In many households, the half-term break is anticipated with a mixture of excitement and dread. Usually it’s the latter, right? The kids will be looking forward to spending time away from classroom, homework, early starts and wearing uniform which is a stark contrast to the things we end up thinking about. Finding childcare because you still have to work, or worrying that you can’t entertain them the whole week, the extra food bill (eek!). It’s a whole host of trials but ultimately spending time with the kids is (can be) magical and I find planning ahead and setting some expectations really helps.
A half-term break might be just the thing to keep everyone happy. But exactly how might you spend the time?
Explore Historical Sites
Learning about history in a classroom is one thing. Actually going to the sites where history really happened can be something else. In the UK, you can find history just about everywhere you look. The most obvious places are castles and cathedrals, many of which are exceptionally well preserved.
For example, Warwick Castle provides a look into the Medieval Era, with activities that will suit both adults and children. Throughout the year, the castle also hosts special events. In the February half term, for
example, there’s a festival of archery. Perfect for budding knights or those who enjoy a bit of competition! They even offer sleepovers.
If Warwick is a little too far for you to travel, look closer to home for ruins and trails; I know sometimes our council offers historical based half term activities. Set up a ‘seeker’ event for the kids where you get out and about and tick off some of the historical things around where you live, teach the kids about the town they live in and how it came to be.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
Half-term also offers a fantastic chance to reacquaint yourself with the great outdoors. A stroll through nature can help the family to bond – and it can also provide an antidote to all of the time you might have been spending looking at screens (guilty, and working on it). Many of the country’s national parks are a great fit for outdoor activities. In the Lake District, there are plenty of them on offer, including hiking, boating, cycling, climbing and paddle-boarding. Time spent out in nature has a proven positive effect on mental health – and thus, if you can get your children into the habit of exploring the natural world, the benefits can last a lifetime.
Plan a Staycation
You don’t need to travel vast distances to get the best from a half-term break. In many cases, you can take a domestic holiday, and save on the hassle and expense that comes with heading overseas. Holiday parks are a great option. Many of them are all inclusive, which means that you won’t have to worry about food, accommodation and entertainment because everything you need is thrown in. There are plenty of holiday parks in locations throughout the country, and it’s worth checking your
local options – or, perhaps, the more distant ones.
Visit Family-Friendly Attractions
There are plenty of days out in the UK (and elsewhere) that provide an all-round positive experience for both children and adults. You might visit a zoo, a theme park, or an interactive museum, depending on your interests. When deciding on a destination, you’ll want to account for everyone’s tastes. Let your kids have a say in where you go, and you stand a better chance of keeping them happy!
Have a chat with the kids, find out what activities they want to be included over half term and throw in some ‘boring’ ones of your own; have the kids write the food shop list and go with you to get it. Pick a room, set a job for everyone and get a timer going – can you get it nice and tidy before the time is up? Who’s cooking tea each night?
In short, giving the kids some autonomy over what they do with a little sprinkle of ‘chores’ without it being obvious helps. Planning ahead helps and setting expectations that they will have to entertain themselves at some point also helps!
What are your half term plans?