It’s been a manic year for my family so I’m counting down the days until the summer holidays begin. I can’t wait to spend quality time with my husband and kids away from work, school and extracurricular activities.

In my family, we prioritise experiences over material things, but after a while the usual stuff like trips to the movies, aquarium and zoo can feel a little ‘same old’ – and the cost certainly adds up!

This year we’ll be trying some fun and affordable experiences that I know all four of us will love. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are some options for a non-clichéd summer of fun:

1. Screen Worlds at ACMI.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne is known for fun and fascinating exhibitions. Screen Worlds is no exception. Like most kids, mine love to glue themselves to a screen so they are super excited about immersing themselves in interactive displays that track the advancement of digital technology. Yes, I know the point of getting out and about is to get the kids off the tablet and away from the TV, but this exhibition is a wonderful way for them to learn about the history and future of screen technology. Screen Worlds is open daily from 10am – 5pm with orientation tours and a free kids’ trail activity also available.

2. Big Bash League.

The holiday activity my family is most pumped about is the KFC Big Bash League. I’m about as sporty as a hedgehog on crutches but there is so much to love about the Big Bash League.

There’s fast-paced cricket, fantastic music, boundary performances and incredible fireworks (yes, fireworks!). The three-hour duration is perfectly suited to my kids’ attention spans and the cost won’t drain my bank account. A family-of-four ticket starts at $42.50 if purchased at the gate, which is only around 10 bucks each. The Big Bash League kicks off on December 19 with 43 matches being played over 40 days in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Tasmania, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Geelong, Launceston, and Canberra. My kids are already counting the sleeps…and just quietly, so am I.

3. WilderQuest Convict Kids on Fort Denison.

The WilderQuest guided tour transports kids back to London 1788 and encourages them to channel their inner convict (I’m tipping my kids won’t have any trouble with that). Departing from Sydney’s Circular Quay, your kids will be assigned different roles, tried for their crimes and sentenced to life as a convict on Fort Denison. Once ‘jailed’, they will take part in an escape plan and eventually be granted their freedom. During this convict experience, your family will learn about Australia’s rich history including the bush survival skills of Sydney’s Aboriginal people. It’s basically a history lesson without the snooze factor. WilderQuest is perfect for kids aged 5-12 and runs on the 5th and 19th of January 2018.

4. Maleny Dairies tour.

Keen to try your hand at dairy farming? At Maleny Dairies, you and the kids can learn all about how milk is made – from the cow to the bottle. Maleny Dairies is located an hour and half’s drive from Brisbane and offers daily farm and factory tours. After getting up close and personal with the Guernsey cows and calves, you’ll see how the milk is processed and bottled before being offered a taste of Maleny Dairies products. Once you’ve loaded up on milk, yoghurt and custard, you can have a family picnic on the grounds and take in the magnificent views.

5. Backyard glamping.

Summer camping doesn’t have to involve loading the car up, driving to an overcrowded caravan park and sharing an ablution block with strangers. At our place, we’ve introduced backyard glamping and it’s a huge hit with the kids. When the weather’s good, set up a tent in the backyard and sleep in it with the kids. You can tell ghost stories, play board games and enjoy roughing it without actually roughing it. In the morning, you can have a hot shower in your own bathroom, no thongs required, and you won’t have to spend a cent on site fees. If your kids are young, it’s a great way to test the waters before committing to a week-long camping holiday.

Keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays can be humdrum and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. I hope some of these ideas help you enjoy a wonderful summer with your family.

What do you enjoy doing with your family over the holidays?

This content was created with thanks to The KFC Big Bash League.