Every parent knows the half-term holidays can be a little stressful. While a week may seem like a long time in which to squeeze heaps of family fun, it tends to fly by in an instant. If you struggle to come up with ideas for fun days out or even at-home activities, you and your kids may feel a little disappointed by the end of the school break.
Fortunately, we’re here to do the hard work for you. We’ve created a comprehensive list of half-term activities to suit every age and taste. Choose one, two, or even more of the following suggestions to ensure the break ends with a bang!
Visit a museum
Okay, so this isn’t exactly an original suggestion, but museums represent a school holiday staple! As well as providing your little one with fun new experiences, museums will educate them about the world. It’s a good idea to check whether your chosen museum offers kid-friendly activities or spaces, as these can significantly improve your family’s experience. You never know – supervised activities could even give you the opportunity to sneak out for a cheeky child-free coffee!
While London is chock full of museums, there are many more dotted throughout the UK and beyond. If you’re hoping to go abroad for a few days, remember to research available museums using a site like WhichMuseum. For those looking to browse a range of cities in quick succession, you can also make the most of Stasher to avoid lugging your belongings around crowded exhibitions!
Book an Airbnb
Thanks to the rise of affordable accommodation platforms like Airbnb, there are plenty of opportunities to book a cheap, last-minute getaway during half term! Depending on the age of your kids, you may wish to keep things relatively local and try a new city in the UK. If your kids are a little older and have a keen sense of adventure, why not check out the accommodation on offer in countries like Spain, France, or the Netherlands? Whether you want a city break or to chill out on the beach, it’s time to pack your bags and explore the world!
Take a walk somewhere new
Are the kids getting bored, restless, or even a little stroppy as the half-term progresses? Taking a walk somewhere green and leafy will help to get rid of their excess energy and pull them away from screens for a few hours. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not head to the countryside to try one of Britain’s favourite walks? Naturally, we recommend investing in some sturdy hiking boots, waterproofs, and filling snacks!
If you’d rather stay in the city, there are plenty of green urban spaces all over the UK. London, for example, is brimming with gorgeous gardens sure to calm the mind and help you build lasting memories with your kids. From Kew Gardens to Hampton Court, why not visit a few destinations in one day? Just remember to travel light and store any luggage with Stasher! You won’t regret it.
Head to the theatre
Many people view the theatre as a little too sophisticated, elitist, or (dare we say it) boring for their tastes. However, there are plenty of shows available to suit a variety of audiences, including families with kids! While a trip to the cinema will always go down a treat, there’s nothing quite like the magic of theatre to make half term truly special. Check out theatre listing sites like WhatsOnStage to find productions in your area and further afield.
Teach your kids a new skill
While we understand that half term is about rest and relaxation, learning a new skill like cooking, gardening, or playing the guitar can be lots of fun! Plus, it will equip your little ones with valuable life skills they won’t learn in school. So, why not arrange a family baking day or show your kids how to prune a bush or two? Just remember to reward them with a treat for all their hard work!
Visit a farm
Visiting a farm will allow your kids to get up close and personal with some furry friends – great news if you don’t have a pet and want your children to learn to look after something small and cute. There are farms open to visitors all over the UK, including urban farms in cities like London. Most of these farms are home to a range of animals, including sheep, horses, chickens, cows, and more. We recommend you grab a pair of wellies and some hand sanitiser to keep the trip as clean and germ-free as possible.
Do something daring
If you’re up for doing something a little bit challenging this half term, why not try an adventure course at Go Ape? Featuring zip lines, obstacle courses, and exhilarating forest activities, a trip to Go Ape is perfect for anyone looking to embrace their inner daredevil. Plus, there are locations all across the UK and activities to suit children of all ages. Take the whole family and prepare to get out of your comfort zone!
Explore a new city
Whether you plan to go abroad or stay firmly in the UK, exploring a new city on foot is a great way to test your kids’ navigational skills and try new things. Do a little research in advance to scout out the best restaurants, galleries, and shops, and try to give your children a little spending money to buy themselves a souvenir. If you want to avoid too much walking, it’s also worth checking whether there are any available city tours to try in your chosen destination. As well as enjoying a whistlestop tour of all the best sights, you’ll probably learn a thing or two about the city’s history!
Host a party for your kids and their classmates
Before you dismiss this idea as too much hassle, just hear us out! Hosting a party will allow your young ones to bond with their friends outside of school and give them a chance to get involved with the planning stage. Try to keep things simple, fun, and cost-effective to save yourself too much stress. Here are a few tips to ensure the day goes smoothly:
- Ask parents about their kids’ dietary requirements before preparing any party food.
- Ask your kids to get involved in activities like blowing up balloons, baking cakes, and organising activities. As well as making your job easier, this will teach your kids how to cooperate.
- Set a time limit of around two hours to ensure your young guests don’t get bored, tired, or cranky.
- Don’t bother with party bags! Stuffing plastic bags with cheap toys and sweets is terrible for the environment and your bank balance. Just make sure the party itself is memorable.
- Get your kids involved in the clean-up session.
If you’re prepared to push the boat out, you could even host a party outside your home. As long as you select a child-friendly venue, plenty of cafes, restaurants, and function halls are willing to host children’s parties. If you keep the party small, you could even visit a nearby city and invite your guests on a little road trip.
Visit a historical landmark
Whatever city you fancy exploring this half term, there are bound to be plenty several historical landmarks available to visit. The UK is full of historical sites, from the Tower of London to Hadrian’s Wall. If possible, it’s worth investing in a tour guide to make the experience as educational as possible (unless you’re a seasoned history buff willing to do the teaching!).
If you’re prepared to go a little further afield, remember to do your research beforehand and consider visiting some lesser-known landmarks. There are plenty of hidden gems in the world that don’t involve large crowds and queues! Visiting far-flung ancient sites is a great option if your kids are well into their teenage years and developing a taste for travel.
Whatever you get up to this half term, Stasher is here to help!
As we’ve demonstrated, half term is a great time to satisfy your wanderlust and head off on an adventure. Whether you’re planning a day trip somewhere nearby or a weeklong getaway, we’re here to solve all your luggage problems.
With Stasher, you can store your luggage in reliable shops and hotels in cities all over the world. Whatever your plans, use our quick search function to find excellent storage deals in over 2,000 locations. For more information, get in touch with our friendly support team today.
Happy half-term, and make sure it’s one to remember!