Top ten things to do with the kids this half term

Half term can be a time of dread for many parents - of course it’s lovely to be able to spend some quality time with the children, but when the weather is cold and wet it can be difficult to find things to do to keep them entertained.

But worry not, we’ve created a list of our top ten things to do this half term, so wrap up warm, get a packed lunch together and check some of these out.

10. Rainy days
Ok, it’s February, so you need to plan for rain. Heading out in the rain for the day can be more aggravation than it’s worth - so why not have a ‘rainy day’ indoors? If you plan for these, they needn’t be boring. You can create some fantastic games and activities indoors, all of which will get the kids involved.

How about doing a treasure hunt? You can hide little treats and chocolates all over the house, and give each of your kids a treasure map - it is then their job to go and find these treasures. For the younger kids, how about making it even more fun by getting some fancy dress involved? Grab a couple of pirate hats and stripey t-shirts and you’re well on your way to a fun afternoon!

9. Mini chefs
If you’re struggling to keep the kids entertained whilst worrying about what you’re going to do for dinner, then get them involved! Cooking with the kids can be a great way of teaching them about different ingredients and nutrition, and you can make all sorts of fun stuff - they needn’t all be unhealthy either.

Have a little look for some healthy homemade pizza recipes, the kids can create faces out of pepperoni and vegetables, and you’ve then got dinner sorted as well. They will enjoy eating a healthy dinner much more if they’ve helped you make it - so give it a go!

8. Animal magic
As a special treat, how about packing up your brood and heading to the zoo? It may be cold, but if the weather is dry it can still be a lovely day out, from roaring at the lions to doing your best elephant impression - the kids will love this.

If you’re on a budget, take a packed lunch with you so you can pull up a seat next to the sea-lions whilst you enjoy your sandwiches. Whilst you’re there, encourage your children to choose their favourite animal, and learn three important facts about the animal - the next day they can paint or draw these animals and talk about what they’ve learnt - this is education at it’s best, plus it creates a nice, quiet morning activity for the next day.


7. Duvet day
Let’s not forget that a little down-time can be good for the kids in half term as well, so why not get up nice and early to have a nice breakfast, then grab all the duvet covers and pillows you can find and bring them into the lounge for an afternoon of their favourite films and some sweet treats. Popcorn is ideal as it’s not too unhealthy as far as snacks go, but still just as delicious! You could even make your own, the kids will love watching the corns pop and it tastes so much better when it’s warm.

6. Get active
There’s nothing like getting outside in the fresh air, and when it’s cold, it’s all the more reason to keep moving. With that in mind, how about going for a bike ride? If you don’t all have your own bikes, there are loads of places in most towns where you can hire them for the day for a small charge - it’s a great way to get active and the kids will have a great time.

Take warm drinks and snacks for a mid-way pit stop if you plan on bring out for a while.

5. Crafty kids
It’s time to get creative - you’ve cooked, you’ve watched, you’ve ridden and you’ve played - now it’s time to be a bit crafty.

For the most part, kids love making stuff, from drawing to paper mache - it’s all good fun, and encourages their imaginative side.  If you’re a bit stuck for suggestions then have a look online or pick up a craft book for kids, you’ll find so many ideas inside.

How about making some hanging decorations for the home? Either from clay or salt dough, both of these things can be baked in most conventional home ovens, and once cooled, can be painted and hung up around the home - just remember to make a hole in the top of each decoration so you’ve got somewhere to thread the ribbon!

4. Nan’s the word
Ok, so this technically isn’t an activity as such, and you won’t be there, but there will be at least one morning in half term where all you need to do is get round the supermarket without your trolley getting mysteriously filled with treats and toys by your little monsters.

It would also be nice to whip the hoover round quickly after all that fun stuff has gone on, so how about shipping the kids off for a morning or afternoon to their grandparents? This will give you the ideal opportunity to straighten things out at home and stock up on some essentials at the supermarket.

Let’s face it, these chores are fun for nobody - least of all your children, so let them be entertained elsewhere for a little while, they’ll appreciate the time with their grandparents, and you’ll appreciate the break.

3. Pillow party
If your children are old enough, how about having a few of their friends round to sleep over for the night? It’s nice for them to get to socialise with their peers during some time off, and will hopefully give you the opportunity to have some time to yourself as well.

No matter what bed time you give them, it’s guaranteed they won’t go to sleep when they’re told, so you will probably find them nice and tired the next day - which will give you all a chance to relax together!

2. Splash about
It might not be beach weather, but that shouldn’t stop you from going for a little dip - head down to your local swimming pool and get involved! If you’re kids are still learning to swim then half term is the perfect opportunity to get some practice in - and if they’re naturals in the water then this is a great time for you to have a bob about whilst they concentrate on trying to empty the pool with belly flops and endless splashing.

1. Kick about
There is nothing easier (or more free) than heading to the park for an afternoon of fun! Grab the kids, grab a football, and make your way to the monkey bars. As it’s so cold this time of year it will encourage you to get involved as well, so get a mini match going. It’s great fun for the kids and costs you nothing.

Then whilst they are running riot in the sandpit, sit back and relax with a hot cup of tea - perfect.