We all know that the great British weather can be somewhat hit-and-miss, especially during half term. One minute you’re planning a picnic, the next you’re searching “what to do with kids when it rains.”

To help you stay one step ahead, we’ve compiled a list of fun, affordable family days out for both wet and dry weather. From outdoor adventures to indoor escapes, these ideas are perfect for half term, weekends or school holidays, whatever the forecast.

Family days out for sunny weather

When the sun’s shining, it’s the perfect excuse to get the kids outdoors and burn off some energy. Here are some easy, low-cost ideas for making the most of dry days.

Head out for a family bike ride

A bike ride is a brilliant way to combine exercise, fresh air and exploration. Whether you’ve got confident cyclists or little ones still finding their balance, you can choose routes to suit all abilities.

  • Traffic-free cycle trails are ideal for families

  • Forestry routes add a sense of adventure

  • Coastal paths offer scenic views and picnic spots

Don’t worry about having to cycle all the way to your chosen destination – you can transport your bikes by car with a bike rack, so it’s even easier to try out routes and trails further afield. Or, if you want to discover more about your local area, try sticking closer to home and exploring the nearby routes.

For some ideas for where to ride, check out our blog on the best family cycle routes in the UK.

If your bikes have had a lot of use, and you want to ensure that everything’s still working safely, why not book our free bike health check? This 32-point assessment is carried out by our trained technicians to check for any signs of wear or damage, to give you the peace of mind that your bike is safe to ride.

We check all bikes, from kids to adults, and in any size or discipline, so book the whole family in for a free check today.

Have a picnic in the park

Simple days out can often be the most memorable. Pack up lunch, grab a blanket and head to your local park for an alfresco family feast.

Make it extra special with:

  • Coolboxes for chilled drinks and snacks

  • Foldable chairs or picnic blankets

  • Outdoor games like Frisbee or football

After lunch, let the kids loose in the playground, go bug-hunting, or explore nearby nature trails.

Whether you’re hitting the playground, on the lookout for creepy crawlies, or playing with a Frisbee, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Try geocaching (the world’s biggest treasure hunt)

If your kids love adventure, geocaching is a must-try. Using a smartphone app and GPS, you’ll search for hidden “geocaches” tucked away in parks, woods and public spaces.

It’s free to sign up, although you can upgrade to a premium membership for more customisable features, and you’ll just need to download the app to get involved.

Why families love it:

  • Free to get started

  • Encourages walking and exploration

  • Feels like real-life treasure hunting

You’ll be hunting down ‘geocaches’, which are hidden items or containers holding a number of items, using GPS signals to locate their clever hiding places. Once you find them, you can mark your success in the logbook, trade small objects as rewards, and log your find online. Then, just put the geocache back where you found it, and onto the next one!

There are millions of geocaches hidden all around the world, so expect a whole day of free outdoor fun.

Family days out for rainy weather

Showers don’t have to spell the end of your adventures: there are loads of activities and adventures to be had even when the rain sets in. Here are some of our favourites:

Visit a museum

One way to stay out of the rain is to find some indoor attractions, and museums can be a fun and interactive way to keep the kids engaged.

While it may not sound like the most exciting day out for your little ones, you’d be surprised how many different types of museums there are across the UK, and a lot are free entry.

Do a little bit of research and find something that appeals to your child’s hobbies and interests – whether that’s the Dinosaur Museum in Dorset or the National Roman Legion Museum in Newport!

Here are a few other popular picks by region:

Midlands

  • Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

  • National Space Centre, Leicester

South

  • Natural History Museum, London

  • SeaCity Museum, Southampton

North

  • National Football Museum, Manchester

  • Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

Scotland

  • National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

  • Riverside Museum, Glasgow

Wales

  • National Museum Cardiff

  • St Fagans National Museum of History

Go for a swim

Another way to have fun whilst being active is to get your swimming trunks on! Indoor pools are a great way to keep the kids entertained and burn off some energy without getting caught in a downpour. There are pools up and down the country with a variety of features to suit your children’s abilities and preferences.

Many leisure centres offer:

  • Toddler splash areas

  • Wave machines

  • Water slides

  • Family swim sessions

The dedicated kids’ swim sessions mean you can have a ball splashing and playing without worrying about disturbing other swimmers.

Embark on a family road trip

Drizzly weather doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying some spectacular views. Taking a drive to a local beauty spot or a place you’ve always wanted to see can be a fun day out, and you can have a picnic right from your car!

Make the journey part of the fun:

  • Pack a coolbox with snacks

  • Bring blankets and pillows

  • Queue up a family playlist or audiobooks

If the rain eases, throw on waterproofs and explore outdoors – puddle jumping encouraged.

Before you travel

If you are heading out in the car and want the peace of mind that there won’t be any rainy-day breakdowns, let us inspect your car for free. We’ve got individual checks for areas like your tyres, clutch, suspension, and more, as well as a comprehensive Free 5-Point Car Check to check the vital areas of your car in one go, at no cost.

Plus, if you sign up for the Halfords Motoring Club, you can get a 10-Point Car Health Check  worth £15. It’s free to join and you’ll receive a host of instant benefits, including money off your MOT and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service.

Or choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee of £5.49 (£65.88 total) or £54 annually to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.

So, that’s a fun day with the kids sorted, whatever the weather throws at you. Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy some family time. If you need anything else, just head to Halfords.com, or pop into your local store where our colleagues will be more than happy to help.

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