Can you believe it’s here already for private schools and it’s just around the corner for state schools. Yes, we’re talking about half term and it feels like it’s arrived quickly. With the shortest day also a couple of weeks away, the school autumn term is well under way.
Keeping kids entertained during the half term weeks is often a big headache for parents up and down the country. Our unpredictable British weather doesn’t make it any easier either. But there are lots of different activities to enjoy, indoors and outdoors, including home baking, arts and crafts, sports clubs and games. So, if you’re a bit stuck on ideas, here are our 10 ideas to keep kids busy during the half term holidays.
Top 10 ideas to keep children busy over half term
- Autumn walks – if weather permits, going on an autumn walk is a great way to keep your children entertained whilst getting exercise and learning about nature. It’s great fun collecting different types as well as colours of leaves and, of course, conkers falling from trees. When you get home, press the leaves or use them to make pictures, or why not try to make a conker garland?
- Home baking – a great family oriented indoor activity is baking. Whether it’s a gorgeous cake, delicious cookies or tasty brownies, home baking is a great way to get creative with your children, it’s lots of fun and they learn new skills. For example, using weighing scales help them understand conversions and numeracy skills. If you’ve got fruit growing in the garden, like apples, this time of year is all about harvesting so get picking and cooking with them, like a warming apple crumble.
- Trips to the library – although your children may already have a reading list from school, taking them to your local library is a brilliant way to find a book they will enjoy. This makes reading more fun and something you can help them with, particularly for kids that struggle with reading. Many libraries run book clubs and other activities during school holidays so keep an eye out.
- Cinema – who doesn’t love a good film! Great on those dreary, wet days, the cinema is always a lot of fun (but try to avoid the arguments over what film to see). Many cinema chains show children oriented films during school holidays and often have a range of special offers and discounts, such as family tickets. Check online before you go and don’t forget the popcorn!
- Swimming -during half term, leisure centres usually have different activities timetabled in with discounted offers, too, so it’s a great idea to see what your local leisure or swimming centres might have on. It’s a great family activity and you may also find there are swimming clubs for kids or family oriented days. It’s not only a great activity for the more energetic and fun, it is a good way for kids to socialise and connect with others, as well as developing stronger swimming skills!
- Play dates – just because it’s half term, there’s no need to stop the playdates; in fact, it’s a great opportunity to organise more of them. It’s a brilliant way to keep your children entertained and get some adult conversation, too. Sleepovers are also a lot of fun for kids during the holidays.
- Visit a farm or wildlife centre – most children love to see animals up close and some farms/centres have the opportunity of allowing the kids to help at feed times or to hold them. At this time of year, many locations will be geared up for Halloween, decorating barns and hosting ‘spooky’ events so, do a little research online first. It’s an activity that will interest the older kids as much as the young ones and they can learn more about the animals on the farm or in the wildlife centre.
- Learning new board games – from traditional scrabble and chess to more modern-day board games, there are lots to choose from for all age groups. Playing board games keeps children entertained and helps them learn a range of soft skills, like communication, team playing, problem solving, lateral thinking and collaboration, as well as developing numeracy and English skills.
- Learning a new sport – over half term, many sports clubs hold a host of different activities and open days to introduce kids to a new sport. This might include dancing, gymnastics, swimming and more… We all know how important getting active is for kids (and adults), boosting mental and physical health. So, check out your local clubs and see if there’s something your children might enjoy!
- Soft play – for younger children, soft play is a great way to entertain and keep them busy. Not only will they meet other children but they will also develop their play skills and characters. For parents, this gives you the chance to catch up with family and friends, or perhaps get some work done if you work from home.
At Really Helpful Club, we know that for parents, trying to keep children entertained over school holidays and half-term breaks can sometimes be challenging. However, with the support of our friendly online community, we can help you with lots of ideas and great advice from our own personal experience. Why not check out our Home and Leisure directory and join us today!
