Free things to do with kids this October half-term

As half term approaches, many parents are on the lookout for ways to keep their children entertained without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are plenty of free activities that can help make the holiday fun and memorable. Here are some creative ideas for how to entertain your children over half term 2024 for free.

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

Autumn is a beautiful season, and half term is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. A trip to your local park or nature reserve can provide hours of entertainment. Children love collecting autumn leaves, acorns, and conkers, and you can turn these into creative crafts later at home. Try creating leaf rubbings, or make a fun nature scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged.

If you live near a forest or a trail, consider going for a family hike. Encourage your children to look for wildlife or simply enjoy jumping in the leaves. Many areas across the UK also offer free walking tours or family-friendly nature trails that can make for an educational yet fun day out.

2. Visit Local Museums and Galleries

Many museums and galleries offer free entry, especially those run by local councils or trusts. Visiting a museum can be both fun and educational, giving children a chance to explore history, science, or art. Larger cities like London have renowned museums like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, but even smaller towns often have hidden gems worth visiting.

Some museums also offer half term family events, such as storytelling, craft workshops, or interactive exhibitions, all of which are free or come at a very low cost. Check out your local museum’s website to see if they have any special programmes running during the holidays.

3. Get Crafty at Home

If the weather isn’t on your side, staying indoors can still be full of adventure with a little creativity. Turn an ordinary afternoon into a craft workshop by using materials you already have around the house. For example, toilet roll tubes can be transformed into rockets or animals, and old magazines can be used to create collages.

You can also try baking together – making biscuits or simple cakes is a fun way to spend time with your children, and it doesn’t require expensive ingredients. Let your children take part in decorating the treats, and you’ll have a fun (and tasty) way to pass the time. BBC have some great ideas.

4. Organise a Free Cinema Experience at Home

Create your own movie theatre at home with a film day. Let your children pick out their favourite films or choose a theme like Disney classics or superhero adventures. Create homemade tickets, set up a “concession stand” with snacks you already have, and dim the lights for an authentic cinema experience.

Many local libraries also offer free film screenings during half term, so it’s worth checking out if they have any family-friendly events scheduled.

5. Visit the Library

Libraries are a fantastic free resource that offer much more than just books. Many local libraries have half term events such as storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and even coding classes. Even without special events, a trip to the library allows children to pick out books that interest them, giving them hours of entertainment at home.

Some libraries also lend out DVDs, games, and even toys, so your visit could provide a whole range of new activities for the holidays.

6. Organise a Playdate or Picnic

Half term is the perfect time to arrange a playdate with friends or neighbours. If the weather is nice, organise a picnic at a local park. Each family can bring their own snacks, and the children can enjoy running around in the fresh air while parents catch up.

For indoor playdates, consider toy swaps with other families. Children often grow bored with their own toys, but introducing something “new” from another home can revive interest without spending a penny.

7. Explore Free Community Events

Local councils and community centres often host free family activities during half term. These could include outdoor games, nature trails, art workshops, or even children’s theatre performances. Check local notice boards, community Facebook groups, or your council’s website for information on what’s available in your area.

Some towns may also host festivals or fairs during half term, many of which have free entry and activities for children such as face painting, music performances, or craft stalls.

8. Create a Home Obstacle Course

For an active indoor option, transform your living room or garden into a fun obstacle course. Use cushions, chairs, and household objects to create a course where your children can climb, crawl, and jump through hoops. You could even turn it into a timed challenge or introduce some friendly competition to keep things exciting. Outdoor ideas here 

9. Have a Science Day at Home

Turn your kitchen into a science lab by doing some easy at-home experiments. You can make volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar, create rainbow milk with food colouring and soap, or try out some fun water density experiments using salt. These activities are not only fun but also help children learn about scientific concepts in an engaging way.

Conclusion

Keeping children entertained over half term doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity, there are plenty of free and fun activities that can keep your kids happy and engaged throughout the break. Whether you’re heading outside to explore nature, getting creative at home, or visiting free local attractions, there are endless opportunities for family fun this half term!