The great thing about having kids is that you have the power to fill their young lives with incredible family memories. And those moments become your favourite memories too. It’s both a privilege and a challenge because the cost of keeping the family entertained with fun things to do can add up very quickly. That’s why it’s worth finding family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. To help you out, here are some ideas for exciting activities across Australia that will cost you $50 or less to cover a child and are guaranteed to make lasting memories. Don't forget, there are some great Christmas gift ideas mentioned here too.
What better way to spend a family day out than on one of Australia’s best whale watching cruises? The sight of whales in the ocean is sure to take your breath away, making this a unique day out that kids and adults will love and remember long into the future. The best time for whale watching cruise is from late May to November. Kids can hop on tours in Nelson Bay, Perth, Sydney and more for under $50.
There are few better ways to get active than kayaking. Paddle your way along stunning coastline or magnificent waterways, taking in the views as you go. Kayaking is a whole lot of fun, easy to learn and a perfect activity to enjoy with kids during the school holidays in locations all over the nation, from Byron Bay and Bundeena to Perth and Palm Beach.
Rock climbing is a great way to let the kids work off some energy, learn new skills and have a whole lot of fun. Indoor climbing gyms, like the one at Villawood, Sydney, cater for absolute beginners and kids looking to take their skills to the next level… literally! Safety training from experienced instructors included.
From keeping them entertained on a rainy day to livening up dull days during the school holidays, you'll find a variety of attractions for $50 or less for kids. Our Combination 2 Pass is a popular value for money options, covering entry to your choice of two of the following Sydney attractions: Madame Tussauds, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Tower Eye. Take a look at our full range of family-friendly attractions for the best things to do near you.
Worth a mention in their own right, after all you never really grow out of the enthusiasm for seeing creatures of the deep. A visit to the aquarium is one of the easiest ways to see marine creatures going about their business. It's like peeking into another world. There’s so much going on at the Sea Life Aquarium that it can keep the kids and the whole family immersed in the underwater action for hours. Whether you’re visiting Sea Life Aquarium in Sydney or the Sunshine Coast, there are penguins, sharks, jellyfish and plenty more to get excited about!
Gold Coast Aqua Park
Sit back while the kids take on the most impressive aquatic playground in Australia at the Gold Coast Aqua Parks in Southport and Oxenford. These obstacle courses of inflatable equipment sits in the shallow waters just off shore for the kids to explore. They’ll be climbing, swinging, jumping, balancing and generally exhausting themselves with all the other kids in the inflatable kingdom, while you kick back on the grass or beach area nearby. It’s maximum fun at a low price.
Get the whole family out in the fresh air and scaling the treetops with one of our Flying Fox and Tree adventures, like the Gold Coast’s Flying Fox High Ropes Adventure Park. It’s a huge course with over 80 aerial challenges, including ziplines/flying foxes, designed to be enjoyed by everyone aged eight years and up. Experience the Australian bushland with some seriously active, family friendly fun day out.
The thrill of a jet boat joy ride is something you’ll remember for a long time, and the kids can enjoy jet boating in Sydney and other spots for less than $50. Hold on tight for an action-packed cruise with twists, turns, and full throttle splash back, plus incredible views. Sydney jetboats travel through the famous Harbour, with incredible views of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Be a hero and give the kids the time of their lives.
As a country, Australia is renowned for its wildlife, so it makes sense that going to the zoo is always a favourite activity for the whole family. Animal encounters are the kind of pure, wholesome fun that you love at any age, and the kids prices make for an ideal outing. Whether you head to the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Sydney’s Featherdale Wildlife Park, Adelaide Zoo, Perth Zoo and scenic cruise, wildlife experiences are an easy win.
Sandboarding Port Stephens
For an activity that combines the thrill of extreme sports with the safety of family friendly fun, sandboarding is the perfect fit. Get the kids outside and active at the Stockton Sand Dunes near Port Stephens and enjoy the excitement together. Even if you have zero experience surfing or snowboarding or doing anything of the like, you can take on the epic 40 metre sand dunes and have a great time for a great price.
Penguin Island Wildlife Cruise
Take the kids to explore the wildlife both above and below the water with a glass bottom boat cruise around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Not far from Perth, the Penguin Island Wildlife Cruise will take you around the coastlines of Penguin, Seal and Bird Islands to spot heaps of native wildlife like dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and plenty more. Enjoy a memorable time out on the water with discounted prices for kids.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline 