8 Ways to Keep the Kids Entertained During Half Term

We all remember the excitement of school being closed for a whole week—but did you ever spare a thought for your poor parents? (We didn't either). Half term needn't be a cause for stress however, because our editors have put together 8 brilliant ideas to keep your kids entertained, whatever the weather…

1. Great British Bake Off:

Baking is a great rainy day activity for kids—not only does it help them to understand the processes that go behind food but it can take up hours of their time (hooray!). If you've got a whole gaggle of kids to entertain, consider organising a mini Bake Off-style competition to keep things interesting.

Set up a baking station with a mixing bowl, wooden spoon or silicone spatula and weighing scales, then let me them choose an easy-peasy recipe such as chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter brownies or fairy cakes, let them get to it (although some supervision is required!).

2. The Craft Corner: 

Another perfect idea if the half term weather is trying to rain on your parade is to get your kids crafting! Set up a corner or kitchen table with some craft paper or a wipe-clean tablecloth and pull together lots of fun elements for them to play with. Good basics to start with are coloured card, glitter glue, feathers, buttons, poster paint, ribbons and child-proof scissors. Suggest making masks, place settings or new art work for your mantelpiece! 

3. Get in the Garden:

If the sun is shining, take advantage and get your little ones to help set up the garden for summer! February is the perfect time to start planting spring bulbs, reseeding the lawn and investing in outdoor furniture such as benches, swings and patio heaters. Get some child-sized trowels and teach your kids about the seasons and how to plant a bulb—then they can share your satisfaction when they bloom!​

4. Go on a Picnic:

Nothing says quality family time like a homemade picnic! It needn't cost the earth either—use a wicker basket or even a storage box as a makeshift picnic basket and a washable throw as 

a blanket. Don't worry about fancy matching crockery—a mismatched set adds a sense of charm! Make a mix of healthy and treat snacks—for example ham and salad sandwiches, fruit salads, sausage rolls and chocolate nibbles. Mix up a jug of squash and pack some nice soft drinks for the grown-ups. Last but not least, don't forget the napkins! (Oh, and the outdoor games).

5. Host a Sleepover:

Do the other parents a favour and take the kids off their hands for the night with a sleepover (you'll be forever considered cool by mums and kids alike)! Sofa beds and bunk beds are perfect for the occasion or consider investing in some blow-up air mattresses. Alternatively, bean bags and plenty of cosy cushions and throws can satisfy most little ones. Set up some healthy snacks such as homemade popcorn, carrot batons and hummus and fresh fruit to keep sugar rushes to a minimum.

6. We're Going on a Hunt:

If you've got some time to prepare, why not organise your own treasure hunt? Whether you 

can take advantage of good weather and do it in the garden or if rain keeps you indoors, it's easier than you might think. Make your clues cryptic but not too difficult (maybe even incorporate some of their maths' homework!) and ensure you have a decent prize at the end.

7. Kids' Room Revamp:

Get your little ones involved with interior decorating by using the week off school to revamp their room! Opt for wall stickers, art work or a new lick of paint if you want a quick and inexpensive refresh or go all-out with a new bed frame, colourful storage and playful textiles to completely transform the space. See some more tips here!

8. Let Someone Else Take Care of Them:

If you're tried ideas 1-7 and it's only Wednesday afternoon, consider letting someone else entertain your little ones for a while. The National Trust has a great selection of events running for 

February half term across the country including story-telling and Georgian Geo-caching. TimeOut has a great selection of activities designed for kids, for instance making dolls' clothes and Play-Doh workshops!