The Australian summer school holiday period is one of the most magical times of the year—but it can also be one of the most digitally overwhelming. With so much screen time creeping into everyday routines, many parents are choosing a digital detox to help the whole family reconnect, reset, and rediscover real-world fun.
Below, I’m sharing your complete guide to an easy and fun, screen-free, family-focused holiday—designed to help you entertain your little one, engage older kids, and create memories your kids will love.
Understanding the Need for a Digital Detox During School Holidays
Impact of Screens on Family Time
As many parents know, screens are sneaky: they creep into quiet moments, meals, playtime, and even holidays. Studies have shown that much screen time can impact mood, sleep, focus, and even social skills—especially during the school holiday period when routines loosen and devices are used more often to entertain.
A digital detox isn’t about taking away joy—it’s about giving kids something back: balance, imagination, and presence.
Benefits of Screen-Free Activities
Screen-free fun encourages kids to learn, move, laugh, and use their imagination. It also strengthens relationships, giving families space to talk, share, and bond without digital distractions.
And the added bonus? Kids enjoy these activities far more than we expect—once we get the kids involved.
Encouraging Kids to Switch Off
Creative School Holiday Ideas for Screen-Free Fun
Kids of all ages can thrive during a digital detox when given fun activities that feel exciting rather than restrictive.
Outdoor Activities to Engage Your Little Ones
Garden Adventures and Nature Play
Spend the day exploring your local area—from your backyard garden to a nearby national park. Bring along buckets and bowls for collecting seedling leaves, rocks, or flowers. Create a treasure map and send kids on a scavenger hunt.
These simple activities help spark creativity and get the kids off their screens without needing a bribe.
Pack a Picnic
Whether you're in Sydney, Brisbane or a small coastal town, a picnic is an easy and fun way to encourage outdoor play. Bring chalk for drawing a chalk masterpiece on nearby pavements or park paths.
Visit Local Attractions
Revisit an art gallery, museum exhibition, or family-friendly attraction in your local area. Many centres now run school holiday activities including robotics workshops, hands-on craft, or storytelling sessions designed for kids of all ages.
Craft Projects to Spark Creativity
Using Soapy Water for Messy Play
Put out buckets and bowls of soapy water in the garden and let your little one wash toy trucks, dolls, or even outdoor furniture. This tactile play is soothing and keeps kids engaged for ages.
Colour, Create, Decorate
Give kids crayons, markers, even a simple pen and let them decorate cardboard boxes, old jars, or paper plates. Stickers make everything feel more exciting.
Playdough, Chalk & More
Playdough animals, chalk drawings, and handmade paper puppets allow kids to dive into imaginative, screen-free fun. Let them build a fort using cushions and blankets for an afternoon of cosy creative play.
How to Entertain Kids Without Screens
Interactive Games and Challenges
Try easy challenges like:
- A backyard quiz
- A scavenger hunt
- A LEGO building contest
- A cupcake decorating round
These activities help entertain kids while promoting teamwork and hands-on learning.
Storytelling and Imaginative Play
From storytime using audiobooks to full-blown imaginative adventures, kids love revisiting old tales or creating new ones. Encourage them to act out scenes, draw characters, or invent endings.
DIY Toy Projects for Family Bonding
Build a fort, create a handmade toy boat for the bath, or help older kids design simple robotics-inspired cardboard creations. These kinds of activities help kids learn through play.
Encouraging Conversations: Talk to Your Kids About Digital Detox
Setting Screen Time Limits
Instead of removing screens entirely, work together to set healthy screen time boundaries. Kids respond better when they feel part of the decision-making.
Discussing the Benefits of Unplugging
Explain how screen-free time helps them sleep better, play better, and feel happier. When you talk to your kids, they’re more willing to embrace change.
Creating a Family Digital Detox Plan
Make it fun—create a decorated chart with colour, stickers, or drawings. Let kids choose screen-free times and activities. Put it somewhere central, like the kitchen or living room centre, where the whole family can revisit it each day.
When the Australian summer holidays roll around, what kids really need isn’t more entertainment—it’s time. Time to laugh, explore, imagine, rest, connect, and rediscover the joy of play. With these screen-free ideas, you’ll help your kids make memories that last far longer than any online video ever could.
