10 things to do during half-term

After a long summer the October half-term can whizz by before you know it and the kids are back at school before you've had a chance to think about something to do. You haven't left the house all half-term and you're feeling guilty. But with a little planning, both you and your children can have as much fun during half-term as you did during the summer.



Chester Zoo


A couple of years ago we visited Chester Zoo during the summer holidays. On the day it poured with rain but it didn't make much difference to our day. We took coats and an umbrella with us and wandered around the zoo just like we would've if it had been sunny. The best thing about the trip was that the rainy weather put other visitors off so there were more opportunities to see the animals. Chester Zoo even have an indoor picnic area so you can still take a picnic with you without worrying about the weather. Win!


10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Visit Chester Zoo to see the tigers.
I love seeing the tigers - they're so majestic.


Chester Zoo is open from 10am until 5pm every day apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day. During half-term the entry prices go up a little - for a family of four (children aged 3-15) with all day monorail passes (adult: £3.50, child: £2.50) it costs £83.80. This may sound like a lot of money but it is so worth it, your family will have a wonderful day at Chester Zoo and you'll give your children the chance to see tigers, leopards, and rhinos!





An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.

Martin Buber




Hardwick Hall


Hardwick Old Hall is managed by English Heritage and I would highly recommend the audio tour when visiting. You learn so much about the history of the building and Bess of Hardwick and your children may even enjoy wandering around such an old building. When we visited the boys had a great time and they still talk about it now. Being able to walk around the Old Hall while listening to someone talk about the history is a much more practical way of learning and it works wonders on the children!


10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Visit Hardwick Old Hall and learn about history.


You can also visit the New Hall which is run by the National Trust. We have yet to visit the New Hall but I've heard great things about it. 

For a family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) to visit Hardwick Old Hall it costs £15.60 and for a family ticket to visit Hardwick Hall and walk around the house and gardens it costs £32.75.



Calke Abbey


Calke Abbey is a home trapped in time. It's filled with historical artefacts and walking around the house is both interesting and strange - from grand halls to spooky corridors Calke Abbey has it all. Visiting the Abbey in the colder months is fine because it's mostly indoors but if you're looking for some outdoor fun Calke Explore is there for the children. Calke Explore has log trails, rope walks, and climbing areas to keep the children entertained.


10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Visit Calke Abbey and venture into the woods.


For a family ticket to visit the whole property at Calke Abbey costs £31.90.



Nottingham Contemporary


If you're into art I'd recommend Nottingham Contemporary, there's always activities for the children to enjoy and you get to see lots of art. Visiting Nottingham Contemporary would probably take up a morning, so you don't need to plan for a whole day, and best of all entry is FREE.



Blackpool


We love Blackpool. While it's quite far away the boys love travelling for the day and walking along the beach or going in the arcades. Visiting Blackpool can be as cheap or as expensive as you like - you can visit the Sealife Centre, Blackpool Tower, or Madame Tussauds or nothing at all and spend the day on the beach. Not to mention all the seafront stores filled with candy floss!

All I would say is prepare for the cold. If you're used to being inland (Midlands) then going to the coast during the colder months might come as a shock. It can get very cold during autumn/winter so make sure you take scarves, gloves, and a warm coat.



The Heights of Abraham, Matlock


10 Things To Do During Half-Term | The Heights of Abraham are a great place to visit with your kids.


Amazing views, caves to wander through, a town filled with shops. If you're based in the Midlands it's a great place to visit and won't necessarily take up the whole day. Be sure to visit the caves in Matlock, they're not to be missed. There's also a restaurant if you're hungry, and don't forget to check out the Punch and Judy show.



Picnics


The weather might not be great but you can still enjoy a picnic, you just need to make sure you prepare for the wetter, colder weather. Perhaps take a small tent so you can all sit inside and eat your food, fill a flask with hot chocolate, and wrap up warm with coats and scarves. Oh yes, and don't forget to take a board game so you can have fun despite the weather.



Visit a local restaurant


10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Get out and enjoy a good meal at your favourite restaurant.


As a treat during the half-term why not take your children to a restaurant? In Nottingham there are so many to choose from and it really depends what kind of food you're after. If you'd like to try something new you could try Thaikhun or if you want something different check out Barburrito



Trick or Treating


Of course during the half-term you need to prepare for Halloween. Costumes can be a pain, especially for boys, but it's all part of the fun. Decorate your home with pumpkins, cobwebs, and skeletons, and make sure you have lots of sweets in the house ready for other little monsters who come a'knocking.





When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween.


Unknown




Movie Night


For the October half-term why not have a scary movie night? Movies like Goosebumps, Ghostbusters, or even The Witches are great for a Halloween themed movie night. Snuggle up together beneath a blanket, with popcorn and spooky treats at the ready, and enjoy a brilliant movie night as a family.


10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Enjoy a movie night in the house.


Whether you're an active family or prefer to spend time at home there's always something to do during half-term.


What are your 10 things to do during half-term?