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With the half-term just around the corner, parents and carers across the UK are preparing to keep their children entertained during the school holiday. While it’s a great time for children to rest and recharge, it can also be a challenge to find ways to engage them throughout the week. 

 

From exciting Halloween crafts to autumnal outdoor activities, there are plenty of creative, cost-effective, and fun ways to make the most of the half-term break. 

 

Here are some top ideas to help keep children entertained and ensure the holiday is full of memorable moments. 

Halloween-Themed Crafts

 

With Halloween coming up, crafting spooky decorations and costumes can be a great way to keep children engaged.

 

Pumpkin carving

Turn pumpkin carving into a family event by getting creative with different designs, from spooky faces to intricate patterns. For younger children, you can use paints and stickers to decorate pumpkins without the mess of carving.

 

DIY costumes

Instead of buying costumes, encourage your children to make their own. Whether it’s a spooky ghost made from old bedsheets or a cardboard robot, children will love the opportunity to craft their costumes.

 

Halloween decorations

Use items you have around the house to create spooky decorations. Children can make ghosts out of tissue paper or even create their own “haunted house” scene using cardboard boxes and paints.

Nature Walks

 

The half-term break is the perfect time to get outside. Autumn brings vibrant colours, crisp air, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

 

Nature scavenger hunts

Create a checklist of items for children to find, such as colourful leaves, acorns, conkers, and pinecones. Turn it into a friendly competition by seeing who can collect the most items.

 

Leaf art

After your nature walk, use the leaves you’ve collected to create art. Press the leaves between books to flatten them, then glue them onto paper to create autumnal designs or animal shapes.

Baking Together

 

Baking is a fun and educational activity for children of all ages. It helps develop mathematical skills (through measuring), hand-eye coordination, and patience—all while producing delicious treats to enjoy.

 

Take inspiration from the season and bake traditional autumn treats such as apple pies, cinnamon rolls, or pumpkin bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making toffee apples—a perfect treat for chilly afternoons.

Visit Local Attractions

 

The half-term break is an ideal time to explore local attractions. Many places run special half-term events to keep children entertained.

 

Zoos and farms

Visiting a zoo, petting farm, or wildlife park is not only a fun day out, but it also provides an opportunity for children to learn about animals and their habitats. Some zoos even host Halloween-themed events during the holiday.

 

Museums

Many museums offer free entry and run children’s workshops over the half-term break.

 

Pumpkin patches

Take a trip to a local pumpkin patch for a seasonal outing. Not only can children pick out their own pumpkins, but many farms also offer hayrides, corn mazes, and other fun activities.

Create an Indoor Cinema

 

If the weather turns wet and cold, why not turn your living room into a cosy indoor cinema? This can be an exciting way to enjoy family time without leaving the house.

 

Movie marathons

Choose a selection of family-friendly films, make popcorn, and settle in for a movie day. You could even have themed days, such as a Disney classics marathon or a superhero day.

 

Build a fort

Make the cinema experience even more fun by building a blanket fort. Children will love helping to create their own movie-watching den, adding pillows, fairy lights, and blankets to make it extra cosy.

Get Moving with Sports and Physical Activities

 

Keep your children active and burn off some energy with fun physical activities that you can do either outdoors or indoors.

 

Sports day

Organise a mini sports day in your garden or a local park. Include activities like sack races, relay races, or tug-of-war to keep children moving and engaged.

 

Yoga for kids

If the weather isn’t cooperating, indoor yoga is a fantastic way for children to stay active. Have a look at these easy-to-follow child-friendly yoga poses to help your child relax and stretch.

 

Bike rides and scooting

Take advantage of any dry weather by going on a family bike ride or scooter session. Explore new parks or trails and make it an adventure by stopping for a picnic along the way.

Get Creative with Indoor Games

 

When outdoor play isn’t an option, indoor games are a great alternative to keep children active and engaged.

 

DIY obstacle courses

Use household items like cushions, chairs, and blankets to create an indoor obstacle course. Time your children as they race through or challenge them to complete it in new ways (such as hopping or crawling).

 

Board games and puzzles

Dust off the board games and puzzles for some good old-fashioned family fun. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to more modern games, there’s something for every age and interest.

The half-term break is an opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together, whether through creative indoor activities or outdoor adventures. 

 

From crafting spooky Halloween decorations to exploring the beauty of autumn on nature walks, these ideas will ensure your children stay entertained, engaged, and active throughout the week.

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