Surviving Half Term with Young Kids (On a Budget & Close to Home)

Reflections from the Easter Break by Alysha

As a mum of little ones under 5, the Easter holidays were a reminder that simple can be more than enough. I know that as my kids get older, I’ll likely be tapping into holiday camps, pre-booked activities, and more structured outings, but for now, I’m really trying to soak up this stage where joy can be found in local simplicity!

Two weeks. No school. Limited budget. Maximum energy levels. Sound familiar?

As we pack away the last of the Easter crafts and shake the crumbs out of the picnic blanket, I can officially say: we survived the long half term. And honestly? It wasn’t half bad.

When you’ve got little ones at home and you’re trying to stay local (and sane), half term doesn’t have to mean elaborate day trips or spending a small fortune. Sometimes, the magic really is in the simple stuff, the slow mornings, unplanned playdates, and croissant runs that turn into adventures.

Here are a few ways we made it through this half term without hopping on a train or draining the bank account, just staying close to home and keeping things easy:

☀️ 1. Playground Hopping

Our local playgrounds saved the day more times than I can count. From climbing frames to scooting races, we made it a mission to explore different ones throughout the week and it actually felt like a new adventure each time. Pro tip: bring snacks and make it a mini picnic.

🥐 2. Grocery Store Croissant Runs

We turned an ordinary grocery run into a morning ritual. Walk (or scoot!) to the shops, pick out a fresh pastry, and have a little treat outside. It’s amazing how a croissant on a walk can feel like a café outing to a toddler and honestly, it felt like one for me too.

🏡 3. Backyard Toy Explosion

Our garden became a make-shift play zone with a busy mud kitchen, car tracks, bubbles, and whatever toys we could carry outside. The kids stayed busy, I got to sit with a cup of coffee in the sun (at least for 3 minutes), and it felt like a mini holiday right at home.

🧸 4. Hosting Playdates (With a Start and End Time!)

Playdates were our sanity-savers. Sometimes just having another child around changes the dynamic entirely, less whining, more imaginative play, and a chance to have an actual conversation (even if it’s while refereeing snack negotiations).

One key tip I’ve learned: set a clear start and finish time. It helps work around your child’s peak play window and avoids anyone getting overtired or overstimulated (aka meltdown o’clock). Keeping it short and sweet often means everyone leaves happy, and you still have a bit of your house left standing.

🎥 5. Movie Afternoons (With Snacks, of Course)

Sometimes you just need a good ol’ movie afternoon. We dimmed the lights, made a snack tray of snacks, and called it “cinema time.” Even if it was just one of the Pixar movies we have seen for the hundredth time, the kids loved the routine of it.

📦 6. Crafty (and Occasionally Chaotic) Mornings

We pulled out some leftover craft supplies and just let the kids go for it. It wasn’t always pretty (glue on the table, glitter on the youngest), but it kept them occupied and proud of their “masterpieces.” I found kinetic sand and stickers to be a big hit!

🌳 7. Keeping Expectations Low

Some days were just… meh. The kids were grumpy, the weather turned, and the plans fell through. But that’s half term too. Giving ourselves grace and lowering the bar helped all of us breathe a little easier.

As I look back on the last two weeks, I’m reminded that half term doesn’t need to be packed with events or big plans. The small, everyday moments are the ones they’ll remember. And you? You made it through. Croissants, mud stains, and all.

Here’s to the next one and to every parent out there doing their best with what they’ve got. You’re doing an amazing job.