How to Entertain Kids during The School Holidays?

Findo on 03/10/2016 - 00:50

I'm in a bit of a pickle at the moment. I've agreed to look after two kids tomorrow for about 3/4 of a day but I don't wish to spend so much like I used to do when I spent time with the two kids. I feel as if they have an unrealistic expectation that spending money on them = caring for them deeply. What can a 22 year old do for two kids aged 11 and 8 that is fun and won't break the bank? I think spending anything under $90 (including dinner) is reasonable. Going by the activities we've done in the past school holidays, I haven't been able to walk away without spending at least $180. That needs to stop.

Any activities suggested would be appreciated. Also, if anyone has any tips on teaching money management to kids that would be awesome too. They've grown up in an environment where most of the people they know are wealthy, but they aren't - they once were somewhat wealthy, but aren't anymore and I feel they don't fully understand where money comes from and the fact most people don't drive European cars.

Entertainment

Comments

  • Sage on 03/10/2016 - 00:53

    take them to the park? it's free and you get to sit down.
    another one is they often have little events in shopping centres, like with arts & crafts for kids. have a look at your nearby shopping centre(s) to see if there's something they'd like. that's free also.

    • Findo on 03/10/2016 - 00:57

      How do I stretch the time out? The older one is keen on netball while the younger one loves soccer. I've never scheduled an almost full day's worth of activities for them before - it's only been an afternoon and dinner or evening stuff.

  • Ceceilia on 03/10/2016 - 01:09

    pokemon hunting?

  • Ceceilia on 03/10/2016 - 01:12
    +3

    Do you have an entertainment book? There are a lot of Buy 1 get 1 free vouchers for kids activities (eg Bounce) or for food (Macdonalds/KFC etc)

    • Findo on 03/10/2016 - 01:28

      I don't have an entertainment book of my own, but their mother does and I have access to it. I've already used all the fast food coupons myself :)

      I've got a tentative plan for tomorrow:
      - go play in the park for an hour or so
      - go watch a movie (tickets via Optus perks, $28 in total)
      - eat dinner afterwards ($50-60, they don't eat much so might get away with $40)
      - go home, play some board games or Xbox or watch Netflix
      - put them to bed

      For the parents out there, does that sound reasonable? What would you do different if the kids were your own?

      • Euphemistic on 03/10/2016 - 09:42
        +2

        I can feed a family of 5 for under $40 at a fast food restaurant. Admittedly one doesn't eat much though. If you've got two that don't eat much you should get it closer to $30.

        Up the park to 2 hours, if you find a good park it doesn't take much to eat up a few hours. Take some food with you, and drinks so you don't need to buy. You could even go all out and take a whole spread and have the meal at the park.

        Kids don't need to cost you big money to look after. You can get an idea what they are allowed to have normally from parents and spend accordingly. For example if we get ice creams for the kids, they don't get free choice, but some sort of limit on spending otherwise it adds up to quick. The kids won't really mind, a basic ice cream is better than none and at the end of the day just as good as a fancy one, particularly if you get the same as them. I've don't expect them to eat paddle pops when you've got a magnum.

        Skip the movie and go straight to Netflix if you have it, but get some popcorn or something to go with it if you need to. Heck, if you can cope you can actually interact with them instead of sitting them in front of a screen.

        Note: lots of activity will wear them out and make the evening easier.

        • Diji1 on 03/10/2016 - 11:14

          just as good as a fancy one

          Right I'm sure they'll think that.

        • Euphemistic on 03/10/2016 - 13:04
          +2

          @Diji1: most kids won't care. Ice cream is icecream

  • hymio on 03/10/2016 - 07:01
    +1

    If they're friendly/can make friends with other kids they could potentially spend hours at a park. Maybe hit up one of these: https://www.timeout.com/sydney/kids/the-best-playgrounds-in-… (first one looks fun to me!).
    Could do a quick shop in the morning for picnic/bbq lunch at the park.
    DIY pizzas on lebanese bread/tacos/burgers/etc. for dinner (fun food that the kids can help make themselves with bonus of learning how to save money by not eating out) in front of a movie?
    Other daytime options: ferry to manly beach; aquatic centre; arts and crafts at home; Lollipop's Playland; bike ride; library; museum; ikea?

    If you're still prepared to spend almost $100 on a day out with them it's a bit counter-productive to teaching them money management! Encouraging their parents to open an account like CBA Dollarmites and giving them a modest allowance/paid for chores helps I think.

  • CyberMurning on 03/10/2016 - 09:42

    just let them play iphone ipad tablet etc

  • Diji1 on 03/10/2016 - 11:13

    Why are you paying for someone else's children?

    • Findo on 03/10/2016 - 13:41

      Why not? I do love them as if they were my own and they care a lot about me. They helped keep me sober in the early days too.

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