5 fun things to do with kids this half term
Whether you're after some outdoor play, rainy-day fun or ideas for budget-friendly activities for the family, we've got you covered...
As we’re sure you’re well aware, the half-term holidays are here and the children are off for up to TWO weeks… And as much as that’s a lovely welcome break from the stressful morning school run, both Charlotte and I know how hard it can be to keep little ones entertained constantly. Which is why we’ve put together a list of super-fun ideas for days out in and around the London area.
1. Go Pumpkin picking
Regardless of whether you celebrate Halloween, a visit to a local pumpkin patch is a must during the October half term. Whether you’re wanting to carve out the perfect Jack-o-lantern, or are looking for some pumpkin centrepieces for your autumn table display, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places for you and your family to visit.
1. Crockford Bridge Farm, Surrey
Visit this farm’s Pumpkin Festival between Friday 25th October and 1st November and you’ll get to enjoy narrated stories, festival performers, fancy dress-up opportunities, a pumpkin carving area and a scavenger hunt… the list is endless! Tickets cost £14.50pp.
2. Stanhill, Kent
Tickets cost £5 (one vehicle of up to seven people / one walk in group of up to seven people). It’s the perfect spot for a photo opportunity, surrounded by a sea of autumnal, orange colour!
3. Hobbledown Heath Pumpkin Patch, Hounslow
Prices start from £6.50 for entry into this new pumpkin patch, or you can combine your ticket with entry into the Hobbledown Heath playground and zoo for a whole day out. Combined tickets costs £17pp.
4. Foxes Farm Produce, Colchester
There’s so much to keep kids entertained here – from Hula hooping and face-painting (chargeable), to fun farm obstacles and mini rides on tractors. Tickets cost from £20 for a family of four.
5. Cammas Hall, Hertfordshire
Tickets only cost £5pp but there’s lots of activities on offer, such as a dress-up area, Halloween characters, an erupting Pump-Cano and a terror tunnel (suitable for 12+).
2. Visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
Experience the wonder of life on Earth through the world’s best wildlife photography. The exhibition showcases both the incredible talent of the photographer, but more importantly, the wonders of the natural world, and the impact humans are having on it! This is a paid exhibition at the Natural History Museum, but I’ve been countless times and it never disappoints. Kids tickets (ages 4-16) cost £12.25 and Adult tickets cost £20. Plus, once you’ve explored the exhibition, you can wander round the rest of the museum for free!
3. Play at Battersea Power Station
If you’re looking for a bright, colourful children’s playground in London this half term, check out Prospect Park Playground at Battersea Power Station, open every day 8am-8pm. Designed by Landscape Architects LDA Design, it has the power station as a backdrop, so parents and carers can enjoy the stunning setting as much as little ones. Plus, you’ve got shopping (there’s a Lego store) and lots of restaurants close by for when you need a little retail therapy or a bite to eat.
4. Watch a film
Family Film Week (Sat 26th Oct – Sun 3rd Nov) at the Barbican is held annually and features some of the best family films from around the world, fab new releases and interactive workshops. Click here for listings and to book tickets.
5. Enjoy Panto Dame Storytelling at the Horniman
This interactive session with award-winning storyteller Mama G celebrating pantomime is sure to be full of magic, terrible jokes and fabulous songs. After the show, you can take advantage of the free displays inside the museum, the animal walk which is home to goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and alpacas, and the beautiful manicured gardens. Tickets for the show cost £10. Booking is essential!
💫 Looking for easy craft ideas for rainy days this half term? Click here for our guide featuring cute and sustainable autumn craft ideas for kids.
💫 Have you got any activities for the family you want to share with other Nest magazine subscribers? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️.
💫 And, if you try one of our ideas above, don’t forget to let us know what your experience was like in the comments below ⬇️ ❤️