If you’re thinking about half term fast approaching wondering how it got here so quickly, then you’re not alone – so are we! It feels like we’ve only just got back to the school routine after Christmas and now here we are, planning half term activities, praying for good weather. 

Half term can be a struggle for many of us, especially if we work and we need to wangle time off or find childcare. If we are in a position to take the kids out, it generally needs to be cost effective, being so close to Christmas. 

Added to this is the fact that sadly, some events have already been cancelled or are at risk of being cancelled at the last minute due to sickness and Covid related isolation rules. So this February half term, whilst we’re not in a lockdown (at the time of writing), there’s still an element of winging it when it comes to planning anything. 

So that aside, here’s four affordable family friendly ideas for half term, even when the February weather could mean snow outside… 

• Embark on a good old fashioned trip to the seaside. You could add to the sense of adventure by going by train too - make sure you make the most of the discounts available for family travel. But however you travel there, make it a day of simple, affordable fun. Take your own picnic of family faves and put aside some cash for a round of ice creams. Bring a bucket and spade and a few nets to go crabbing, play catch on the beach and climb the sand dunes. If bad weather gets in the way, make sure you’re fully stocked with wellies and macs, and get stuck in with the fun!

• Use local Facebook groups and other online and physical community notice boards to discover what’s going on in your town. You might discover nature walks, indoor craft workshops, library events or cycling classes all happening on your doorstep. Often, these kinds of events are free or very reasonably priced. 

• If you’re isolating as a family or you’d rather spend time in the safety and comfort of home, there are still lots of things you can do. You could hold a Bake Off style baking competition. For older kids they can actually bake themselves, but for the younger ones, decorating homemade or shop bought cupcakes is fun and will while away an afternoon. Or you could do the same with pizza dough and savoury toppings. Scouring local charity shops for preloved board games and puzzles will also provide hours of fun at home (assuming you all agree to the rules). 

• During the first lockdown, hand drawn rainbows and hand painted stones adorned windows and pavements up and down the country. So let’s bring them back! Drawing and painting let’s kids tap into their creative side and it’ll hopefully get other families in the area following suit – what a way to cheer things up before spring?!