School holidays are a fantastic time for families to bond and make the kind of memories that will last a lifetime. That said, they can also put a strain on your budget and put pressure on the rest of your year. Between all the activities, meals out, and unexpected expenses, these costs can add up remarkably quickly. However, keeping your kids entertained doesn’t have to break the bank. With some smart planning and creativity, you can manage holiday costs while ensuring everyone has a great time.  

Here are seven practical tips to help you budget wisely for the school holidays in South Africa. 

Discounts And Special Offers 

Before booking any paid activities, hunt for deals on sites like Hyperli, Daddy’s Deals, or even the Entertainer app. Many places offer discounted rates for off-peak times or package deals. Also, check if your bank’s rewards program offers discounts on movie tickets, dining, or local attractions. 

Create A Holiday Budget (Together) 

Setting clear limits from the start will prevent those all-too-common moments of spending regret, so your first step is to set a realistic budget for the holidays. Start by listing all potential expenses, like entertainment, transport, food, and any planned day trips. Allocate a specific amount to each category based on what you can afford and try your best to stick to it. Consider putting your budget into an app like 22seven or YNAB, which can help you track spending in real-time.  

This is also a great learning opportunity for your kids, to teach them valuable lessons about money management. It also helps to teach them how to manage their expectations and emotions around what can and can’t be done. 

Embrace Free And Low-Cost Activities 

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep the kids entertained. Many local attractions and community events offer free or low-cost options, helping you to stretch your budget further. 

For instance, you could explore our beautiful parks, hiking trails, and beaches for free or a small entrance fee. To keep it even more cost effective, pack a picnic. If it’s raining, stop in at your local library. Public libraries often host free workshops, storytime sessions, and craft activities during the holidays, offering a great way to keep kids learning and entertained without spending a cent. You could even check if your local community centre offers free sports clinics or tournaments during the holidays so that your kids can learn new skills and burn off energy. 

Staying Home 

Home-based activities not only save money but also allow you to control what’s spent on snacks and entertainment. So, if you’re staying home during the holidays, take some time to plan themed days that will keep things exciting, like a Movie Marathon Day, where you pick a theme like superheroes or animals, and make homemade popcorn and snacks. 

There are also DIY craft days. You can find heaps of ideas on Pinterest that focus on using recyclable materials, like making bird feeders from milk cartons or painting rocks for the garden. Cheap and easy! And don’t forget about the kitchen. Get the kids involved by introducing challenges, like a pizza-making contest or cupcake decorating sessions. These can be both fun and filling for everyone. 

Leaving Home 

Maybe these holidays you don’t want to stay home and would like to hit the road instead. If that’s the case, choose less popular destinations that offer budget-friendly accommodation and activities. Booking directly with guesthouses can also yield better rates than traditional hotels, which should help keep your holiday costs down. Don’t forget to pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid overpriced convenience store purchases. You could even plan your fuel stops based on rewards programs like eBucks or UCount to help reduce holiday costs. 

Save On Food Costs 

Eating out is one of the quickest ways to blow your holiday budget. Rather plan specific dining out experiences, and then focus on preparing meals in advance and freezing them for quick and easy lunches and dinners. You could also pack picnics for outings, instead of relying on fast food. A great idea is to turn your dining room into a restaurant, with kids making menus and helping cook. This can be a fun way to enjoy a “restaurant” experience without the cost. 

The reality is that small savings on meals can quickly add up, leaving more room in your budget for activities. 

Swap And Share With Friends 

If your kids are bored of their toys or games, consider organising a “swap day” with friends. This way, they get something “new” to play with without you having to buy it. Swapping books, board games, or even DVDs can be a fun and cost-effective way to keep them entertained. 

Feeling Informed? 

Saving money during the school holidays doesn’t have to mean cutting out the fun. Of course, it’s not just going to happen. You’ll need to spend some time going online to research free activities and ideas, seeing how you can make use of discounts and loyalty points, and getting the kids involved. This way, you can keep holiday costs down while making memories.  

For more budgeting tips and advice, explore our other articles on AA Inform.