The first half-term of the year is on the horizon and it’s time to start making plans. Each February parents rack their brains for ideas of how to keep the kids entertained. If like us you are also on a budget this can be quite the challenge. No need to worry though, with a little imagination and creativity you can still have lots of fun even on a budget.
Here are some ideas for February half term fun on a budget.
Half-Term Fun On A Budget
Local Shopping Centres
Lots of shopping centres offer free half-term activities, I’ve seen craft session and storytime advertised at my local one. They, of course, want to lure you in to spend your money but with a strong resolve, it’s a great low-budget idea. Lots of stores within shopping centres also offer half term activities like treasure hunts or colouring competitions. The kids could win a prize and it keeps them occupied at the same time.
The only cost involved in this activity might be the parking but a few quid for a couple of hours peace is well worth it. Alternatively, you could walk or cycle if you live nearby, take some drinks and a snack to save even more money.
Libraries
The library is a great no-budget idea for any time of the year but many offer activity days during the school holidays too. Some libraries also offer reading schemes where children can collect stickers or bookmarks for each book they read over the school holidays. Our local libraries have child-friendly tables and chairs with puzzles, colouring sheets, and games on too.
Many libraries provide a free storytime session every week, the children can do crafts, play games and learn songs and of course, listen to stories. Check your local libraries website or give them a call and see what they have to offer.
Fun Indoors
There are countless ways to have fun indoors this half term, it’s always best to have a backup plan with the unpredictable winter weather in mind. Here are some of our favourite activities to do at home during the half term.
Activity Ideas For Half-Term
- Bake
- Watch movies
- Craft
- Invite friends over for a playdate
- Read stories
- Build a fort
- Play hide & seek
- Board games
- Dressing up
- Puzzles
Parks
This is an obvious one really isn’t it, we are quite lucky and have several really good parks within walking distance. The local council updated them all a few years ago and the equipment on them is fantastic. They all have safety gates to stop little ones escaping too. There is nothing simpler or great for a no-budget day out than letting kids run off steam at the park.
I’ve started making myself a warm drink in a flask and packing snacks and drinks for the kids. They are happy to play outside in all weather as long as they are fed and watered.
Garden Centres
If you live near a large garden centre it might be worth giving them a call or looking on their websites to see if they have anything going on over the half term. Our local one is running a free storytime session along with a winter craft activity. Many offer activities like making your own bird feeder or suncatcher, these usually only cost a few pounds and they have something to take home with them.
Children’s Centres
The children’s centre I sometimes take Daisy and Jake to is a run by Sure Start, all families are welcome with children up to the age of five. Most of the centre’s stay open all year round and provide fun activities as well as a healthy snack and drink free of charge. Some also provide a sensory room and a book borrowing scheme too.
It’s worth searching out similar places in your area, some cater for children up to the age of eight during the holidays too.
Museums & Art Galleries
Many museums and art galleries offer free entry and actively encourage families to visit. They usually have a dedicated programme of themed activities over the school holidays. At our local museum kids can make a bottle rocket or create a flying saucer this half term.
It’s also a good idea to look on community notice boards or your local council Facebook pages they often list events and activities.
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Great ideas! I always spend so much during the school hols!
It can get so expensive can’t it, I’m always looking for ways to save. Thanks for commenting.
We have several of these on our list for next week, great minds thinking alike! I hope you all enjoy it x
That’s great Jocelyn, it pays to be prepared doesn’t it. Enjoy your half term and thanks for commenting.
Fab ideas! I always think that this time of year is not great for outdoorsy things so we stick to baking, crafts and watching movies. We will still get some fresh air and probably go to the park.
There’s so much you can do indoors isn’t there, it is nice to venture out though to avoid cabin fever.
These are wonderful suggestions for keeping young ones entertained over the half term break. We have plans in place to head to a museum. Sadly many if not all the children’s centres have closed down around us. #MMBC
Some lovely ideas here! We homeschool so are constantly trying to stick to the budget. I hope you have a fab half-term.
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. x