We know that every kid simply lives for the school holidays - and hey, who can blame them? A couple of weeks to kick back and have some fun sounds like an epic idea to us! But if you’re a parent and the words ‘school holidays’ sends you into a frenzy, don’t stress - we’ve got you!
Keeping the kids entertained is a full time gig! How many parents spend school holidays racking their brains thinking of new ways to entertain the kids for weeks on end? And not to mention the cost; take the kids to a movie, museum or theme park and you might just break the bank. Taking an average family of 4 to a theme park for the day, you can be up for over $350 just to walk in the door. Don’t forget to mention food and drinks there, plus souvenirs the kids can’t leave without - these things quickly add up.
The BCFing experts have chucked together this epic list of gear that won’t break the bank but is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for hours! While you’re at it, have a nosey at our current sale on now!
Toboggan
No matter the time of year, a BCF Toboggan is a load of fun that the kids can have for less than $25. Perfect for use on sand, snow or even on a big grassy hill. Super lightweight and easy to transport, you can simply chuck in your Toboggan and hit the road. If it's summer and you're at the beach, or maybe out in the 4x4, a toboggan makes a great activity for the littles to slide down the sand dunes. Likewise, if you're hitting the snow over the winter holidays, sliding down the snow in the toboggan will be an absolute blast.
Fishing Gear
Fishing is the pastime that just keeps giving! Take the kids to your local river or creek, throw in some fishing gear and a bit of bait, and you've got hours of fun and some time in the sun - who knows, you may even catch dinner! If you're just starting out with the fishing thing, there's no need to go overboard on gear. A great option for less than $30 is the Pryml Junior Angler Spinning Combo. It's durable, lightweight and easy to use - perfect for little tackers, plus, it comes in pink and blue! Now, you'll need more than just a fishing rod and reel! That's why it's a good idea to get your hands on the Plano 6101 300 Piece Family Tackle Kit, this beauty comes with all the bits and bobs you’ll need to catch a fish, plus it also includes a hand reel - great for beginners! Make sure you check out our fishing checklist to ensure you have all the right gear!
If talking to someone face to face sounds more up your alley, head in store and our friendly team of fisho's will be able to sort you out with everything you need to know. Plus, as locals, you can be sure they'll have at least a few epic local fishing spots up their sleeve to share with you. You can also check out some expert tips here for our Top 7 Tips for Fishing With the Kids.
Binoculars
Here's one we know the kids will love, and at under $50 your wallet will love it too! The Ruby Lens Binoculars from Wanderer can turn any walk or trip to the park into a local wildlife safari. The kids will spend hours looking for birds, insects, or trouble! Take these beauties to the beach and you've got whale watching on a budget. The ideal choice for kids and big kids alike, made to be ultra durable so they'll handle almost anything the kids can throw at them. The rubber materials are water resistant, so are perfect for outdoor use. With a soft carry case that adds further protection, and a handy neck strap keeping them close at hand - just what you need!
Junior OzFishers
Junior OzFishers is a club designed by our good mates over at OzFish that won't just keep the little tackers occupied but will teach them a thing or two about looking after our waterways as well. There are 10 challenges to complete ranging from writing a story about the importance of healthy fish habitat, to building a 'fish hotel' out of things lying around the house. At the completion of every challenge OzFish will send you out an exclusive pin. Join for only $15 and get your Junior OzFisher Welcome Pack delivered to your door which includes, an OzFish cap, BCF Gift card, sticker, some platypus line plus your first badge to get you started on your junior challengers. If you're looking for a great way to keep the littlies on a budget during the school holidays, it's hard to beat the Junior OzFishers Club!
You can also get your hands on a Junior OzFishers fishing shirt or donate to OzFish through the BCF website
So there you have it parents, a whole bunch of BCFing school holiday fun that will keep the kids out of trouble…and out of your hair! If you need some more ideas or hot tips, then be sure to pop into your local BCF and have a chat with our experts – they have bucket loads of knowledge and are always itching to help. And if you're heading out camping, be sure to check out our guide Family Friendly Camping Spots for the School Holidays. So get out there and enjoy the school holidays - they’ll be over before you know it!