10 Aussie ways to keep the kids entertained these holidays!

Are you and the kids looking for boredom-busters these holidays?

We’ve put together a list of activities, fun products and projects to try. And best of all, you’ll be supporting other Aussie families while you have fun!

1. Discover local makers at retail shops

More than just a fun day out at the shops, you can take the kids out to find out about local makers and growers! Australian Made Retail Partners are all home to a wide variety of Australian Made products, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs, décor and more! See the Where to buy Australian Made page to find out where you can shop.

2. Spruce up their wardrobe

Take this chance to add some colour and variety to your children’s wardrobe with some locally made clothing pieces! Whether it’s a colourful piece from Bandicute, something timeless from BOA Basics or an adorable set from Jemima Jack & Me – there are so many Australian Made kids brands you can shop from! Find more kids’ clothing brands here.

3. Time for some new toys?

If you’re on the lookout for some new toys, buying Australian Made means that they are made to our country’s standards of quality, safety and ethics. Whether it’s an iconic teddy from Tambo Teddies, a fun paper craft from Paper Papa or a handcrafted wooden toy from NOM Handcrafted, there are so many brands to check out! Find more toys and games here.

4. Match your fit

Perfect for a family photo day or just for fun, why not buy a matching outfit for parents and little ones? You can find adorable sets from Pebble and Poppet that feature illustrations from Australian artists and are designed to fit the whole family!

5. Get artsy

Get the crafts out with the knowledge that your kiddos are safe. Tinta Crayons are made in Melbourne from natural Australian beeswax, and come in bright colours and fun shapes. Food grade and non-toxic, if they do somehow make their way into little mouths, they are completely safe. You can also stay extra clean with a locally made art smock from Smart Stuff!

6. Build with blocks

The Little Architect is a colourful construction toy designed to stimulate imagination and develop coordination skills for kids. From space and dinosaurs to unicorn castles knights, there’s hours of constructive, creative fun to be had.

7. Crack out the jigsaw puzzles

Keep little brains stimulated with a locally crafted puzzle! Manufactured on the Gold Coast, QPuzzles jigsaw puzzles come in every difficulty you can think of, from 25-piece puzzles to extra-large 1000-piece puzzles. Made with food-safe and toy-safe materials, they are safe for all ages and fully recyclable.

8. Check out Australian Made children’s books

Your family reading time can be a way to support other local families! North Queensland-based author Eva-Marie Welsh from Eva Books creates stories about native animals on adventure. Western Australia-based author Kiara Ellis created her FIFO & Me series to explain why a parent works away. And just recently, husband-wife duo Ben and Megan Kitchin established Brontosaurus Books in Adelaide to inspire a lifelong love of reading in young minds.

9. Spend some time in the garden

Make the most of the rare sunny winter days with a day out in the backyard! With the kids-sized hand trowels or forks from Gardening on Country you can watch them dig to their hearts content.

10. Learn about the Australian Made logo

The Australian Made Campaign has created educational resources for teachers and parents about the importance of choosing Australian-made products. See our interactive pages, activity sheets, and education kits on the Australian Made website.