MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares the best activities to keep kids occupied this half term
Half-term gives children a time to take a break from school, but that means parents need to consider how they’re going to keep their kids entertained for the week.
And that means extra spending at a time we’re all trying to save money. This year, the autumn half term falls around October 1, so there are plenty of themed Halloween events happening.
Make sure you check when booking tickets to ensure they are age-appropriate for your children.
Local events
Check out Skiddle for free and cheap tickets to special events, workshops and activities in your local area, too. From spooky ghost walks to costume contests, local board game meetups to family-friendly music events, there will be plenty going on in your local area.
Check out your local newspaper for events listings, and make sure you look at Facebook groups for your area too. Remember, also, that your library is likely to run free events from storytime to craft workshops, and so will lots of museums and art galleries.
Head to a castle
English Heritage has put together a list of its most haunted castle properties – do you dare? With a number of properties listed across the UK, you’re bound to have one near you. Family tickets range between £11.40 – £35, but you can save 15% if you book online in advance.
Visiting large sites like this are a lot of fun but can be stressful if you have children that like to go off and explore. Consider popping an AirTag or similar tracker in their shoe or on a wristband, or give them freedom by sending them to play with a Groov-e Kids Walkie Talkie to help them stay in touch with you (or each other!) as they explore.
Leeds Royal Armouries
Leeds Royal Armouries often makes the list for free and cheap half term activities for one very good reason: it’s always a good day out! It’s free to enter, open 10am to 5pm every day in school holidays, and has a wide range of free workshops and activities.
There are some paid workshops such as crossbow training for older kids, or the exclusive Gladiators exhibition currently running, but these are affordable at no more than £8 per ticket. The family ticket for the Escape Room (which includes a treasure trail around the museum after) is the most expensive at £38.
You don’t need to pay to enjoy the day, though. The museum entry – including lots of exhibitions and daily shows – is always free. With its central location it’s easy to get to on public transport, or park nearby if you’re driving. It’s an accessible location and there are also lots of places to eat and drink next to the museum.
Visit a local ghost spot
It’s a spooky time of year, so if your kids are into all things ghosts and ghouls, take advantage of local activities in your area that tap into a rich paranormal history.
Luggage storage company, Stasher, recently undertook some interesting research to reveal some of the most haunted inns and hotels in the UK. If one is local to you, why not pay it a visit?
For example, the number one spot went to The Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon, Wales, which is a pub near to lots of brilliant country walks. Spend a day together with a family walk before finishing up with a spot of lunch or dinner at the pub.
Theatre deals
The theatre is always a great way to spend time with your children and with this half term falling across Halloween, you can find lots of spooky shows if that’s what your child enjoys.
Visit London Theatre Direct to find half term tickets for shows like Starlight Express, or check out your local theatre to find what’s on in your area.
Make sure you keep an eye out for deals to save money on group bookings – it could be worth organising a trip with another family or two for a fun day out at a huge discount.
Ghost Stories at The Peacock Theatre runs until 8th November and is strictly for ages 15 and over, a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with older children (or on a date night with your other half). Tickets start from £48 – and you can win a pair of tickets with MoneyMagpie’s free giveaway.
Blenheim Palace haunted half term
Blenheim Palace is always a full day out for the family, but this half term you and your children can get stuck into all kinds of extra activities on site.
From ZooLab Potions shows, a Perilous Potion Quest, Bumblemore the Wizard Walkabouts, adventure play storytelling, craft workshops, and circus shows and workshops, there’s something for every child to get involved in. Running 25th October to 2nd November, family tickets start from £85.
Movie night at home
Whether you want to entertain with films like Hocus Pocus (and double bill with Hocus Pocus 2) or stay away from scary movies all together, turning your living room into a cinema is always a big hit.
Grab some sweeties like Chupa Chups’ limited edition Stranger Things mystery bags or their huge 1.8kg Trick or Treat Sweet Box, make your own popcorn to stay on a budget, and take a vote on which films you want to watch. Let the kids stay up late, get comfy with blankets on the sofa, and snuggle in for a cheap yet fun time together.
Make your own monsters
This is a great rainy-day activity for kids to get creative in a sustainable and fun way. Raid your recycling box, arts and crafts stash, and anything else around the house that you don’t need.
Get your kids to make their own monster from the materials available to them for an afternoon of fun. You could add to it, if you’re feeling particularly creative, by making up a story with them about their monsters and making a short film on your phone or will photographs. It costs nothing to do and you might be surprised how much time it fills!
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