Half-Term Survival Guide: Fun Things to Do with the Kids
Half term is here, but don’t panic. We've rounded up some of our favourite family activities to keep the little ones entertained all week long.
Whether you’re searching for family activities near me, or looking for fun days out for all ages, this guide will help you plan a week that is stress-free and full of energy, making the most of the school break.
Indoor Family Activities
Don’t let bad weather ruin your plans. There are plenty of fun indoor activities for families that don’t require braving the rain!
Bowling at Hollywood Bowl
Bowling is a classic family activity that’s easy to enjoy, no matter the weather. At Hollywood Bowl, families can hit the lanes for bowling, go head-to-head at the arcade, challenge one another to a mini golf adventure and enjoy delicious food and drink, all under one roof. It’s a fail-safe way of keeping the kids entertained without the stress of planning a whole day out.
Indoor Soft Play Centres
Kids running rampant in the house? Head to an indoor soft play centre and let them burn off some energy whilst you grab a coffee. Just search for ‘soft play family activities near me’ to find your closest centre.
Trampolining Parks
Trampolining parks are another great way to get the family moving. If you have little kids, look out for toddler-friendly zones or sessions for a fun and safe family activity.
Creative Workshops & Art Studios
Encourage artistic talent with indoor activities for families, like pottery painting, craft workshops or art classes.
Indoor Mini Golf Courses
Hollywood Bowl’s Putt & Play is the go-to destination for unforgettable mini golf adventures. With up to three themed mini golf courses at each centre, you can putt your way through quirky obstacles and colourful challenges - plus even the teenagers will get involved! Check out more fun activities to do with teens here.
Family-Friendly Escape Rooms
Put down the crossword and take the family to an escape room. Escape rooms are a fun way to work together, solve clues and put your problem-solving skills to use.
Local Libraries with Storytime & Activities
Check out the calendar at your local library for free or low-cost half-term family activities such as crafts clubs or storytime sessions. Half-term can get expensive, but libraries can help keep the cost down.
Children's Museums & Science Centres
Make learning fun with a trip to an interactive museum or science centre. Kids can get hands-on with exhibitions and workshops, and will have lots to talk about when they go back to school!
Outdoor Adventures
When the autumn sun makes a rare appearance, spending time in nature is the perfect way to make the most of half-term. Here are some budget-friendly outdoor activities for families
Local Parks & Playgrounds
Pack a picnic (or a flask of hot chocolate) and head to your local park for some fresh air and to let the little ones run free and explore the playground.
Nature Trails & Woodland Walks
Take a hike through local woodlands or nature trails. Give the kids a camera and get them to take as many photos as possible of different plants and animals to get them excited and curious about the world around them.
Outdoor Adventure Centres/ Assault Courses
Adventurous families can head to local climbing walls, zip lines and obstacle courses for an adrenaline-filled day out.
Farm Parks & Petting Zoos
One of the best family activities for half-term is heading to a farm or petting zoo and letting the kids meet the animals and learn about nature and life on a farm.
Cycling Routes & Family Bike Trails
Dust off the bikes and explore local cycling routes, taking in the scenery and stopping at local venues for coffee and cake.
Botanical Gardens & Outdoor Exhibitions
If the kids have been plugged into their devices for too long and could benefit from the calming effects of nature, head to your nearest botanical garden for a relaxing family activity.
Beach Trips or Lakeside Walks (if local)
For those lucky enough to live near the coast or a lake, take a scenic walk and feed the ducks or rent a boat and get out on the water. If cold water doesn’t phase you, you could even hire wetsuits and paddle boards!
Educational & Creative Fun
Keep the learning going throughout the school holidays with these family activities that combine fun with education and discovery.
Art Galleries Offering Family Workshops
Many galleries run free or budget-friendly sessions for children during half-term. Head to your local art gallery to enquire about painting classes or crafting workshops.
Science Centres with Hands-On Activities
Fuel your kids’ curiosity with a day out at a science centre. Find a topic they’ve studied at school and bring it to life with hands-on exhibitions designed to make learning fun.
Museums with Kids' Programs or Interactive Exibits
Many museums offer half-term activities for families, such as interactive games and children-only exhibition tours.
Cooking or Baking Classes for Families
Not only are cooking and baking classes fun, they’re a great family activity that teaches kids skills for life and will get them off their phones for an hour or two.
Theatre & Performance Workshops for Children
If your child loves singing, dancing or acting, enrol them in a theatre workshop. It’s a great way to make new friends and build confidence.
Tips for a Stress-Free Half-Term
School holidays can be intimidating, especially for working parents. Here are our top tips for a stress-free half-term:
1. Plan ahead: Things don’t always go to plan, but booking in advance can help avoid last-minute stress and cooped-up kids.
2. Mix indoor and outdoor play: Try and balance time spent on screens with adventures outdoors to keep kids calm and not overstimulated.
3. Look for free or low-cost options: Family activities don’t have to break the bank!
4. Keep it simple: Don’t overthink half-term. Kids often love visiting the local playground just as much as an exciting day out.
Don’t spend all half-term Googling ‘indoor activities near me for families’; simply head to Hollywood Bowl! With bowling, mini-golf, arcade games and family-friendly food and drink, it’s the ultimate all-weather option. Check out what’s on this half-term and book your visit today.
