AUSSIE kids always look forward to the school holidays, and none more so than summer.
But after the festive fun is over, parents are often left wondering what they can do in order to keep them occupied.
As we all know, overseas travel involves lots of planning, extended time off work and of course, expense.
Domestic travel requires much of the same. It may feel like you have to get on a plane, drag the caravan out or hop on a train to entertain the children and really connect as a family, but that’s actually a falsehood, because you can do that just as easily close to home.
And why not stay local, when our region has so much to offer.
Let’s first talk watersports and recreation. Thanks to the mighty Murray and its neighbouring river systems, there are endless opportunities to get the kids out on the water kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, skiing.
If staying on solid ground is more your thing, then take the kids for a bush walk along the river, around the billabongs and take in native flora and fauna.
Make it fun, make it a competition to see how many different species can be spotted, the winner gets an ice cream. Educating children on the local wildlife is both interactive and engaging, it will also stand them in good stead as they get older.
Our local shires have some wonderful parks and recreation reserves that the whole family can enjoy. Outdoor play gives your child the chance to explore the natural environment and have adventures. Your child can play games, test their physical limits, express themselves and build their self confidence. Outdoor play can also mean muddy knees, stained clothes and dirty fingernails, but more mess often means more fun!
If a more social experience is what you are after, take the children along to your local scouts group or holiday camp. Here you can take a step back and be rest assured that children are learning new skills and gaining knowledge whilst being thoroughly entertained and making new friends.
Local museums, art galleries, libraries, markets and organised community events are all additional ways to occupy the kids these school holidays.
The possibilities are truly endless, so don’t get stuck thinking that nothing is new at home and that travel can only happen with a new stamp in your passport.
