February half term holiday ideas

After a long few months of home learning, February half term just couldn’t come soon enough – I think we all need a holiday more than ever. We are really lucky to have the whole week off together and the thought of just not having to pester the kids to get on with their work all day seems so exciting. I’m determined to make it feel like a holiday even if we’re still stuck with the same four walls. When talking to my 12 year old about this blog, he laughs and says ‘mum, you’ll sound like a ‘soccer mom!’ so I hope it doesn’t come across like this. There will be plenty of arguments and screen time too! Here are a few ideas for those of us missing our holidays…

Having a hotel breakfast

I read this in another article and loved the idea. Everyone loves a hotel breakfast and a change from a boring bowl of shreddies. We all love American Pancakes (these Nigella ones always come out well) and French toast or even just buying in some croissants.

Finding a new local walk in the countryside with hot chocolate and treats

After weeks of hitting the same pavements of our local area as this is about all you get time for during breaks, it will be a novelty just to walk somewhere different. Packing up some hot chocolate and marshmallows and other treats will certainly motivate the kids to get moving.

Having a movie night

Last weekend my daughter decided we were having a movie night in style. She got all the cushions and duvets down, turned off the lights and filled bowls up with popcorn and sweets. There was even a box on entry for mum and dad’s phones to stop our screen time.

Trying out some recipes from different countries

Food is such an important part of our trips so with a bit more time, it is a great opportunity to try out something new or something we have eaten abroad and loved. Also, now that my kids are old enough to be left in the kitchen, they like the independence of choosing something to bake and doing it all on their own. It gives us a bit of a break apart from the washing up which of course they leave. They need to have separate areas though or World War 3 will break out.

A travel inspired art project

My son had to choose a photo from a holiday and then reproduce it in the style of the artist they were studying. I thought it was a great piece of work to be set but with art not being his favourite subject, he didn’t have quite the same opinion. A fun idea if you have a child with an artistic flair though!

Getting the fire pit out

A great purchase for under £100 on Amazon, this has been a great way to get everyone off the TV and outside in the evening for toasting marshmallows and a camping vibe. Not sure if it will work with an inquisitive puppy around though.