Can you feel it? That happy hum of anticipation building in households across the country. The spring school holidays are just around the corner, and with the warmer weather rolling in, this is one of the loveliest times of year to plan a bit of family fun. A little forward thinking now means less scrambling later — and far more time actually enjoying the break together.
Whether you're after big adventures or gentle days close to home, here's how to get organised so the holidays run as smoothly as possible.
Before you book a single thing, gather everyone around the kitchen table and make a holiday wish list. Ask each child to name one thing they'd love to do — you might be surprised by how simple their answers are. A day at the zoo, a trip to the pool, a movie afternoon or a sleepover with cousins often tops the list.
Getting the children involved from the start does two wonderful things: it builds excitement, and it takes some of the planning pressure off you. Jot everyone's ideas down and you'll have a ready-made menu of activities to dip into whenever the "I'm bored" chorus begins.
The spring holidays are a popular time, so the most sought-after activities can fill up fast. If there's a special outing your family has its heart set on — a theme park, a holiday workshop, a wildlife park or a school-holiday show — it pays to book ahead.
A few things worth locking in early:
Holiday programmes and workshops (art, sport, cooking or science)
Popular attractions and family day passes
Any travel or accommodation if you're heading away
Tickets for seasonal events and spring festivals
Booking early not only guarantees your spot, it often means a better price too — a lovely little win for the family budget.
Here's the good news: you don't have to hunt high and low for ideas. The LetsGoKids website and app are your one-stop guide to the school holidays, packed with family-friendly events and activities right across Australia.
Jump on and you'll find:
An Events & Activities section brimming with things to do in your state
Loads of Special Offers and vouchers to help stretch the family budget that little bit further
Easy browsing by location, so you can plan a full holiday of fun from your phone
Best of all, the free LetsGoKids app puts it all in your pocket — download it from the App Store or Google Play and you'll have the whole guide with you wherever the holidays take you. It's the simplest way to turn a blank calendar into a fortnight of adventures.
It's tempting to fill every square of the calendar, but the happiest holidays usually strike a balance. For every busy, out-and-about day, plan a slower one at home to rest, recharge and simply potter about.
Slow days needn't be dull. A backyard camp-out, a baking session, a build-your-own-fort afternoon or a family bike ride can be every bit as memorable as a big excursion — and a great deal easier on everyone. Children thrive on a mix of adventure and downtime, and so, quite frankly, do parents.
With the days growing warmer and brighter, the spring holidays are made for getting outside. Nature walks, beach mornings, playground picnics and bike rides all come into their own this time of year. Keep a small kit by the door — hats, sunscreen, water bottles and a picnic rug — so you can seize a sunny day at a moment's notice.
Keep an eye on your local council's website too. Many run free or low-cost school-holiday activities, from craft sessions at the library to nature programmes in local parks. They're a brilliant way to keep the children busy without stretching the budget.
Spring weather can be a touch unpredictable, so it's wise to have a few indoor ideas up your sleeve. A stack of craft supplies, a new board game, a batch of biscuits to bake, or a list of nearby indoor play centres and museums will save the day when the clouds roll in.
A little preparation turns a washed-out afternoon from a disaster into a cosy adventure — and keeps everyone smiling.
The school holidays are a precious chance to slow down, reconnect and make some memories together. With a bit of planning now, you can spend less time worrying about what to do and more time simply enjoying it.
So grab a cuppa, sit down with the family, and start dreaming up your spring holiday plans. Book the big days, leave room for the slow ones, and get ready for a break that's fun for the whole family. The holidays will be here before you know it — and this year, you'll be beautifully prepared.
