Activities for kids this half term holiday

It’s almost half term (again!). But worry not – as well as making it easy for you to find activities for kids in your area – the Pebble team has compiled a list of things to do in half term, for kids of all ages, whatever the weather throws at us!

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Outdoors activities for kids

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The great British weather might not always be on your side, but getting outside is a wonderful way for kids to burn off some energy and get some fresh air – both of which have some great benefits for both their physical and mental health.

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Your outdoor adventure could involve swinging from the treetops at one of the Go Ape or Bewilderwood locations around the country, or a low-cost trip to your park or local woodland. You could keep it simple by planting some seeds, getting out the paddling pool, or setting up a makeshift obstacle course in the back garden to burn off some energy. If your little one enjoys getting involved in outdoor activities then check out our blog about forest school, which explores the many benefits of spending time in nature.

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Creative crafting for children

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Encourage kids to get creative and try their hand at some arts and crafts this half term. Depending on the age of your children and their level of independence, you could set up a crafting station with materials such as paper, glue, glitter, and scissors and encourage them to get stuck in while you’re busy.

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The Happiness is Homemade website has some great craft ideas which can be used for inspiration, and the likes of The Works, Poundland and even Amazon offer cheap supplies. If the idea of finding glitter in every nook and cranny, or wiping PVA or poster paint off your furniture is too much to take, have a look for arts and crafts activities for kids near you.

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Find kids activities at your local museum

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Many museums and galleries offer special activities for children during half-term holidays. These sessions are a great way to introduce kids to arts, culture and history in a fun and engaging way.

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We are big fans of the charity Kids in Museums, which works with hundreds of museums around the country to make them more welcoming of children, young people and families. The website is a wealth of information, including guides for great family days out in your area.

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Visit a farm or zoo

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Visiting a local farm or zoo is a great way for kids to learn about animals and their habitats. Many farms and zoos also have interactive activities such as feeding sessions or animal encounters. As well as the bigger, more well known zoos such as London Zoo, Chester Zoo and Edinburgh Zoo to name but a few, there are some great city parks which are well worth a visit. London has the largest concentration of city/care farms and community gardens of any UK city, but there are city farms all over the UK. Many of them also offer an amazing array of opportunities, including play schemes, healthy living initiatives, environmental schemes, therapy groups and facilities for people with disabilities – plus they’re cheaper than the average zoo admission price too! Visit the Social Farms and Gardens website for a list of the best city farms run by the charity.

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The National Trust

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If you’re not already a member of the National Trust then the idea may conjure up thoughts of stuffy stately halls where children should be seen and not heard. However, in recent years, The National Trust have done a lot to encourage families to visit, from wonderful natural play parks and adventure playgrounds, to indoor trails and kids meal deals in the cafes. The grounds also offer a great spot for a picnic and a bit of exploring.

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Cook up a storm

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Cooking is a great way to get kids interested in healthy eating and develop important life skills. Encourage kids to help out in the kitchen by making simple recipes such as cookies or cupcakes. Check out the BBC Good Food website for some simple recipes curated just for kids. If cooking isn’t your thing, then indulging in a bit of hunter gathering can be fun – have a look for a pick your own farm near you!

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Kids eat free!

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Holidays can be expensive and, for many of us, money is tight. Thankfully, help is at hand, with many supermarkets and chain restaurants around the country offering free meals for kids. The terms and conditions vary from place to place, so be sure to check before you go. Sites such as NetMums and Money Saving Central regularly update their lists of places where kids can eat free during the school holidays. Check out our blog from February half term for some other great free activities.

If organised classes and activities are more your thing, have a look at our activities lists to find details of classes near to you. Unsure where to start or new to Pebble? This handy blog will help you to make the most of Pebble.