Cheap half term activities to try at home

Half term is in full swing. But if the weather’s gloomy and your budget’s tight, it can be tricky to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune.

Here are a few ideas for fun things you can do at home to make some great family memories without breaking the bank or leaving the house. Bonus points; none of these involve screen time.

Board games and jigsaws

Pop into a local charity shop and you’ll often find board games and puzzles for just a few pounds. Whether it’s a classic like Scrabble or a 1,000-piece jigsaw challenge, it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon together.

Bake something tasty

You don’t need fancy ingredients, just raid the cupboards and see what you can whip up. Biscuits, cupcakes, or even simple flapjacks are fun to make and delicious to eat.

The BBC has a whole section on baking with children with lots of easy recipes for your little ones to try out. Let the kids measure, mix, and decorate so they can feel like they’re part of the process.

Get creative with art

Dig out whatever supplies you already have. Things like cardboard, paper, crayons, felt tips, glue, old magazines can all come in handy. Try making greeting cards, collages, or even sock puppets from old socks.

You could suggest a theme, like Halloween or autumn to give them a little guidance or let their creativity go wild.

Make your own treasure hunt

Hide small toys, treats, or clues around the house and create a mini treasure map or set of riddles. You can theme it around pirates, detectives, or even Halloween. It’s a brilliant way to get kids moving without having to leave the house.

Put on a show

Let the kids dress up and create their own play, dance routine, or talent show. Maybe they can even use the sock puppets they made during their craft activities. You can help with props or be the audience. Film it for a fun memory to look back on or just enjoy the moment together.