Autumn adventures: a half-term pack for families
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.
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Angus Steakhouse
Children aged 8 and under can enjoy a free kids’ menu dish when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The offer is available daily from 12pm to 5pm. -
Ask Italian
Kids eat for £1 when an adult main is purchased. Up to two children aged ten and under can enjoy the offer using the app code. -
Asda Cafés
Kids can enjoy a meal for £1 with no adult spend required. Each hot kids’ meal includes a piece of free fruit. -
Bella Italia
Children under 12 eat free all day on Thursdays or for £1 from Sunday to Wednesday until 6pm. An adult main must be purchased. -
Bills
Children under ten eat free Monday to Friday during selected school holiday dates. -
BrewDog
Kids under 13 receive a free meal with an adult main. Bookings must be made online in advance. -
Brewers Fayre
Children under 16 can enjoy a free breakfast when dining with a paying adult. The offer covers up to two children per adult. -
Burger King
Kids can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal when ordered via the Burger King app. -
Chiquito
Children eat free with the purchase of an adult main. -
Coconut Tree
Kids under ten eat free with a paying adult. Available daily from 12pm to 6pm. -
Dobbies Garden Centres
Children can eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult breakfast or lunch. The offer is available every day. -
Farmhouse Inns
Up to two children can enjoy a free main and free ice cream on weekdays. Availability may vary by location. -
Flaming Grill Pubs
Kids eat free with each adult meal from Monday to Friday. -
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Children under ten can enjoy a free main when an adult orders two courses from the à la carte menu. -
Harvester
Kids eat for £1 from Monday to Friday with the purchase of an adult main. The offer is available via the Harvester app. -
Hungry Horse
Up to two children can eat for £1 each with an adult main. The offer is valid on weekdays during school holidays. -
IKEA
Kids can enjoy a pasta meal for just £0.95, including a drink and fruit. -
Las Iguanas
Children receive a free meal from the Mini Iguanas menu with an adult purchase through the My Iguanas app. The meal includes a main, two sides, and dessert. -
Marco Pierre White
Kids under ten dine free with the purchase of an adult main. The offer excludes Saturdays after 6pm. -
Marston’s Pubs
Children can eat for £1 from Monday to Friday during school holidays with the purchase of an adult main. -
Morrisons Cafés
Kids eat free with every adult main priced over £5. -
Pausa (Dunelm cafés)
Children eat free with every £4 spent by an adult. The meal includes a mini main, two snacks, and a drink. -
Pizza Hut
Kids can enjoy the buffet for £1 during school holidays until 3pm. A minimum adult spend applies. -
Preto
Children eat free on weekends all day and weekdays after 4pm. A voucher is required. -
Purezza
Kids under ten receive a free pizza with every adult meal purchased. -
SA Brains Pubs
Children can enjoy a Little Dragons main for £1 every Wednesday with an adult main. -
Sizzling Pubs
Kids eat for £1 from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 7pm with an adult main. -
Table Table
Children under 16 get a free breakfast with a paying adult. The offer includes up to two children per adult. -
TGI Fridays
Kids eat free all day, every day, for Stripes Rewards members when an adult main is purchased. -
The Real Greek
Children under 12 eat free on Sundays with a £15 adult spend. -
Travelodge
Kids under 15 can enjoy breakfast for £1 when an adult pays for breakfast. The offer covers up to two children per adult. -
Whitbread Inns
Children under 16 enjoy a free breakfast with a paying adult. Up to two children can eat per adult. -
Yo! Sushi
Kids eat free Monday to Friday during school holidays with an adult meal purchase of at least £10. -
Zizzi
Children enjoy a free Bambini meal with an adult main during half term, excluding Saturdays.
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.