With school holidays already here, there's bound to be periods of boredom for the kids. No parent wants to hear: "Mum, I'm bored," or "Dad, there's nothing to do."
There are actually plenty of things to do and you don't have to spend a fortune to have fun as a family.
If you want a great family outing, but you're low on cash, why not go on a picnic? There are many beautiful parks around. If the weather's too cold, visit one of the many museums and zoos. If you're looking for action-packed thrills, visit a theme park.
Don't forget that many venues have free children's activities during the school holidays. Check your local council's website for more details.
Happy holidays!
Sydney
Parks The Botanical Gardens Hyde Park, check out the war memorial at the same time, and the Australian Museum just opposite.
Zoos, museums and art galleries The Australian Museum in Sydney, opposite Hyde Park (adult $12, child $6, family $30) The Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour (adult $29.50, child $15, family $70 Sydney Wildlife World, Darling Harbour (adult $29.50, child $15.00, family $70.00) Australian National Maritime Museum (free entry) Taronga Zoo (adult $39, child $19) Featherdale Wildlife Park, 45 minutes west from the centre of Sydney (adult $20, child $10, family $57.50)
Theme parks Luna Park (prices vary between $25 and $48 according to height)
Canberra
Parks Diddams Close Park, which has a BBQ area Cockington Green Gardens, take the family on a miniature steam train ride, from $8.
Zoos, museums and art galleries The National Zoo & Aquarium (adult $26.50, child 14.50, family $77) The National Museum of Australia (free entry) The National Dinosaur Museum (adult $10, child $7, family $32)
Theme parks Questacon features a new exhibition for a limited time, Measure Island (adult $18, child- $11.50, family $49)
Perth
Parks Kings Park and the Botanic Garden, both overlook the Swan River and Darling Range
Zoos, museums and art galleries Perth Zoo (adult $19, child $9.50) Feed the animals at Cohunu Koala Park (adult $25, child $12) Perth Museum and Art Gallery (free entry)
Theme parks The Great Escape, 20 minutes from the city centre (All day waterslide ticket, adult or child $26, All Day Family Pass $90)
Melbourne
Parks Albert Park, includes a golf course Banksia Park, which has a fishing area
Zoos, museums and art galleries Melbourne Aquarium (adult $26.50, child $16, family $75) Melbourne Zoo and Butterfly House (adult $23, child $11.50) Melbourne Museum, the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere (adult $6, children free)
Theme parks Luna Park (adult $35.95, child $25.95, family $108.95) Giant Sky Wheel, Birrarung Marr ($7 per entry)
Brisbane and Gold Coast
Parks Kalinga Park, which has great Aussie tree houses and when you're finished, catch a ferry to New Farm Park to check out some more tree houses.
Zoos, museums and art galleries Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, features over 700 prehistoric and modern animals (free entry) Queensland Art Gallery, South Brisbane (free entry) Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane (free entry)
Theme parks Movie World, Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild Water World (Fun Pass over 5 days for all three theme parks, adult $149, child $95) Dream World (adult $66, child $43) Whitewater World (adult $43, child $29)