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Six Summer Activities for Kids

Summer in Australia often means scorching sun and soaring temperatures, so what are some fun activities can you do with kids that won’t cost a fortune or send your air-conditioning bill through the roof? We explore six ways to keep cool this summer.

1. Splish splash – water activities

Whether it’s beaches, billabongs, rivers, dams, waterfalls, a public pool, or your own (or the friendly neighbour’s) backyard pool, Australians usually have some body of water nearby that they can cool off in. For a sense of nostalgia and something easy, you could head to your favourite beach this summer. Alternatively, you can head to Google or ask around to find somewhere you’ve never been before – we recommend Googling ‘waterfalls near me’.

If packing the kids into the car and hitting the road is all too much, you could keep it simple in the back yard, investing in a slip and slide or sprinkler (you can even try to make a DIY sprinkler with the kids). If you’re using soap to get that extra slide, we recommend a natural one that’s safe for your little ones’ skin and the garden.

Wherever you’re headed, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide to avoid the damaging effects of the sun!

2. Rainforest walks

Under the canopy of a rainforest is usually a good few degrees cooler than anywhere else in summer. The shady walkways of a rainforest trail are not only a great way to keep cool, but they are also a great place to teach kids about nature. So why not get your hiking shoes on and head out to a national park near you? Ask your children to observe what is around them, to use as many senses as they can – ask them what they can see, hear, smell and feel. What do they think of what they are experiencing? See if you can spot any wild birds or animals off to the side of your walking track – this is always an excitement to many children.

3. Museums!

Museums are fantastic to head to in summer as they are air-conditioned havens. They often have special exhibits for kids, especially over the summer holidays – these exhibits are not only educational they are usually interactive and great fun for kids too!

4. Picnic in the park

Or the backyard if you’d rather not leave home! Picnics can be a great day out for kids and adults alike, with kids getting the chance to run around and play in the park and adults having some time to sit down quietly and chat. Keeping an eye on your children but letting them play alone without you by their side enforces self-confidence in children and confidence in their abilities. Be sure to pack a healthy picnic and avoid too many packaged foods.

5. Bike riding

Take advantage of our many bikeways and take the kids out for a ride. If you’re not on the road but a bike path you can give the kids a sense of responsibility and let them lead and decide which way to go at forks in the path.

6. Camping

Camping is another great low-cost activity that the whole family can enjoy. Even if you’re only going for a few nights, camping is an exciting activity for most children and a great way to get them appreciating nature. Spending time in nature has proven health benefits so ensure that you are all engaged and present in the camping experience. Be sure to take the opportunity to really unplug and switch off from technology, so no iPads or portable televisions – double points if you’re camping in an area with no service!