School holidays have a special talent for emptying your wallet while your kids loudly declare they’re “boooooored” five minutes in.
If you’re staring down a weekend with very little money left — or you’re just trying to rein things in — a no-spend weekend can be a lifesaver. And no, that doesn’t mean sitting at home doing nothing while everyone sulks.
A no-spend weekend looks different for every family. For us, it means:
- Eating what’s already in the house
- Using stuff we already own
- Avoiding “just popping out” (because that’s how $80 disappears)
These ideas won’t magically turn your kids into grateful angels — but they will help you get through the weekend without spending money or losing your mind.
When You Need to Get Out of the House (Before Everyone Explodes)
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery — preferably one that’s free.
- Check your local council website for free events
- Visit a free museum or gallery
- Go to the local library (books, toys, air-con — underrated hero)
- Visit friends or relatives you haven’t seen in a while
- Walk through a local market without buying anything
- Explore a new suburb or walking track
- Join a free community group or activity
- Browse op shops just for fun (hands in pockets)
Parks, Playgrounds & Open Spaces
Cheap? No. Free? Yes. And kids still love them.
- Visit a new playground
- Pack a picnic using food from home
- Ride bikes or scooters
- Play footy, cricket, or chasey
- Feed the ducks (with approved food)
- Fly a kite
- Have a nature scavenger hunt
Beach, River & Outdoorsy Stuff (If You’re Lucky Enough to Live Nearby)
- Go swimming
- Walk along the beach or river
- Collect shells or interesting rocks
- Go fishing with gear you already own
- Explore a national park
- Go for a long family walk and actually talk to each other
(Yes, “go camping” sounds nice, but let’s be real — that’s rarely no-spend. Backyard camping, however…)
Outdoor Fun at Home (Zero Petrol Required)
- Backyard camping with a tent or blankets
- Put a sprinkler under the trampoline
- Wash bikes, scooters, or the dog
- Set up a scavenger hunt around the house or yard
- Take photos of bugs, plants, or clouds
- Garden together or pull weeds (it still counts)
Indoor No-Spend Activities (Low Cost, Low Effort)
Perfect for rainy days or when everyone’s had enough of each other.
- Board games or card games
- Read books — together or alone
- Teach kids a card game you played growing up
- Do a big jigsaw puzzle
- Listen to podcasts or audiobooks
- Watch a movie you already own or stream
- Plan a future holiday — dreaming is free
- Make cards or letters for grandparents or nursing homes
“Productive” Things That Still Count as No-Spend
Not glamorous, but satisfying.
- Declutter one cupboard or drawer
- Organise photos on your phone
- Sort clothes to sell or donate
- Rearrange a bedroom or living space
- Clean out the fridge, freezer, or pantry and plan meals around what’s there
A no-spend weekend isn’t about deprivation. It’s about breathing room — financially and mentally.
You’re not failing because you’re saying no to spending.
You’re not boring because you’re staying home.
And your kids don’t need constant entertainment — they need connection (and snacks).
If you’ve got a go-to no-spend activity that saves your sanity, share it. Other parents are right there with you — probably hiding in the pantry.
Have your say!