Leaf Rubbing Art
Collect leaves and reveal their shapes with crayons and paper.
Age3-9
Duration20-40m
CostFree
Ages 3–920–40 minsFreeIndoor/outdoorSunny day
May Half Term
Usually around one week in late May or early JuneDates vary by school and local authorityAges 2-12Season: Spring
Easy late-spring ideas for May half term, including outdoor play, scavenger hunts, sports, soft play backups, and printables.
For parents
May half term can work well with outdoor plans, but it still helps to have indoor backups. Mix parks, nature checklists, sport, craft, and one special day out.
For teachers
Useful for summer-term topic links, outdoor observation, KS1 maths practice, and short transition games.
At home
At-home activities
Fun things to do around the school break.
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Teddy Bear Picnic Planner
Plan a pretend picnic with toys, simple menus, counting, and role play.
Age3-8
Duration30-60m
CostFree
Ages 3–830–60 minsFreeIndoor/outdoorSunny day
Maths Dice Race
Roll dice, solve quick sums, and race to a target number in a lively indoor maths game for KS1 and KS2 children.
Age5-10
Duration15-30m
CostFree
Ages 5–1015–30 minsFreeindoorRainy day
Phonics Sound Hop
A movement phonics game where children hop to the sound or word they hear, ideal for EYFS and KS1 rainy-day energy.
Age4-7
Duration10-20m
CostFree
Ages 4–710–20 minsFreeIndoor/outdoorRainy day
Printables
Printable activities
Ready-to-use sheets, games, packs, and calmer backup activities.
Scavenger Hunt
Ages 5–10Free3 pages
Nature Walk Checklist
A nature spotting checklist for parks, woods, gardens, and local walks.
Age5-10
Pages3
Maths
Ages 5–8Free4 pagesClassroom
KS1 Maths Dice Game
A printable track and instructions for a quick dice maths race.
Age5-8
Pages4
Phonics
Ages 4–7Free6 pagesClassroom
Phonics Game Cards
Printable phonics sound cards for quick reading games, movement activities, and KS1 classroom warm-ups at home or school.
Age4-7
Pages6
Worksheet
Ages 3–10Free2 pages
Car Journey Spotting Sheet
A no-mess travel spotting sheet for family journeys around the UK.
Age3-10
Pages2
Budget planner
Free, low-cost, and paid ideas
Free ideas
- • Teddy bear picnic
- • Park trip
- • Nature checklist
- • Outdoor phonics hop
Low-cost ideas
- • Swimming
- • Craft studio taster
- • Bus or train spotting trip
Paid ideas
- • Birthday-friendly venue
- • Climbing centre
- • Farm park
Local days out
Use these as starting points for local planning. Check each venue directly before travelling or booking.
Planning tips
Make the week easier
Put outdoor ideas early in the day.
Pack snacks and a printable for travel.
Keep one no-mess activity for tired afternoons.
Check booking rules before group trips.
FAQs
Common questions
How do I plan may half term activities on a budget?
Mix free at-home activities, library visits, parks, printable sheets, and one or two pre-booked trips if budget allows.
Should I check local venues before travelling?
Yes. Opening times, prices, booking rules, accessibility details, and availability can change, especially during school holidays.
How many activities should I plan each day?
One main activity and one calm backup is usually enough for many families. Leave space for rest, meals, travel, and weather changes.
Safety and data note
Activities and venue suggestions are provided as a starting point. Always check age suitability, safety needs, and official venue information before visiting or booking.
Related guides
More seasonal ideas
