Best Christmas Activities for Kids

Christmas in Australia happens in summer, so families can enjoy the warm weather. Instead of snow and cold, it’s all about sunshine, BBQs, and outdoor fun. Kids have a long school break, so it’s the perfect time for exciting activities. Whether you’re staying cool inside or playing outside in the sun, here are some of the best Christmas ideas to keep kids happy, creative, and full of holiday cheer.

Creative Christmas Crafts for Kids

Christmas is a great time for kids to get creative. Doing simple crafts helps them make special decorations and gifts. It’s also a fun way to spend time without scree

DIY Christmas Ornaments

You don’t need to buy new decorations every year. Try making your own that tell a story. Use air-dry clay to shape kangaroos, koalas, or surfing Santas. Collect gumnuts and eucalyptus leaves to paint and hang on your tree. These simple, handmade decorations will make your Christmas tree feel special and truly Australian.

Handmade Christmas Cards

Nothing is better than a handmade Christmas card. Give your kids some glitter, coloured paper, stamps, and bright markers. Let them make their own cards for family and friends. This fun activity helps them think of others and use their hands to create something special.

Outdoor Christmas Fun

With the sun shining and the holidays in full swing, it's time to head out into the great Australian outdoors. These activities are perfect for burning off energy and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Christmas Treasure Hunt

Turn your backyard or local park into a fun Christmas treasure hunt. Hide small toys, candy canes, or clues that lead to a bigger surprise. For a true summer touch, the final prize could be a bowl of cold mangoes or a new pool toy. Kids will love the excitement of searching and playing outdoors.

Backyard Picnic or BBQ

In Australia, Christmas is often spent eating outdoors, making it the perfect setting for a Christmas party. Why stay inside? Set up a bright picnic or BBQ in your backyard, maybe under a gum tree. Spread a colourful blanket and cook prawns and sausages on the barbie. Everyone can enjoy the food, chat, and let the kids run around. This is a true Aussie summer Christmas.

Indoor Christmas Activities

When the sun is at its hottest, retreating inside offers a cool, comfortable refuge. Indoor fun can be just as exciting, offering opportunities for cosy family time and delicious festive treats.

Christmas Movie Night

Christmas is perfect for a movie marathon. Dim the lights and set out bean bags. Snuggle up with a bowl of popcorn. Make it extra fun with matching festive pyjamas. Let the kids choose their favourite holiday film. This simple activity is cosy and cheerful.

Christmas Baking Time

Go into the kitchen and enjoy the smells of Christmas. Baking is fun for everyone. Kids enjoy measuring, mixing, and decorating. Try gingerbread people, shortbread cookies, or an Australian pavlova with fresh summer berries. The best part is tasting what you made!

Christmas Story Corner

Taking a quiet moment is important during the busy holidays. Make a Christmas Story Corner with soft cushions and string lights. Read classic Christmas stories or books about Australian summer holidays. This helps kids relax and enjoy reading. It can become a special, magical family tradition.

Educational & Quiet-Time Activities

Even though the holidays are exciting, kids and parents sometimes need calm activities. These quiet activities are great for focusing and relaxing during the day.

Christmas Puzzles and Games

Bring out board games and jigsaw puzzles. Christmas puzzles or favourite family games are fun ways to think and work together. They help kids practise patience and are a good break from screens. Families can enjoy time together.

Christmas Building Sets or STEM Kits

For kids who like building, a Christmas-themed set or STEM kit is a great gift. These toys help them solve problems and think critically. They can build a sleigh or a model of Sydney Harbour at Christmas. It is fun and educational at the same time.

Recommended Christmas Decorations for Kids

A big part of Christmas is making your home festive. Outdoor Christmas decorations should handle the Australian sun and be fun for kids.

Looking for decorations that truly stand out? For an instant showstopper that is sure to turn heads in the neighbourhood, check out the 180 CM Christmas Inflatable Dinosaur with LED Lights for Yard Deck at Costway. This unique inflatable is a fantastic twist on traditional decor, combining the fun of a dinosaur with the magic of Christmas lights, perfect for an Australian-sized backyard!

Inside your home, you can keep your kids’ Christmas items neat and easy to see with the 10-Hook Christmas Stocking Holder Stand on Wheels. This stand works on its own, so you don’t need to hang anything on the mantelpiece. The wheels make it simple to move the stand from the living room to the patio for a summer celebration or anywhere else you want to display it.

No Christmas display is complete without a classic scene. The Lighted Christmas Santa Claus and Reindeer with Sleigh adds a traditional sparkle to your outdoor decorations. Imagine your children’s faces when they see Santa and his reindeer glowing on the lawn. You could even give it an Australian twist by imagining a white kangaroo among the reindeer, which makes the scene extra fun and unique.

Tips for Choosing Christmas Decorations

Choosing the right decorations, especially for your outdoor space, is key to a stress-free holiday. Here are a few tips:

Prioritise Durability: The Australian summer means heat and sun. Look for decorations made from weather-resistant materials, especially if they will be outdoors.

Focus on Fun: For kids, the decorations should be exciting and magical. Don’t be afraid to choose quirky items like the inflatable dinosaur to create an instant smile.

Easy Setup and Storage: Decorations that are easy to assemble and pack away, like the wheeled stocking holder or an inflatable, save you time and hassle, leaving more time for festive fun.

Safety First: Ensure all outdoor lights and inflatables are rated for outdoor use and any wires are safely secured away from foot traffic, especially around pools or play areas.

Conclusion

The Australian summer Christmas is a special time for making family memories. You can craft your own ornaments using native materials for a personal touch. Outside, you can enjoy a classic backyard BBQ next to a big, glowing inflatable dinosaur. The holiday is what you make of it. By mixing fun indoor activities with exciting outdoor games and picking the right decorations, you can give your kids a wonderful Christmas. So, put on your sunscreen and Santa hat, and start creating magical, sunny holiday moments!