A very serious school-holidays save vs splurge investigation

There are no two ways about it: school holidays can be expensive.

To keep the kids from bouncing off the walls, you've got to keep them entertained. And to keep them entertained, you've got to plan things for them to do. And "things", unfortunately, usually cost money.

There are some activities you can do on the cheap to keep the little ones from succumbing to a destructive bout of cabin fever. Others will set you back — but, if they buy you a little sanity, can be money well spent.

So, what's worth spending your money on and where can you save? Here's our serious investigation. 

SAVE: Board games

Forget the screens — school holiday like it's 1995 with some good old-fashioned board games. The kids will be entertained for hours and you can enjoy a sanity-restoring glass of pinot while you play.

And buying the games doesn't have to set you back — visit any op shop to choose from a range of classics, all for around $4 a pop.

SPLURGE: Movie tickets

Sure, taking two kids to the movies, parking and buying them popcorn can add up fast. But two hours of sitting quietly in an air-conditioned movie theatre? That's priceless.

SAVE: An overseas holiday

No, that's not a typo. Yes, it is possible to nab a great-value overseas trip — when you're using ALDI Holidays, that is.

ALDI Holidays has a range of great-value holidays on offer, both domestic and international. Many of them are package deals, meaning you can score flights and accommodation (with kids often staying free) for one great price. And every parent knows there's no better way to avoid the dreaded cabin fever than taking the kids on a trip.

Plus, you'd think you need to splurge on the typical tourist activities at a new destination, but many of the best experiences to be had in a new place are actually free — things like hitting the beach, visiting museums and just enjoying all that your resort has to offer.

SPLURGE: Theme parks

Theme parks are pricey, but the delight your kids will experience genuinely makes them worth the expense.

For maximum impact, plan your visit for the end of school holidays — and let your little ones know you'll only be going if they behave until then. It's a totally acceptable form of light parental blackmail.

SAVE: Go outside

It can be the beach, the park or the pool. Wherever you take them, soaking up the great outdoors is a winning school-holiday activity.

Firstly, it's free (or, in the case of the local pool, very cheap). Second, they'll burn off energy — coming home tuckered out and ready to have a long, quiet nap. Bliss.

Each new month brings the launch of fresh holiday deals. Find out more at aldiholidays.com.au.