You know I am all about keeping things thrifty and when it comes to half term I really like to be prepared, so here are 3 ideas for thrifty half term activities. I have been busy, busy, busy recently and so have the kids so this half term it is all about keeping it simple.
Walk and talk and fly and climb
I am training for a 3 mile walk for Sports Relief on March 1st. I have some paralysis so this is a big long walk for me and I need to keep training during the holidays. Consequently one of our thrifty activities for the holidays is most certainly going to be a lovely walk around our local university lake. It has trees to climb, ducks to feed and a park at the end of the walk. We will take cameras and a football and even a kite if the wind is up.
Walking is such a great way to check in with your kids and have a good chat and despite any initial reluctance, the fresh air and countryside are always winners, even with older kids (just wrap up warm and be prepared for rain!)
Keep it Crafty
We have recently discovered the delights of origami and spent last weekend happily inside crafting paper corners along to Red Ted Arts you tube tutorials. We have a whole list of other origami ideas to try including a swan! Such a lovely way to spend an afternoon and you only need some paper and your lap top.
Play-time
Having friends round to play is probably my kids favourite thing to do. Whether they are playing spy missions, baking, playing schools or minecraft, constructing dens or colouring, playing chess, or footie in the garden or having a swing together on the park they just love free, unstructured time with their friends.
What does it cost me …? a few text messages the week before to arrange and a supply of snacks. It is so simple isn’t it but yes kids really do love to just have the time and space to play. They are so scheduled in term time that just playing is a real treat. And they really do love to be able to make a big old mess and hang out with their friends.
If you can take a deep breath and not worry about the noise and chaos they will have a ball and it won’t have cost you a penny.
Have a fab and thrifty half term everyone..see you on the other side!
If you need some more fab things to do at half term here are some awesome ideas ……
Helen gives you three unusual days out with kids at half term if you’re in and around London, plus a bonus craft activity for a pyjama day!
Penny has three easy creative projects to do at home which could also fire their imaginations for bigger activity, because we love it when one thing leads to another.
Marianne has three fun suggestions to do with the kids over half term in Kent.
Kirsty can help families in Hertfordshire, who need inspiration to help keep boredom at bay!
Cass shares her favourite three ways to have fun at half term without spending a penny!
Joanne shares three indoors ‘days out’ incase of horrid weather
Michelle introduces you to three fun seaside towns in East Sussex
Joy explains 3 ways that throwing a party can help with half-term entertainment.
Emma has threee ways to enjoy half term on a budget
Sarah showcases five different ways you can entertain the little ones in Norwich this half term
A visit to a National Trust property is always fun in half-term, here Michelle shares with you three of her favourites.
Oh my boys would love these ideas – especially climbing trees! I love your pokemon bookmarks – must give those a try ourselves.
I think it is really important to remember to do some of the low-key and low-cost activities as they can end up being the best fun. Mich x
Half term really isn’t that long is it? We have taken a leaf from your book and are relaxing with some traditional crafting, long walks and playtime. Happy half term x
Love the origami ideas. There’s a checkout guy at our local Waitrose who makes mini frogs to give out to children and we’ve tried and tried to remake them, with no success. I might have to get some instructions for the next school holiday!