Half term is the perfect time to make memories with the kids, but keeping everyone entertained can quickly get expensive.
The good news? There are plenty of free family activities to enjoy, whether you’re heading outdoors, getting creative at home, or exploring your local area.
Here are some easy ways to make the most of half term without spending a penny.
Go out into nature
The great outdoors is the ultimate playground for children – no matter their age. And best of all, it’s free!
Head to your local:
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Park
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Woodland trail
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Nature reserve
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Beach
You can keep it simple or add extra fun with:
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Nature scavenger hunts
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Bug spotting
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Shell collecting
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Stone skimming
Turn your walk into a scavenger hunt by making a list of things for your kids to spot, like pinecones, unusual leaves, or even animal tracks.
Pack a picnic and enjoy being surrounded by nature, while your little ones have fun at the playground. Check out our picnic bundle which has everything you need!
If you’re near the coast, beach walks are perfect for finding shells, skipping stones, or even a bit of sandcastle building.
Enjoy a family bike ride and let your little ones explore the world around them.
Make the most of free museums
The UK is packed with museums offering free entry, making them perfect for budget-friendly days out.
Expect everything from:
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Dinosaurs and natural history
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Space and science exhibits
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Transport and engineering
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Art and culture
Many museums also run free half term workshops and interactive displays – ideal for keeping kids engaged on rainy days. Follow local Facebook groups or Instagram pages dedicated to family days out for inspiration.
Have a movie night
Turn your living room into a cinema – no tickets required.
Make it special by:
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Letting the kids pick the film
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Making popcorn together
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Building den made of blankets
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Creating “tickets” for fun
If the weather’s dry, you could even host a garden movie night with blankets and snacks.
Free workshops for kids
Keep an eye out locally for free activity sessions.
You’ll often find them at:
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Libraries
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Community centres
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Garden centres
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Pet shops
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Farms or animal centres
Activities can include crafts, planting, or animal handling.
Kids eat free
While not fully free for adults, ‘kids eat free’ offers can significantly cut the cost of family days out.
Check:
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Chain restaurants
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Supermarket cafés
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Local pubs
Many run school holiday promotions.
Visit your local library
Libraries offer far more than books and they’re completely free.
Many host:
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Storytelling sessions
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Craft workshops
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Reading challenges
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Kids’ performances
It’s a great low-cost way to encourage reading while filling a few half term hours.
Get crafty
You don’t need expensive supplies for creative fun.
Use household items like:
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Cardboard boxes
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Toilet roll tubes
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Old magazines
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Empty jars
Easy ideas include:
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Homemade cards
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Scrapbooks
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Painted plant pots
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DIY photo frames
Perfect for a quiet afternoon indoors.
Free local kids’ events
Half term often brings free community activities.
Look for:
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Outdoor cinema screenings
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Sports taster sessions
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Funfairs or markets
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Holiday clubs
Check council websites, Facebook groups or community noticeboards for events near you.
From nature walks to museum trips and movie nights at home, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained without stretching your budget.
And if you’re heading out on two wheels or four, Halfords is here to help with free bike checks, car checks and family travel essentials, so you’re ready for adventure, whatever the plan.
