The Best Last Minute Summer Holiday Ideas

After weeks and weeks entertaining the kids, let Pixar take the load off. Instead of sprawling across the lounge, make movie night more fun by grabbing the popcorn and relocating outside for a backyard viewing. Throw some indoor-outdoor cushions down, beanbags and picnic blankets and settle in for some laughs, as a family.

If you haven’t taken advantage of a zoo visit, now’s the time to end the holidays on a high. With so many exhibits to see, the kids will be captivated. Over summer many venues have a schedule of kid-friendly events and activities daily, and if you book online or as a group you can often get a discount on your tickets. Even better if it’s one of the adults’ birthdays as entry to Taronga is just $1! 

Don’t forget to pack:
Sunscreen, hats (make like the Irwins with a khaki number), a camera to record the amazement when they see lions, water bottles (one for mum, ones for the kids), and plenty of snacks in a cooler or lunchbox to make the whole day easier.

Make a morning on the sand a little more competitive with the ultimate beach games. Gather your family and friends and warm up with bocce and badminton then cool off with a swim before moving on to volleyball. The person who drops the ball least gets the first ice cream.

Plus, it all goes towards your activity for the day, tracked on your smartwatch.

Camping under the stars (or in a van if that’s more your style) can be a relatively cheap way to have an Aussie adventure. You don’t even have to travel far to feel like it’s a getaway.

Get the kids into camping early with their very own outdoor equipment like a baby camp chair (it comes in a range of prints and colours to suit you) and their cubby house if the forecast is clear.

Why not have the kids choose a perfect stick (an activity in itself) and toast some marshmallows for a task that feels ‘grown up’ to the little ones and just plain delicious to the big kids.