Holidays in your own backyard

Te Radar has some DIY projects. Photo / Janna Dixon

Backyard holidays are rising in popularity to beat the recession squeeze on budgets.

Kidspot general manager Heidi Ivory noted there had been increased interest in things to do around the house, like camping and building huts and pirate ships.

"Caregivers and mums have shown a real interest in doing things around the house," Ivory said.

"There has been a push to create fun play over the holidays with things you already have."

Budgeting experts said camping in the backyard could give children a taste of the outdoors without the expense and organisation needed for a traditional camping holiday.

Norman King of Tent Town suggested pitching a tent in the backyard, cooking on a gas burner and only going inside the house to use the loo.

"Getting the kids away from PlayStation and Skype ... and putting up a tent in your garden is a great introduction to camping and you don't have to pay $15 a night at a campground," King said.

One person holidaying at home in West Auckland will be comedian Te Radar.

Te Radar - on stage with Auckland Theatre Company's adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Twits - was also squeezing in home renovations.

"It's the perfect time of year for a bit of DIY," said Te Radar.

"I'll be finishing off a deck and a wall - you know those things you started last summer that you would like finished for this summer?"

*See www.eventfinder.co.nz for ideas.