10 Fun Things to Do with Kids During the School Holidays
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School holidays are the perfect opportunity to slow down, make memories, and spend quality time together as a family. But if you’re anything like most parents, you may hear the words “I’m bored!”before the first day is even over!
The good news is that keeping children entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity, you can fill the holidays with exciting adventures, hands-on activities, and plenty of laughter.
Here are 10 fun and budget-friendly ideas to keep your little bears happy all holiday long.
1. Go on a Nature Treasure Hunt
Head to your local park, woodland, or nature reserve and create a list of things to find.
See if your children can spot:
- A feather
- A pinecone
- A butterfly
- Different coloured flowers
- A smooth pebble
- Bird feathers
- Interesting leaves
Turn it into a competition or collect your treasures to create nature crafts when you get home.
Check out our: Nature Treasure Hunt
2. Have a Picnic Adventure
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a picnic. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, snacks and drinks, then head to your local park, beach or even your own back garden.
Bring a football, bubbles or a frisbee to make it an afternoon full of fun.
3. Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Rainy day? No problem!
Use cushions, chairs, blankets, masking tape and soft toys to build an exciting obstacle course around the house. Children can crawl under tables, balance along taped lines, jump over pillows and race against the clock.
4. Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
Crafting is a brilliant way to encourage creativity while keeping little hands busy.
Try making:
- Handprint animals
- Paper plate masks
- Homemade greeting cards
- Painted rocks
- Toilet roll animals
- Friendship bracelets
The best part? Most supplies are things you probably already have at home.
5. Visit Your Local Library
Libraries are so much more than books.
Many host free holiday activities, story sessions, LEGO clubs and craft events for children. Let your child choose their own books to encourage a love of reading.
It’s a fantastic low-cost day out.
6. Bake Something Together
Children love helping in the kitchen.
Choose simple recipes like:
- Fairy cakes
- Cookies
- Homemade pizzas
- Rice crispy treats
- Fruit kebabs
Cooking together also teaches measuring, following instructions and teamwork—all while having fun.
7. Enjoy a Water Play Day
On warmer days, fill a paddling pool, washing-up bowl or bucket with water and let the fun begin.
Add:
- Plastic cups
- Toy boats
- Sponges
- Water squirters
- Measuring jugs
Always supervise children closely around water, no matter how shallow it is.
8. Build the Ultimate Den
Grab blankets, cushions and fairy lights to create a cosy hideaway.
Once it’s finished, snuggle up with:
- Story books
- Colouring activities
- Favourite snacks
- Soft toys
- A family film
It makes for the perfect relaxing afternoon.
9. Explore Somewhere New
You don’t need an expensive holiday to have an adventure.
Visit somewhere you’ve never been before, such as:
- A country park
- A nature trail
- A nearby village
- A farm
- A museum
- A castle
- A beach
Children often remember simple adventures just as much as big days out.
10. Have a Family Games Night
End the day with some screen-free family fun.
Play classics like:
- Bingo
- Charades
- Hide and seek
- Simon Says
- Board games
- Card games
Add snacks, blankets and hot chocolate for an extra cosy evening everyone will enjoy.
Making Memories Matters Most
The school holidays aren’t about spending lots of money—they’re about spending time together.
Children rarely remember the expensive days out as much as they remember baking cakes with Mum, building dens in the living room, splashing in puddles or hunting for bugs in the garden.
Whether you choose one activity or try all ten, the most important thing is making memories together, enjoying plenty of laughs, and embracing the little moments that make childhood so magical.
What are your favourite school holiday activities? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments and inspire other families too!