20 things to do for less than $20
Drawing a blank when it comes to entertaining the kids? Work your way through our list of tried-and-tested activities that are as cheap as they are cheerful.
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OPEN A SHOP |
MAKING MORNING
Method: Pile some empty cardboard boxes and tubes on the table, accompanied with plenty of sellotape and, for the bold, glue. Declare it a ‘making morning’ and let your kids’ creative juices flow.
Next level: Add some paint. Need we say more?
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HOST A MOVIE NIGHT/AFTERNOON |
BUILD A BLANKET HUT
Method: Grab all the blankets and cushions you can find, dump them in a pile in the lounge and set about building the biggest indoor fortress you can.
Next level: Storytime by torchlight, in the middle of your hut. And for the extra-bold – how about a blanket-hut sleepover?
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BAKE |
TIDY A CUPBOARD
Method: Take everything out of a cupboard, sort it and then put it back in. Really? While entertaining the children? Yes – decluttering can ‘spark joy’ for even the smallest members of the household, plus they’ll probably find lots of interesting things to play with while you’re busy detangling the string from the sellotape.
Next level: The Marie Kondo vibes can be contagious and your child might be motivated to sort through some of their own belongings, tidying the ‘keepers’ and boxing up the items they’re ready to pass on.
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PLAY DOUGH
Method: This one is a timeless favourite, and everyone, young and old, should have a go at making their own play dough at some point in their lives! Find recipes HERE
Next level: Play around with the recipe and add glitter for sparkle or beads for texture. You could even try adding different essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, for a full sensory experience.
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HOT AND COLD HIDING |
DRESS-UPS
Method: A well-stocked dress-ups box will provide endless entertainment throughout childhood. And you don’t need to buy pre-made costumes. The best dress-up collections feature items that are multi-purpose, like old ties and scarves, funny hats, strings of fake pearls, waistcoats and discarded handbags. Think op shops, garage sales and Grandma or Grandpa’s wardrobe clear-out!
Next level: Encourage your little ones to design some outfits suitable for a dance show or band performance and settle in for an afternoon of hilarious entertainment.
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RIDE THE BUS |
GO SWIMMING
Swimming is a great way to burn off energy and cabin fever, and if you have access to an indoor pool, it’s still a good winter activity. Swimming helps maintain high fitness levels, which in turn helps your child’s immunity making them more resilient to illness and stress. So unless your child is already sick or fighting off a virus, visiting the local pools can certainly be beneficial to their health and wellbeing.
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MAKE A GLOOPY MESS |
GARDENING
Method: Dirt, digging and burying tiny seeds – what’s not for a little one to love? If suitable soil is not available to you in the garden, organise some cheap pots and potting mix for an easy-access gardening experience.
Next level: Grow some food – enquire at your local gardening centre for fast-growing vegetable and herb varieties.
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GO ON AN OUTING 📖 The library ☕ Your local café for a fluffy date 🎵 Mainly Music, hosted by many local churches 🖼️ A museum or your local visitors’ centre. Department of Conservation visitor centres, for example, often have great facilities for kids. |
A WHEEL ADVENTURE
See how far you can get on wheels – other than the car! Drag out the bikes, scooters and buggies, and don’t forget the helmets!
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FORAGING |
AS FEATURED IN ISSUE 46 OF OHbaby! MAGAZINE. CHECK OUT OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE BELOW
