Settlement Guide: What is holiday care and how to find free activities for children?

School holidays are a challenge for many parents. However, there are plenty of free activities near you if you know where to look. As for those who cannot afford to take time off work, holiday care programs ranging from traditional vacation care, tennis, swimming to arts could be the answer. A 2013 study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that 93 per cent of children aged between 6 to 11 are cared for by their parents during school holidays. About 29 per cent are sometimes looked after by their grandparents. But not everyone has family nearby who can lend a hand. Perhaps this is why 14 per cent of children have attended some kind of holiday care program.