Parents and kids alike are preparing for a new school year, with the summer holidays soon coming to an end. But if you want to get a head-start on planning activities to keep your kids entertained for the next round of school holidays that are fast approaching, here are some ideas that will ensure they make the most of their time off.
Go pumpkin picking
As any parent will know, finding ways to get kids off the couch and away from the TV during the school holidays can be a challenge. But it’s important for them to head outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. October is the prime time for pumpkin picking and the perfect excuse to get outside as a family. There are ‘pick your own’ farms dotted all over the UK and many farms also offer the facilities to carve your pumpkins on-site before taking them home, which kids will love getting involved with.
Sign up for a local holiday club
Holiday clubs provide a range of activities, from football and tennis to arts and crafts, messy play and cooking, and are a great way for kids to spend time with others their age. There are also special activity days that your little ones can look forward to, such as quad biking or archery, where they’ll not only have fun but learn new skills. Local clubs are particularly great for working parents, as you can be sure your kids are being looked after by experienced, qualified professionals in a safe and fun environment.
Spend a day at the seaside
The beach may seem like a summer-only day trip but, in the autumn, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at Britain’s beautiful coastal hotspots. Wrap up, pack a picnic and enjoy the picturesque seascapes, whether you’re building sandcastles, playing football or volleyball, or skimming stones and collecting shells from along the shoreline.
Learn through museum exhibitions
Just because your kids aren’t in school doesn’t mean they can’t use the time to continue their learning, and museum exhibitions are a great way to do that. With so many museums around the country, most of which are free to enter, it’s easy to find local exhibitions close to where you live. Alternatively, why not make a full day of it and head to London to explore some of the leading museums in the capital? From science and art to natural history and history, you’re sure to find something that will interest you and your kids.
Get active
If the weather holds, getting out of the house and burning off some energy with active pursuits can be a great way to fill the October school break. There are clubs up and down the country offering sports coaching sessions for kids, whether they’re interested in football, tennis or swimming, or you can take to some of the National Trust’s numerous cycle routes and hiking trails to explore the beauty of the countryside. If you’ve got younger kids, why not see if some of the shorter routes available are close to home?
Try out a new craft project
Autumn weather isn’t always predictable so if the day has taken a turn for the worse and you’re stuck indoors, you can still keep the little ones entertained with arts and crafts. There are countless tutorials and how-to guides online which will guide you and the kids, step by step, on how to do everything from macrame and painting to tie-dye projects and screen printing. From beginner-friendly to crafting experts, you’re guaranteed to find a project you can all get stuck into using items around the house.
Final thoughts
It can be a challenge knowing how to keep your kids entertained during the school holidays. But preparing activities and things to do in advance will ensure you’re ready for the October half term, armed with a great selection of things to do, events to join and projects to start. From taking part in group activities to getting inspired about a new subject or exploring the British countryside, you’re sure to find events and activities to suit your kids’ interests and that you’ll enjoy too.