Though it might feel like the summer holidays have only just ended, half-term is nearly upon us and you might be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. Make this October a memorable one for you and your family with some of the following great ideas!
- Go see some animals
With most kids, a day out that involves animals is sure to be a winner. And with a variety of safari parks and zoos up and down the country, from Chester Zoo in the northwest to Port Lympne Safari Park down in Kent, there are plenty of options.
If you’re based in the southeast, London Zoo could be the perfect day out for your family. One of the oldest zoos used by scientists in the world, the zoo has the largest collection of animals, with over 19,000 individual animals from hundreds of different species.
For the best of both worlds, London Zoo also has an aquarium. And if it’s easier to incorporate an overnight stay into the trip, they have cabins available with meals included and an after-hours zoo tour.
If you’re looking for something within this region but outside central London, Whipsnade Zoo is also a great day out, as long as you ensure you book in advance. This is the largest zoo in the UK, with a very varied selection. Having recently taken on two aardvarks named Nacho and Terry, they are also actively helping to preserve endangered Asian elephants, who welcomed a newborn recently.
- Take a Caravan Staycation
Static caravans based in parks offer the perfect family getaway. Usually located near woodlands or beaches, these are the perfect way to escape city life and with other holidaymakers nearby, it can be a sociable experience offering a sense of community for you and your kids.
You could even consider buying a static home for your staycation needs, based in a park near one of your favourite British locations. This is an affordable holiday home option and guarantees years of fun for the family.
- Get Active
While not enjoying the same amount of daylight as in the summer month, October is still a lovely time to get outside and stay on the move.
Why not find a local pumpkin patch and pick some pumpkins together, ready to take home and use to cook some autumnal recipes and carve lanterns?
There are also loads of great half-term events if you know where to look. Attractions will often host half-term events for the family. For example, York Minster is going to be showing a spectacular Platinum and Light display within its nave throughout the week, which will be captivating for children and adults alike.
- Extended Weekends
You can get a lot out of value simply taking the family on small trips that little bit further afield. Not everyone branches out to Scotland and Ireland but these are ideal family destinations for short trips.
And if your youngsters are dinosaur enthusiasts, Scotland has loads of dinosaur attractions that they will love. The Dino Park near Dumfries is open until 2nd November 2022. There’s an indoor soft play area with a distinct dinosaur theme as well as an outdoor park featuring a dino mine, a dino dig where your kids can dig for fossils, and a tree house play area.
To milk Scotland for as many dinosaur attractions as you can, head on over to the dinosaur-themed adventure golf course Jurassic Parr, in Glasgow, and visit the Staffin Dinosaur Museum on the Isle of Skye.
With the year starting to draw to a close, October is the perfect time to enjoy outings and trips with the family in the UK, and the options are endless!
