Fun in the sun:Cheap ways to entertain your kids in the summer holidays

Money Editor

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In my mind,when I was a child I was a perfect little angel during the summer holidays:reading my book,being incredibly quiet,occasionally asking my parents for a plain cracker or a sip of water. In reality I was probably a little menace,constantly wanting to be driven places and bought things (sorry Mum,if you’re reading this).

The looming summer holidays can fill parent with dread,but there are plenty of free or low-cost activity options.

The looming summer holidays can fill parent with dread,but there are plenty of free or low-cost activity options.Aresna Villanueva

As a former child I understand the simultaneous joy and dread of the summer holiday period:joy from children facing a seemingly infinite time away from school,dread from parents wondering how on earth they’re going to fill that time,along with all the chaos of Christmas and New Year’s.

What’s the problem?

With about a month left of the school year,parents will already be starting to think about ways to keep their kids busy. This year is likely to be even more of a challenge as cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh on family budgets.

However,recent data from big-four bank NAB showed while some small activities,such as movie tickets,were on the chopping block for nearly 50 per cent of families,many were working their budgets to make sure they’re still able to cover some activities for themselves and their families this summer.

What you can do about it

Regardless of whether you’ve squirrelled away some cash,here are some tips and ideas on how to save money while keeping your family entertained this holiday period.

Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.

Dominic Powell is the Money Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

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