All the best free activities around the country these school holidays

It's school holiday time again, but families are feeling the pinch with the increased cost of living and Christmas just 90 sleeps away (as of Monday).

With the weather warming up and daylight savings kicking in across some states and territories this Sunday, it's ideal conditions for keeping costs to a minimum.

Here are some of the best free school holiday activities around the country to keep kids entertained and budgets in tact.

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New South Wales

Darling Harbour Children's Playground

Sydney's Darling Harbour is bringing it on for kids once again, with so many free activities for kids including a sandpit, climbing frame, balance ropes and even a flying fox.

On hotter days there is the waterpark and fountain.

Parramatta City Council

The council is running lots of different school holiday activities parents can book their kids into each day, including the Science of Slime Workshop (five-10 years) on Tuesday and next week a Youth Robotics and coding camp.

All the activities are on the website and you just need to register.

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NRL Fan Fest

NRL Fan Fest is happening at Martin Place in Sydney from Wednesday to Friday with grand finalists the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers meeting with fans.

There are also lots of activities and workshops for kids, ahead of the NRL Grand Final on Sunday.

Queensland

Redcliffe Art Gallery

The Studio at Redcliffe Art Gallery is running art workshops for kids the school holidays. Local artists will also be visiting to share stories behind their work.

You can drop in, no bookings required.

Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre in Brisbane

This is the biggest environmental centre in Brisbane featuring the area's first outdoor nature play space.

All ages are welcome to view the more than 320 plant species, over 100 bird species, wallabies and kangaroos.

Victoria

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo has some great activities for children aged 16 and under. The theme is Step Back in Time, with classic games, Professor Pop on his Bubble bike and a maze.

There's hopscotch, animal statues and also lessons about fighting the extinction of species.

Monster Lego Experience

Chadstone Shopping Centre is hosting a Monster Lego Experience featuring two million Lego bricks and attractions such as Miniland Melbourne, with all of the city's best-known landmarks included.

There is a play zone for kids and Lego-themed rides as well as screenings of the Lego movies.

Geelong Cats Parade

AFL Grand Final winners the Geelong Cats will be taking part in a street parade and fan event on September 27 at Steamcat Gardens, with lots of fun planned for families.

South Australia

Museum of Discovery MOD

The Museum of Discovery is hosting science exhibits the school holidays, with children learning all about the art of invisibility.

The Fairy Garden Bridgewater

At Bridgewater kids can enjoy trails and playgrounds as well as the Fairy Garden at Deanery Reserve.

There are water race activities at Cox Creek and ducks. There are plenty of branches and other hidey-holes for kids to play in.

Western Australia

Rebel Sport is hosting a school holiday clinic

Children can try out lots of sports at one of Rebel Sport's school holiday clinics for kids aged seven-12.

There will be Aussie Rules, Rugby League and Football.

The clinic will be at Subiaco Oval on October 5 but will be taking the clinic around the country these school holidays.

Groundswell Festival presented by the City of Stirling

Children can try out surfing, skating and dance battles at the Groundswell Festival this week.

There is street art, food trucks, markets and loads of free workshops and activities. Find out all about it here.

Even more to do

• With warmer weather and daylight savings, this is the perfect weather to check out local hiking trails and bike trails. Find all the info on your local council website;
• Keep kids busy making Christmas decorations and gifts before school goes back so they are ready for the festive season;
• Explore your local area with a road trip, and pack your own food to save cash because petrol prices continue to fluctuate;
• Pack a picnic if you have a sunny day and visit a local park.