5 staycation holiday ideas

Holidays are never too far away, and if you want to be one step ahead of the game then it’s time to start planning now. Having fun with the kids doesn’t always have to be expensive either. Here we list five ideas that are guaranteed to keep them entertained and active, but which won’t cost a fortune.

Visit the coast

The UK coastline is epic. Not only in size, (it’s around 19,491 miles all the way around) but in variety and beauty too. Therefore, it’s time to explore a new coastline that you have never visited before. Whether you catch the train to Blackpool station in the north or head to Weymouth or Ilfracombe in the south, there are some fantastic seaside resorts to choose from. Once you are there, you could skim stones into the sea, collect shells, fly a kite on the beach, explore rockpools, find a cave or just enjoy a little paddle and the feel of sand in between your toes.  

Plan a hike

If your kids have bags of energy, then a family hike should definitely be on the cards. What better way to get a bit of cardio activity, take in beautiful surroundings and enjoy close time together as a group. Whether you fancy a stroll across the Yorkshire dales from Northallerton, a jaunt across the Peak District or a ramble in Snowdonia, the UK is blessed with an abundance of National Parks that offer safe and tested walks for families of all ages. And, don’t be put off by the weather. Just grab your wellies and your waterproofs and embrace an any-weather frame of mind!

Get cooking

Kids are now learning about healthy eating from an early age, which is fantastic. Therefore, why not use this time to cook up a storm in the kitchen with the help of your eager little chefs? Your children will be much more likely to buy into a healthier eating regime if they are part of the decision-making process. So, let them choose a recipe from the cookbook and have an afternoon of gourmet-inspired fun. From rice paper wraps to rainbow pizzas, BBQ skewers, veggie burgers or mini quiches, there are hundreds of kid’s recipes to choose from. Then let the kids lay the table – restaurant-style – and enjoy eating what you have just prepared!

Learn about nature

Continue your child’s learning journey and swot up on your own wildlife knowledge at the same time! The RSPB website has lots of fun activities to give kids the chance to explore nature, including assembling a bird house, making a pine cone feeder and producing a cast of animal prints found in the garden. The Woodland Trust also offers encouraging advice to help get your little ones interested in nature. From spotting the signs of the season in the garden to a scavenger hunt in the woods, make sure your holiday is abundant with outdoor exploration.

Create a home cinema

There are bound to be days when you will all need a chill or when the weather takes a turn for the worst. But, as long as you are prepared, these days can still be fun! If there’s a film that you’ve been meaning to watch for a while, then plan in a day to make it a box-office experience. You could create cinema tickets for your kids to hand in before they get into their seats, make homemade popcorn served in little paper tubs and ice-cream topped with fruit and sprinkles. Be sure to close the curtains and shutters to create a real cinema-like atmosphere. Lights, camera and action!