their own games, challenges and stories (usually out of the most random things in the house).

Keep a few open-ended materials around — cardboard, dress-up, markers — and see what they come up with.

Because often, the simplest moments are the ones they remember most.

Backyard Fun, Big Memories

So the next time you hear ‘what are we doing today?’, you’ve got a few simple ideas ready to go.

Because when kids are climbing, swinging, running and imagining outside, something shifts. They sleep better, play longer, and those little moments stick.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be fun.

Make Your Backyard the Best Part of the School Holidays

If you’re looking for simple, active, low-stress ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays, it all starts at home.

Funky Monkey Bars are built tough for Aussie backyards and designed to grow with your kids — from first climbs to full backyard obstacle courses — keeping them active, challenged and off screens for years to come.

And if you’re in Perth, it’s worth popping into the showroom these holidays to see it all in action and let the kids try it for themselves.

Because when kids have a space to move, explore and imagine, school holidays go from
‘What are we doing today?’ to ‘Can we play outside again?’

Explore our range of Australian-made monkey bars, or get in touch with our team today and make these school holidays one to remember.