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Whether you’re organising a kids’ activity corner at a council festival in Brisbane, a birthday party in Sydney, or a family day for a company in Melbourne, DIY event activity packs are a lifesaver. They keep kids engaged, reduce staffing stress, and are easy to personalise for Aussie themes, weather, and cultural events.
Below is your complete guide to what to include, plus uniquely Australian insights to make your packs stand out.
Why DIY Activity Packs Work So Well in Australia
- Outdoor-heavy events: Australian events often take place outdoors—parks, beaches, school ovals—so packs need to survive sun, wind, and travel.
- Wide age ranges: Family events draw toddlers through to tweens, so a mixed-ability pack is best.
- Local themes matter: Events tied to NAIDOC Week, Australia Day (or alternate celebrations), school fetes, and council festivals are common, as are love-themed content.
- Parents expect eco-conscious options: Sustainable packaging and reusable branded items stand out.
1. Creative Items
Colouring and craft items remain a top pick, especially when kids need shade-time activities.
Great inclusions:
- Australian wildlife colouring sheets (koalas, kookaburras, quokkas)
- Outback or beach-themed mini colouring books
- Crayon sets (won’t melt as easily as markers in heat)
- Sticker sheets featuring iconic Aussie flora & fauna
- Stencils of surfboards, gum leaves, and native animals
Unique insight:
For events in Queensland or the Northern Territory, choose materials that won’t warp in humidity (avoid low-grade cardboard covers).
Brandable options:
Custom-printed colouring books, branded pencil sets, themed sticker sheets.
2. Puzzles & Quiet Activities
If your event is at a shopping centre activation in Sydney or Melbourne, quieter and more structured items work exceptionally well.
Include items such as:
- Mazes featuring Australian city landmarks
- Word searches with Aussie slang (“arvo”, “barbie”, “brekkie”)
- Mini puzzle cubes
- Spot-the-difference sheets with coastal or bush themes
- Small jigsaw puzzles of Australian animals
Unique insight:
Council-run events love including local landmark-themed puzzles, such as Melbourne trams, the Perth skyline, or Sydney Harbour scenes.
3. Hands-On Craft & Sensory Items
These work brilliantly for regional events, where families often stay longer.
Popular choices:
- Playdough tubs
- Beading kits
- Scratch art cards
- DIY mask kits (animals, superheroes, Aussie critters)
- Foam shape craft packs
Unique insight:
For WA, SA, and regional NSW/QLD, include crafts that don’t rely on water or glue due to dust and wind. Peel-and-stick options are best.
4. Snacks (Optional but Loved)
Healthy and allergy-friendly snacks are favoured in Australian family settings.
Kid-friendly options:
- Popcorn sachets
- Fruit straps
- Pretzel packs
- Mini cookie bags
- Juice poppers
- Custom lollies
Unique insight:
Avoid chocolate-based items for summer events—they melt instantly in the Aussie heat!
5. Practical Extras for Aussie Conditions
Australia’s climate makes these items valuable for parents:
- Sunscreen sachets
- Custom water bottles
- Hand sanitiser wipes
- Wide-brim hat for premium packs
- Temporary tattoos
- Event wristbands
- Notepads
Unique insight:
Sunscreen sachets are a huge hit at coastal events in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Perth.
6. Australian-Themed Items to Add Personality
Consider packs themed around:
Wildlife Pack
- Kangaroo, koala, wombat masks
- Animal fact cards
- Boomerang colouring sheets
Beach & Surf Pack (ideal for WA, QLD, NSW)
- Wave stencils
- Surfboard stickers
- Temporary tattoos (sharks, shells, dolphins)
NAIDOC-Inspired Creativity Pack
(For events celebrating First Nations culture)
- Pattern colouring sheets inspired by traditional dot art (non-replicative, respectful)
- Indigenous language word search (with permission)
- Storytelling prompt cards
Fete & Festival Pack
(Perfect for school fetes across Australia)
- Mini custom notebooks
- Sticker medals
- Carnival-themed colouring sheets
7. Packaging Ideas for Australian Events
| Packaging Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable Tote Bags | Council festivals, school events | Eco-friendly; easy to brand |
| Drawstring Backpacks | Sporting events, fun runs | Kids can keep them; great for outdoor venues |
| Paper Goody Bags | Budget-friendly city events | Lightweight; avoid for windy outdoor settings |
| Ziplock Kits | Council pop-ups, store promotions | Clean, waterproof, cost-effective |
Quick Planning Table: Recommended Pack Additions by State
| State/Territory | Recommended Additions | Why |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Sunscreen, Sydney landmark puzzles, surf-themed stickers | Many outdoor beachside events |
| VIC | Indoor puzzles, tram-themed colouring, craft kits | Changeable weather, many indoor venues |
| QLD | Crayons (not markers), wildlife items, waterproof pouches | High heat & humidity |
| SA | Sensory items, kangaroo crafts, scrap card kits | Dry climate; cultural family events |
| WA | Beach themes, sunscreen, sticker packs | Strong coastal event culture |
| TAS | Puzzle books, animal masks, indoor activity items | Cooler climate, indoor events common |
| NT | Humidity-safe crafts, robust packaging, reusable water bottles | Heat + moisture considerations |
| ACT | Educational puzzles, landmark colouring sheets | Many museum and government events |
Final Thoughts
DIY kids’ event activity packs are an invaluable tool for creating a memorable, stress-free experience at Australian events. By choosing climate-friendly materials, Aussie themes, and family-focused content, you can create packs that parents love, and kids won’t want to put down.