Autumn adventures: a half-term pack for families

Autumn brings its own magic – golden leaves, crisp walks and cosy afternoons – yet half term can turn even the simplest days into a juggling act.

Half-term just got a whole lot easier! We’ve gathered all our ready-to-go goodies into one super-handy download — perfect for keeping children busy when you hear the words I’m bored!”. Whether it’s a drizzly afternoon or you just fancy adding a bit of fun to the day, everything you need is right here in one place.

From printable activity sheets to mini challenges for all ages, each one is designed with busy families in mind — low-prep, high-fun and easy to dive into whenever you need a spark of calm, creativity, or giggles.

Outdoors or indoors? Let the fun begin! 

Autumn is the perfect mix of fresh air and warming drinks. Our indoor and outdoor activity sheets are packed with easy ways to enjoy the season, whether that’s kicking through leaves at the park, going on a nature treasure hunt or setting up a blanket fort for a rainy afternoon. These activities can be adapted for any age — from little ones exploring the outdoors to older kids who love a good challenge. You’ll find inspiration for both outdoor adventures and indoor cosiness, proving that fun doesn’t depend on the weather.

Children carving pumpkins

Bored? Get the bingo board! 

If you’ve heard the words I’m bored” one too many times, our autumn bingo board is here to save the day. Each square is a simple seasonal challenge – bake something delicious, spot conkers on your walk, write a thank-you note or enjoy a family film night. It’s a fun way to turn everyday moments into mini adventures and get everyone involved. Print it, pin it up and see how many you can tick off before half term ends.

Let’s get creative! 

Need a quick activity to fill an hour or an afternoon? Our activity prompts offer short, screen-free prompts to spark imagination and curiosity. There’s one page for younger children called Easy Peasy Fun, with simple creative tasks and imaginative play ideas, and another for older kids – Challenge Accepted! – with mini challenges and moments for mindfulness or connection. From designing your own woodland creature to trying a five-minute kindness challenge, these ideas make it easy to keep minds busy and moods bright.

What’s on? 

Half term is a great time to explore what’s happening locally. Many councils and community groups host free or low-cost family activities, from storytelling sessions to pumpkin trails and craft mornings. Check your local library noticeboard or council website to see what’s on near you. Libraries often run brilliant themed events and workshops during school holidays, so it’s worth popping in to ask.

Children running through an autumnal scene

Kids eat free (or really cheap) 

Eating out doesn’t have to break the bank over half term. Lots of restaurants and cafés run kids eat free” or kids eat for £1” offers during the holidays, making it easier to enjoy a meal out without stretching the budget. National chains such as Asda Café, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Cafés often take part, along with family-friendly pubs and restaurants across the UK. We’ve rounded up all the current deals below so you can plan your next outing with ease.

Please note: Prices and deals are correct at the time of publishing and may vary by location or change without notice. Always check with the venue before visiting.

A child and their parent reading together

A family wellbeing ritual 

Autumn is the season of slowing down and the perfect time to start a small family ritual for rest and connection. Try ending each day by sharing one good thing that happened, lighting a candle during dinner or taking a mindful walk together to notice the changing colours. These small, grounding moments can make a big difference, helping everyone to reset before the new term begins.