If you are still on the hunt for some half term family fun, look no further, there are some fabulous things to do with kids in the school holidays here. Don’t forget to share your favourites too.

 

Where’s Wally? at the ArcelorMittal Orbit

Things to do with the kids at half term - Where's Wally at the  ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The UK’s tallest sculpture, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, is always an interesting sight for the kids, but this half term it promises to be even more fun, with the arrival of Where’s Wally. Between 23 and 31 May, families can join Wally and his friends on a special story trail, and take part in Where’s Wally? themed games and activities put together with the help of the Discover Children’s Story Centre nearby. The fun and games is included in the standard entry price (£7 for children, £15 for adults) for the ArcelorMittal Orbit, but anyone (and yes, that means Mums and Dads too) who comes dressed as Where’s Wally? can visit for just £1.

Check out this article for more things to do in London with kids, including a review of the Discover Children’s Story Centre.

 

A fun themed day out with Freaky Rivet

An unusual - and inexpensive - day out with the kids at half term. Try a Freaky Rivet London itinerary

Another idea for a day of family fun out that costs just £1 is to download a themed itinerary from Days Out Everywhere by Freaky Rivet. Whether you’re fans of literature, vikings, animals (or even the plague!), there’s a tour of London that will suit your family. Simply download the theme that appeals the most, and you’ll have a ready-made day out of sights and learning that steers clear of the usual (and sometimes expensive) tourist trappings, to dig a little deeper into the history of London – all with extra child-appeal. A really unusual way to discover more about our capital city. Freaky Rivet also give you a free 60 page eBook when you download an itinerary. We can’t wait to read How to Fool Your Kids into Having Fun So You Can – 101 Travel Games Without Gadgets.

 

Go all out for luxury

Things to do in half term - go all out for luxury with Luxury Family Hotels

If you’re planning a last-minute hotel break for half term, you might want to consider Luxury Family Hotels, who have all sorts of family activities planned for the week; get up close with creepy crawlies in Cornwall, make Punch and Judy puppets in Dorset, or join a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Worcestershire – all whilst the grown-ups relax in true country house style. Check out some of their special offers too.

 

 Get back to nature

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I know, my family camping trips aren’t this glam either, but the picture definitely captures the unbeatable feeling of being outdoors and under canvas together

Leading camping brand, Camping in the Forest, surveyed people across the UK and discovered that more than three quarters (78%) of consumers believe the advent of technology has had a detrimental effect on their day-to-day life. Two fifths (38%) are concerned that the more technology takes off, the less happy they’ll become… already 84% long for the ‘good old days’ when life was much simpler.

The research also revealed that although 95% of people think it’s important to spend time outdoors, connecting with Mother Nature – two thirds (66%) say they don’t have time to spend with nature.

Camping in the Forest is a collection of 16 beautiful caravan and camping sites set among the woodlands of the Forestry Commission. Sites can be found in the New Forest, England, Wales and Scotland. Camping in the Forest is passionate about creating unique and memorable holiday experiences for all. The venture is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and The Camping and Caravanning Club. As the weather improves and with another bank holiday ahead, why not give the family some time outdoors?

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular

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The Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular, which celebrates the world’s longest running science fiction TV series, showcases the evocative and thrilling music written by Murray Gold for the series since 2005 and features over 100 performers including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and members of the BBC National Chorus of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.  The first ever UK shows will be staged from Saturday 23rd May 2015 to Friday 29th May 2015 in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow.

More information here, and for Whovians this half term, why not think about a trip to Cardiff and the Dr Who Experience read Penny’s 5 things to do in Cardiff Bay here.

 

The National Forest –   The Bushcraft Show and Conkers

The National Forest is full of places to visit, but over the first weekend of half term, 23-25 May it hosts The Bushcraft Show, Behive Farm, Wood Lakes, Derbyshire, a jam-packed, three-day event filled with amazing bushcraft activities that you’ll never forget. Whether you go for the day or stay for the weekend, you can try your hand at woodland crafts, firelighting, shelter building, tracking, foraging, woodland games and much more.

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Penny is looking forward to putting Conkers,  also in the National Forest to the test, and bringing us a review.  The family attraction with an intriguing mix of indoor and outdoor activities has a full programme of half term events.

 

Trust the National Trust

Running Wild at Nymans National Trust

There will always be something going on at your local National Trust place, here’s the May half term events link so you can find out where your nearest place is.

 

Be a Royal Marines commando for a day

Half term school holidays with the kids - be a commando!

Set on a working naval base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has loads of boredom-busting fun events all half term. Join in games, dressing up and interactive storytelling onboard HMS Warrior, make and take activities, crafts and art workshops onboard HMS Victory, as well as at the fantastic Mary Rose Museum, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and at Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport. Plus, Actions Stations is packed with exciting activities, such as climbing walls and simulators.The whole family can join in this thrilling event at the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea, Hampshire, on Thursday 28th May. Meet the Commandos and see their jaw-dropping live action shows, with the chance to watch some of the toughest men on the planet do battle in the legendary Commando Tug of War competition! The action-packed day includes exciting interactive displays, Laser Quest, and you’ll even get to test yourself on the commando assault course as well.

For more information on everything going on this half term visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk. Or if Kent is nearer to where you are, read Penny’s post on Chatham Historic Dockyard.

 

Whatever you are up to have a great break, and let us know about any exciting things to do with kids in the school holidays you’ve found in the comments.

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