Holiday at home

The truth is, sometimes the best memories happen in your backyard.

As a mum of two, the biggest lesson I’ve learned about having fun with kids is all about keeping it simple. They don’t need fancy expensive holidays or flash new toys because joy doesn’t have a price tag. For them, happiness comes from us parents simply being present, and a whole lot of love, of course.

If I think about all my kids’ favourite activities, what makes them the happiest is honestly the small things. A play in the park after a kindy pick up, an ice cream treat despite an unfinished dinner, extra time in the bath or a movie before bed.

Like so many mums with young children, I struggle with mum guilt – that constant (and ridiculous) feeling that I’m never doing enough. But with finances getting much tighter and the day-to-day cost of living becoming a squeeze, we’ll be keeping things local this summer. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I’m making it my mission to have the best summer ever with the kids, right here in our own neighbourhood. If you’re in a similar boat, here are a few fun things we’ll be doing together.

Camping in the backyard

Anyone else’s kid obsessed with space? My son is a total fanatic and can’t get enough of the galaxy. He basically sleeps with his telescope beside him. So this summer, we’re setting up a tent in the backyard. My partner and I will get the kids involved by helping to pitch the tent. Then we’ll bring the bedding outdoors and spend a night under the stars. We’ll be telling campfire stories and I’ll make hot chocolates with marshmallows – to make it feel even more authentic. The simple act of creating a little ‘camp site’ brings a real sense of excitement and adventure. And the best part? We literally only have to move our stuff five metres!

DIY Movie Night

My kids love the movies, so this summer we’re setting up a mini cinema in our living room. We’re going to hire a projector to make it a truly cinematic experience. We’ll of course make a blanket fort (mandatory activity) to make it extra cosy. There’ll be copious amounts of popcorn and I can guarantee you, choctops will most definitely be consumed.

Pool Picnic

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a splash. Whilst we might be a fair car ride away from the beach, our local pool is just as impressive, especially with little ones in tow.

BabyLove has even created a downloadable checklist you can pop on the fridge, so that’s one less thing to carry (or forget) on the day. We always pack BabyLove Swim Pants for pool days – they’re water-safe, comfy for the kids and super easy for me to take off, post swim.

I usually pack a small freezer bag with a few ice blocks to keep our cut watermelon cool. Once we find a shady spot, we settle in for the afternoon and let the kids splash about, while we relax, knowing everything we need is right there with us.

Cherry-Picking Farms

One more lovely thing about summer is the abundance of berries. Cherry season is high in December with many farms offering kid-friendly picking sessions for as little as $25 per child, with plenty of sweet cherries to snack on along the way. It’s a deliciously fun activity that combines learning, nature and a little bit of indulgence. We’re based in Victoria and there are plenty of farms only a 45 min drive from the city.

Explore Local Gems

Sometimes the best adventures are closer than you think. You’d be surprised how much your local neighbourhood or surrounding suburbs have to offer. There’s always a place you’ve driven past and maybe forgotten about. Visiting your local library (or toy library), farmers market, or a community fair can open up new experiences for kids. Even a simple stroll through a neighbourhood park or a hidden garden can feel like a mini holiday when approached with curiosity and open eyes.

Holidaying at home doesn’t have to be a substitute for a family vaycay. With a little creativity, a few simple supplies and an adventurous mindset, you can create memories that feel just as magical as any getaway. This summer, embrace the joy of discovering what’s right on your doorstep. I know we will.