Half-term is here – whether you’ve got big plans, small plans, or are just trying to fill the days without everyone climbing the walls.
I’ve pulled together a few ideas for things to do, places to eat for free, some genuinely useful travel bits, and a brilliant podcast to keep you entertained too.
🌳 Local Things To Do
If you’re staying local, sometimes the simplest plans are the best:
- Cinema trips (Goat is out now) or matinees at the theatre
- Long walks with a café stop
- Museums, galleries or local attractions
- Baking afternoons or at-home movie nights
No pressure to over-plan – even one main activity can carry the week.
🎢 Places To Go
If you’re getting out and about this half-term, these are always a safe bet – most are running special half-term events, trails or activities:
- Theme parks – Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor and Paultons Park run family-friendly half-term programming.
- Zoos & wildlife parks including ZSL London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Chester Zoo and Paradise Wildlife Park are great for a full day out.
- National Trust & English Heritage sites have lots of nature trails, outdoor challenges and seasonal activities during school holidays. Blenheim Palace, & Windsor Great Park have fab adventure playgrounds!
- Outdoor activity centres – think high ropes, climbing, forest adventures and water sports to use up that energy. Check out Go Ape for many local centres.
- Museums and science centres across the UK often put on interactive workshops and hands-on exhibitions during half-term. Many are free such as the Roald Dahl Museum, RAF Museum and all the National Museums.
- Art & exhibitions – get those creative juices flowing, I went to the “Together” interactive immersive art event last week and it was fabulous!
- Coastal days out if the weather plays ball – beaches, piers and fish-and-chips still hit, even in cooler months.
If nothing else, a change of scenery and a decent lunch stop (see kids eat free below) can turn an ordinary day into a win.
🚗 Travel Essentials
If half-term means time getting from A to B, these are the things that I prioritise:
- Snack boxes you won’t regret
- Water bottles everyone can open themselves and not spill
- Backseat organisers
- Entertainment that doesn’t just rely on your phone
🍴 Kids Eat Free
Half-term plans are one thing… feeding everyone is another. The good news? Plenty of places are running kids eat free (or cheap) deals this week. Save this to your phone or share on your WhatsApp groups!
💝 Next Day Gifts Needed?
With two days to go to Valentine’s, most items on my gift guides are available on next day delivery – I’ve got you last minute shoppers! Don’t forget my date night guide is filled with ideas and outfit inspo too…
🌈 Small Business Shout Out – Chameleon & Co
Founded by a mum who wanted meaningful, personalised pieces that actually work for family life, they create beautifully made gifts and keepsakes – thoughtful without being overcomplicated.
Perfect if you’re after something a bit different, especially for occasions or little half-term treats.
Hope half-term treats you kindly or at least gives you a few calm moments and a good podcast in the background!
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.