February Half Term is on the horizon, and if you are wondering how you are going to keep the kids entertained while keeping spending to a minimum, Mad About Money Official has you covered with 20 things to do with the kids this Half Term.
1. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Go for a walk, a bike ride, take a winter picnic full of the kids favourite foods to the park – however you choose to get out the house, aim for getting out somewhere, somehow, daily.
2. If you are near the coast, a few hours at the beach can be just as much fun in February as it is July. Wrap up warm, take a picnic, flasks of hot chocolate and get the kids to go on a scavenger hunt or try their luck at crabbing. If there is room in your budget, end the day with fish and chips.
3. Visit a local National Trust property. There are National Trust properties all over the UK, often with events such as bird box workshops, Finding Art in Nature or story trails. Full details on the National Trust website
4. Go to the zoo. If you have a zoo local to you, kids will love spending the day with the animals. Look for offers or special events that might be on.
5. Do some baking and cooking. Kids love to bake, so get them to choose something tasty to whip up in the kitchen.
6. Organise play dates with friends. This is always a winner at making sure the kids are occupied and allows you time to catch up on chores or even just sit with a hot cuppa.
7. Feed the ducks at your local pond – always a winner with the kids.
8. Do some arts and crafts. Weather depending, you could take the mess outside and use it as an excuse for some fresh air.
9. Visit a museum. A great, cheap way to kill a couple of hours. Again, check to see if there are any special events or activities going on.
10. Treat the kids to a day at a theme park. Look for any vouchers online and take a picnic to save some money on the inflated food prices.
11. Head to the cinema, particularly if the weather is not so great. Head to the cinema club to see if you can save on your tickets.
12. Make a den. Kids love dens and once built will often spend hours playing in them. If the weather allows, get them to build one outside as well as in.
13. Bring the cinema to your home. Pop on a movie, make some popcorn and treat the kids to some snacks.
14. Visit a soft play. Most parents’ idea of hell, but a child’s heaven. Take advantage of the kids burning some energy by sitting and enjoying a coffee.
15. See family you haven’t managed to see during term time. It can be hard to see family who are not local during term time, so plan a visit during the holidays instead.
16. Take the kids swimming. A great way to tire them out. Why not try a different pool to your norm?
17. Do a big family day trip somewhere a bit further afield. If your budget allows, why not take a day trip somewhere you haven’t been before for the day? Exciting for the kids and good to leave the comfort of home for a day.
18. If you live close to an airport, spend a couple of hours at their viewing area and watch the planes take off and land.
19. Visit an RAF museum. These are usually free to get into and great for kids who are considering a career in the military.
20. Visit your local library. Most will have activities on over half term, but you can just spend an hour browsing and reading with your child.