8 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids In The School Holidays
Are you already tearing your hair out with the prospect of keeping little ones busy and entertained during the upcoming school holidays? Well, you’re not alone, and the good news is, I’ve shared what helps us, in this house below!
- Visit a museum
Whether it’s a local museum or a train ride away, a museum visit can be a fascinating and fun experience for the entire family. Plan your journey ahead of time and also the transport route, and weather forecast, so you can go prepared.
It also makes sense to choose a museum that has exhibits your children have an existing interest in (especially if it’s not local). For example, if your child is fascinated with dinosaurs, then a visit to the National History Museum in London is a must-see! There, you will find a huge array of awe-inspiring exhibits including whole dinosaur skeletons and an electronic lifelike T-Rex which roars at you! A museum will provide your kids with an engaging, interactive and truly memorable experience.
If it’s space and rockets your child can’t get enough of, then a trip to the National Space Centre in Leicester will simply thrill them. Made from a permanent inflatable construction, and home to all sorts of genuine space memorabilia such as astronaut space suits and life-size rockets, you will while away hours of spectacular fun together there. They even boast a breathtaking planetarium cinema on site, and the Tetrastar Spaceport Experience, where you get to experience a simulated space flight. Wow!
- Visit a gallery
If your kids are enthused by art, then a trip to an art gallery might be just the thing. One of the best things about galleries is they usually have activities, workshops and exhibits designed specifically for kids during the holidays.
Like visiting a museum, strolling around a gallery is best planned ahead of time so you can plan what you would like to see. We like to paint and draw before visiting galleries and often book workshops in advance! We reently enjoyed a Victorian sweet making workshop at the York Castle Museum.
- Go on a nature walk
Unless you happen to live close to a museum or gallery, day trips can veer on the expensive side. However, taking the kids a walk in nature is free!
Going on a nature walk is a chance for you all to get outside in to the fresh air and helps the kids blow off some steam! You can also use it as an opportunity to educate them about nature and their environment, encouraging them to collect samples of leaves and flowers, or you could take pictures together, to make into a booklet or piece of art when you get home.
To find the best nature walks in your area, go online and do a little research. If you choose a hike, be sure to pick one that is suitable for the age range of the kids you’re taking. Oh and don’t forget to pack some snacks and a basic first aid kit, too. Remember, never pick berries or mushrooms and ensure children do not eat anything they pick. Be vigilant!
- Experience an escape room
A new development in entertainment, escape rooms are real-life puzzles that you and your kids can solve together as a team. The idea is that you’re all locked in a (large) room together with some clues you have to solve in order to break free before a timer runs out!
The good news is that the companies that run them also provide you with a walkie-talkie so you can get clues, live, if you become stuck. This means there’s no need to worry about possible boredom if you can’t crack the clues!
Of course, if you or your child suffers with claustrophobia, you’ll need to give this activity a miss but if not, it really can be great for tweens and teens ideally. If you prefer, you can take part in an online version from the comfort of your own home beforehand to get a taste of what to expect.
- Go to the beach
Another great budget-friendly option is going on a beach day. It’s lower cost because you can take all you need with you including snacks, food, wind breaks, buckets and spades, and towels. Although, you probably won’t get away with not buying the odd ice cream and ending the day with fish and chips so do take some cash too!
Good weather is also ideal for a fun trip to the beach unless your family truly is made of sterner stuff. Be sure to check out the free facilities that the beach you choose to visit, has on offer, as well as having access to a shower or splash park.
- Teach the kids to play a game.
You can also use the next school holiday to teach your child to play a specific board game like chess or backgammon. Indeed, backgammon, which you can play online for free as an adult if you fancy working on your skills before playing with the board game with your kids, is great for improving memory and cognitive functions. Additionally, these types of board games can teach logic and strategy. They help you to bond with your kids, and to facilitate communication, not only when they’re little but as they get older and become an adult as well.
- Visit a theme park
Theme parks are so much fun and there are so many in the UK alone, including Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, and Gulliver’s Land.
One of the most popular theme parks in the UK is Legoland, which is designed around the Danish building block brand. With mind-blowing landmarks made from LEGO to the enchanting Magical Forest and adrenaline-boosting Flight of the Sky Lion, there’s literally something for everyone!
- Go on a picnic
Last of all, we love a picnic here, even an indoor carpet picnic or camping out in the garden. Picnics are fabulous because eating alfresco can be a real novelty, and you can keep the costs down by making the food yourself. Crack on with some sandwich prep and pack lots of fruit and baked snacks, and enjoy!
A bonus suggestion:
- Try Outdoor Paintball
Get planning some day trips and activities, and enjoy the school holidays!
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