8 Unique Half-Term Kids’ Activities to Keep Them Active (and Off Screens!)
When half-term arrives, it can be tempting to let kids settle into a routine of lie-ins, snacks, and screens. And while a little downtime is great, it’s also the perfect time to encourage children to try new things, stay active, and break free from their usual routine. Whether you’re looking to fill an entire week or just an afternoon, a little bit of planning can go a long way in helping you strike the balance between fun, rest, and movement.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of creative and active ways to spend half-term. Here are a few engaging ideas to help you make the most of the school break, whatever the weather.
1. Start the Week with Something New: Indoor Skiing
If you’re after something a little out of the ordinary, indoor skiing is a brilliant option. It’s a fun, physical activity that gives kids a chance to learn something completely new. Whether they’ve never seen snow before or they’ve had a few goes on a dry slope, indoor skiing offers a great mix of excitement and learning in a climate-controlled environment. It’s also ideal for building confidence before trying the real thing outdoors.
Better still, it’s not just a winter activity. With indoor facilities available year-round, it gives children the chance to practise at their own pace, without needing to plan a full ski trip or brave cold mountain conditions.
2. Make a Local Walk More Adventurous
A walk might not sound exciting on its own—but with a few twists, it can quickly become an activity in itself. Try turning your usual route into a scavenger hunt: make a list of things to find (a pinecone, a feather, a tree with a hole in it) and challenge your child to spot them all.
If your child enjoys photography, give them an old phone or camera and ask them to capture interesting shapes, textures, or colours along the way. Older children might enjoy map reading or navigating with a compass, adding an educational element to your time outdoors.
3. DIY Sports Day at Home
You don’t need a large garden or loads of equipment to create your own sports day. Use household items to set up obstacle courses, egg-and-spoon races, and beanbag tosses. Create a scoreboard and hand out homemade medals or certificates.
If the weather’s good, invite a few friends or neighbours over for a mini tournament. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone moving and burn off some energy in a fun, informal setting.
4. Try an Activity Swap with Friends
If you’re not keen on planning something every single day, consider teaming up with another parent for an activity swap. One day, you host a play date with a baking or craft project; the next, they organise a garden treasure hunt or trip to the park.
Not only does this keep things varied for the children, but it also gives each parent a bit of breathing room. It’s a great way to share the load and expose your child to different activities and social experiences.
5. Get Creative in the Kitchen
Cooking and baking are brilliant ways to keep kids busy while teaching useful skills. Half-term is the perfect time to hand over the reins (with supervision, of course) and let your child choose a recipe or plan a meal.
Try letting them make their own mini pizzas, decorate cupcakes, or create a themed lunch—perhaps a ski-lodge style hot chocolate and snack platter after a morning of activity. If you’ve got time, a little friendly competition—like a family bake-off—can go a long way to boost enthusiasm and engagement.
6. Visit a Local Museum or Indoor Attraction
Many museums and local attractions offer half-term activities, such as themed trails, hands-on workshops, or family-friendly performances. These are usually low-cost or even free, and they often tie into the national curriculum in some way, so you can sneak in a bit of learning without it feeling too much like school.
If you’re not sure where to start, look at your local council website or community Facebook groups, which often share details of temporary exhibitions or family events happening nearby.
7. Cosy Crafts for Rainy Days
Of course, not every day has to be go-go-go. On quieter days, lean into a slower pace with indoor crafts and building projects. Let your child design a ski resort from cardboard, create their own board game, or have a go at painting, drawing, or sewing.
For something a little different, try recycled art—using packaging and scrap paper to build robots, animals, or vehicles. Set up a ‘creation station’ with glue, scissors, paper, and whatever materials you can find, and let their imagination take over.
8. Film Night—But Make It Special
If screen time is unavoidable (or welcome after a full day of activities), turn a film night into an event. Let your child design tickets, make a snack menu, and pick a theme. You could even build a blanket fort or set up a “cinema” in the lounge with homemade popcorn and drinks in paper cups.
Adding small details makes the experience feel different from the usual “stick on a film” routine—and helps to break up the week.
Half-term doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of big days out and expensive activities. Sometimes, the best memories are made with a bit of creativity, some planning, and a flexible approach to the week. By mixing active days with quieter ones, and giving kids the chance to try something new—like indoor skiing—you can keep them engaged and happy all break long.
Plus, who knows? You might discover a brand-new hobby the whole family can enjoy together.
