50+ Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas For Families

Would you love to take the whole whānau on a fun, affordable break — without the hassle of flights or expensive accommodation?

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to overseas travel, why not try a staycation instead?

Here are 50+ family staycation ideas for New Zealand families — many are free or low-cost, and all are fun ways to spend time together without leaving the country.

From DIY adventures to relaxed days at home, these ideas are perfect for weekends, school holidays, or anytime you want to create great memories on a budget.

50+ Cheap Family Staycation Ideas

Table of Contents

50+ Cheap Family Staycation Ideas

1. Go to the beach

Luckily, most of us in Aotearoa live within driving distance of the coast.

Pack a chilly bin with kai, grab the boogie boards, and make a day of it at your local beach or lake.

2. Movie marathon night

Let everyone pick a favourite flick, make popcorn or order fish and chips, and snuggle up for a movie night at home. Bonus points for homemade movie tickets and an intermission for ice cream!

3. Go op shopping

Give the kids a small amount to spend at an op shop – even $5 can go far. We love op shopping with the kids, it’s a neat way to reinforce that reuse/recycle mentality.

4. Backyard camping

Pop up the tent in your backyard (or lounge), roast marshmallows over a portable BBQ (not inside though), and enjoy a night under the stars — without needing to pack the car.

5. Whānau talent show

Get everyone to prepare a short act — a magic trick, a song, a dance, or even a funny skit.

Film the performances and watch them together like a talent show.

6. Go for a bush walk or local tramp

Whether it’s a DOC track, a scenic lookout, or a loop walk near town, pack a lunch and head out into nature. Don’t forget your togs if there’s a swimming hole nearby.

7. Read together

Set up a cosy reading nook at home. Let older kids read aloud to younger ones, or take turns with a chapter book. Check your local library for new titles.

8. Game night

Break out the board games (like Monopoly, Pictionary or Guess Who). Offer a small prize like choosing dessert or the next day’s activity.

9. Have a scavenger hunt

Create a list of everyday things (a pinecone, a red car, a jandal). Hunt around your neighbourhood, a park, or your backyard. The winner picks dinner!

Here is an idea for an indoor scavenger hunt if the weather is bad

10. Explore a local landmark

Visit a nearby waterfall, Māori pā site, lookout, or historical building you’ve never stopped at before.

You’ll be surprised how much is close to home.

11. Visit a museum

From Te Papa to your local museum, many are free or koha entry.

Great for rainy days and sparking new interests in history, science, or art.

12. Backyard sports day

Set up a mini sports tournament — backyard cricket, netball hoops, or a gumboot toss.

Parents vs kids makes it extra fun.

13. Fruit picking

Head to a local orchard during the right season — apples in autumn, strawberries in early summer.

Make a pie or freeze your harvest for smoothies.

14. Family Yoga or exercise

Find a free YouTube session or create a mini bootcamp circuit in the backyard. Stretching together is a great way to unwind.

15. Volunteer together

Help out at the local food bank, SPCA, or beach clean-up.

Teaching kids about giving back is a powerful lesson — and you can do it as a whānau.

16. Do some gardening

Start a veggie patch, repot some herbs, or plant flowers.

It’s hands-on, therapeutic, and a great chance to talk while digging in the dirt.

17. Classic Kiwi yard games

Get out the elastics, gutterboard, knuckle bones and chalk for four square or set up a backyard obstacle course.

Invite neighbours or cousins over for a friendly games day.

18. Home spa day

Pamper each other with DIY facials, cucumbers on eyes, and foot soaks.

Let the kids create a “spa menu” and set the mood with candles and music.

19. Do some crafting

Make DIY cards, recycled art, or friendship bracelets.

Pinterest is full of great ideas using items you already have at home.

20. Water fight

On a hot summer day, fill up water balloons or set up the sprinkler.

Add a paddling pool and make it a splash-tastic afternoon.

21. Bake together

Get the kids baking biscuits, cupcakes or scones. Let them go wild with decorating and enjoy the taste test with a cold glass of milk.

22. Write a family storybook

Each person adds a sentence or paragraph, and someone writes it down.

The kids can illustrate it and even act it out later.

23. Build a fire pit

If your council allows it, build a simple fire pit to toast marshmallows and yarn under the stars.

Otherwise, a small chiminea or fire bowl works well too.

24. Go to a movie

Check out what’s on at your local cinema — some have special kids pricing or school holiday deals. Don’t forget the choc-top!

25. Card games

Dust off the Uno, Snap, or Go Fish cards. Teach the kids something new like 500 or Euchre — or let them make up their own game rules.

26. Amusement park

If you’re near Auckland, Rainbow’s End is a classic Kiwi family adventure — thrill rides, log flumes, and kid-friendly zones.

Outside of Auckland, look for smaller amusement parks or adventure playgrounds like Velocity Valley in Rotorua or Adrenalin Forest in Christchurch and Wellington.

27. Book one night in a local motel with a pool

A night away — even just down the road — feels like a real holiday to kids.

Look for motels or holiday parks with pools, games rooms, or playgrounds. Many offer family rooms and school holiday deals.

28. Board game tournament

Choose a mix of quick and strategy games — like Guess Who, Catan, or Connect 4 — and create a scoreboard.

Play across a whole day or weekend. Winners can earn prizes like choosing dinner, dessert, or a small treat.

29. Build a tree hut or cubby

Get out the hammers and nails or just use blankets and furniture indoors.

Whether you build a proper treehouse or a lounge fort, kids love having a space of their own. Bonus points for fairy lights, flags, and “no adults allowed” signs.

30. Stargazing night with a telescope or stargazing app

Use things like pool noodles, cones, rope, buckets, or chairs to create a fun course. Time each other and cheer everyone on. Don’t forget to include the dog if you have one!

31. Obstacle course

Build an obstacle course in your backyard using wood planks, logs, ropes, or any other material that would work.

Look for ideas on the Internet on how to build one and have family competitions. And don’t forget to include the dog!

32. Road trip

Choose a nearby town or scenic spot and make a day of it.

Visit a local café, explore a beach or forest walk, and take some photos to remember the day.

33. Visit the local pool or splash pad

Community pools often have hydroslides, lazy rivers or play areas for kids.

Some are free for under-5s or offer family passes. Bring a packed lunch and make it a full outing.

34. Have lunch out

Go to a local café or food court and let everyone choose something they like.

Look for places where kids eat free, or go for a cheap-and-cheerful classic like pies and milkshakes.

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35. Indoor Treasure hunt

Hide small toys or snacks around the house and write clues. You can theme it — pirates, spies, fairies — and let the kids dress up and solve the mystery.

36. Tell stories by torchlight

Turn out the lights, grab some torches and take turns telling funny or spooky stories. Make hot chocolates and snuggle up for a cosy evening.

37. Disney Virtual Tours

If the weather’s bad, try an online tour of places like Te Papa, Auckland Zoo, or even Disneyland.

Many have free virtual options with videos, games or behind-the-scenes access.

You can visit Disney World virtually here and Disneyland Paris virtually here

38. Nature centre

Look for a nearby reserve, wetland, or native bush walk.

Bring binoculars and a bird guide, or create a checklist of things to find — feathers, ferns, pukeko, etc.

39. Children’s museum

Places like MOTAT, the Otago Museum or local discovery centres are great for hands-on learning.

Check if they offer school holiday activities or free entry days.

40. Go on a bike ride

Pick a safe bike trail or path and go exploring. Stop at a park or café for a break. Make sure everyone’s tyres are pumped and helmets are good to go!

41. Try a school holiday programme

Local community centres, sports clubs and the YMCA often run fun, low-cost programmes. Great if parents need a break and kids want to try something new.

42. Go to a sports game

Check out a local rugby, cricket, or netball game. Smaller games are usually affordable – or free – and just as fun. Wear team colours and get into the spirit!

43. Library

Your local library might have storytime, crafts or LEGO clubs during the holidays.

It’s free, air-conditioned, and full of things to keep kids entertained.

44. Explore local turf

Explore places you normally wouldn’t visit — museums, markets, walking tours, lookout points, quirky shops.

You might discover something new right on your doorstep.

45. Spend the night in a hotel

Find a good deal on BookMe or GrabOne and stay in a hotel just for the fun of it.

Pools, buffet breakfasts, and watching TV in bed make it feel like a real holiday.

46. Let the kids cook dinner

Help the kids plan a menu, do the shopping, and prepare a meal.

It’s a great learning experience and gives mum or dad a break from cooking for a night.

47. Do an art project

Use what you’ve got at home — paint, glue, cardboard, magazines.

Make cards, puppets, or even recycled sculptures. Pinterest is full of easy family-friendly ideas.

48. Create a home library or reading corner

Set up a special reading space in the lounge or a bedroom. Add pillows, books, and a little shelf or box. Let the kids decorate it and make it their own.

49. Let the kids plan a staycation day

Give them a budget and the chance to plan an activity. They might choose a picnic, movie marathon, or dress-up day. Letting them take charge is part of the fun.

50. Repeat a favourite activity

Did your kids love backyard camping or a visit to the beach?

Do it again! There’s no rule that says you can’t repeat a good time.

51. Have a whānau picnic or mini reunion

Invite grandparents, cousins, aunties and uncles for a shared picnic at the park. Bring a footy, cricket set, or frisbee and make it a relaxed family day out.

52. Put on a play or performance

Write a short script or let the kids come up with their own story.

Use costumes from around the house and perform it for friends or neighbours.

53. Train the dog (or borrow one!)

Teach your dog a new trick or set up an agility course. No dog? Offer to walk a neighbour’s or visit the SPCA to learn more about caring for animals.

Hopefully, a few of the suggestions on this list will become favourite staycation ideas for your family.

They are all easy ways to promote quality family time and keep the kids engaged with something other than the computer, television, or iPad.

There are many benefits of a staycation, such as:

They are affordable
Reduced travel time
It supports the local economy
You can staycation from anywhere
There is no jetlag
Become an interested tourist in your own city, town, or country
It is guaranteed you will feel recharged and refreshed afterward
And the most important — your pet can come too!

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