The secret to a stress free school holiday? Expending that high energy fuel early in the day. We’ve rounded up the top rated gear from SportsPower to turn your backyard into the ultimate activity zone.
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The Backyard Grand Slam: Tennis & Pickleball
You don’t need a full court or a country club membership to get the kids rallying. With low-compression balls and portable nets, you can turn any backyard, driveway, or even a quiet cul-de-sac into a mini court in minutes. These setups are designed for beginners, making it easier for kids to learn proper technique while still having fun.
Why it works: Builds hand-eye coordination, improves reaction time, and keeps kids engaged without screens. Plus, it’s easy for all ages to join in.
Bonus: Pickleball’s smaller court and slower pace make it perfect for family matches where everyone can compete.
Top Picks:
Pivot Multi Badminton Pickleball Net
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Soccer Skills & Shootouts
When the kids start bouncing off the walls during school holidays, it’s time to take the action outside and turn your backyard into a mini stadium. There’s nothing quite like a fast-paced round of “Top Bins” to burn off energy, build skills, and spark a bit of friendly competition. All you need is a portable goal set, a ball, and a bit of imagination — suddenly, the lawn becomes the stage for the next big match.
Encourage kids to challenge each other to shooting contests, take turns as goalkeeper, or even create their own mini tournament. It’s a fantastic way for siblings (or neighbourhood friends) to play together without needing a full team, while also improving coordination, accuracy, and confidence with the ball.
Want to take things up a level? Turn practice into play by mixing in fun skill-based challenges. Dribbling races, trick-shot attempts, or timed shooting rounds keep things fresh and exciting — and help kids stay engaged for longer.
Pro Tip: Set up “skill stations” using cones, markers, or even household items to create a backyard obstacle course. Think weaving through cones, quick stops and turns, followed by a final shot on goal. You can even time each run and see who can beat their personal best!
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Expert Gear:
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Hoops at Home: The Basketball System
Looking for an activity that keeps kids active and entertained for hours? A home basketball setup is hard to beat. Basketball is one of the ultimate “independent” sports, perfect for solo practice, sibling showdowns, or friendly competitions with mates. Whether they’re shooting hoops after lunch, perfecting their free throws, or challenging each other to a classic game of ‘HORSE’, there’s always a new way to play.
A sturdy basketball system turns any driveway, backyard, or quiet street into a personal court. It’s not just about scoring points either, kids build coordination, balance, and confidence every time they dribble, pass, and shoot. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in exercise without it feeling like a chore.
Mix things up by setting fun challenges: who can land 10 shots in a row, score from the furthest distance, or invent the trickiest ‘HORSE’ shot? You can even create a mini tournament or a “beat the clock” shooting game to keep the energy high.
What to look for: Choose a system with adjustable height settings so it can grow alongside your kids. That way, younger players can start low and build confidence, while older kids can raise the hoop for a more realistic game. A durable base and weather-resistant materials are also key for long-lasting backyard fun.
With a hoop at home, there’s always time for “just one more shot” — and that usually turns into hours of active play.
Shop our range of Basketball Equipment
Staff Pick:
Spalding Portable Basketball System (44in Polycarbonate)
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Splash & Play: Water-Based Fun
When the temperature rises, there’s only one rule: get wet and stay cool. Water-based play is a school holiday essential, turning even the hottest days into hours of laughter and energy-burning fun. Whether it’s a backyard sprinkler, a paddling pool, or a trip to the local pool, adding water instantly levels up the excitement.
Neoprene balls and waterproof play sets are perfect for keeping the action going — they’re easy to grip when wet, quick to dry, and built for everything from pool games to backyard splash battles. Kids can invent their own games, from water soccer to catch-and-throw challenges, or even create a mini “water Olympics” with different events.
For something a bit more adventurous, set up a DIY splash zone with buckets, water balloons, or a slip-and-slide. It’s a great way to keep groups of kids entertained while encouraging teamwork, creativity, and a bit of healthy competition.
Why it works: Water play is low-impact, making it ideal for all ages and energy levels. It keeps kids cool while they stay active, helping them burn off energy without overheating — a win for everyone on those long, sunny holiday days.
Must-Have:
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The "Cool Down": Family Table Games
When the weather isn’t playing nice, whether it’s scorching heat or a rainy afternoon, it’s time to bring the competition indoors. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice the fun. With the right setup, your home can become the ultimate games zone.
Table tennis is a fast-paced favourite that keeps kids moving, improving reflexes and coordination while delivering plenty of laughs along the way. For something a little different, a mini-billiards table adds a more relaxed but still competitive edge, perfect for winding down while still staying engaged.
These indoor options are great for all ages and skill levels. Kids can rally back and forth, create their own tournaments, or challenge parents to a best-of-three showdown. It’s an easy way to keep everyone entertained without screens and without worrying about the weather outside.
Want to keep things interesting? Mix in fun variations like trick shots, timed challenges, or family leaderboards to see who comes out on top by the end of the holidays.
Staff Tip: Opt for a folding table tennis table! It gives you that pro-level playing surface for an authentic game, then folds away neatly when space is needed. Perfect for homes where flexibility matters just as much as fun.
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Ready to beat the holiday boredom?
At SportsPower, we’re your local experts in keeping the family moving. From the first whistle to the final siren, we’ve got the gear to make these holidays the best yet.
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