Keep The Kids Entertained Over The School Holidays

15 Ways To Keep The Kids Entertained Over The School Holidays

Whilst youngsters anticipate the winter break, we know the Christmas period can hardly be described as a ‘break’ for mum and dad. With longer nights, constant overcast, oppressive shopping centre crowds, and that superfluous Secret Santa gift you still haven’t purchased, keeping the kids entertained on top of the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming.

But here at Hatton, we know a thing or two about entertainment and family attractions. Whether you need a quick-fix solution for restless kids stuck at home or you’re planning ahead for an unforgettable festive extravaganza, our expert guide to holiday entertainment promises happy youngsters throughout the winter season.

We all try to be more present with loved ones this time of year and, with a little bit of thought, fun, connection, tradition, and learning can be shared as a family.

Hosting at home

1. Stage a scavenger hunt

The enticement of an impromptu scavenger hunt might just be the salvation for swamped parents battling work or household tasks in the face of bored and pestering little ones.

List various objects for them to retrieve from around the house, maybe even dropping cryptic clues to keep up the intrigue. Mission ready, your youngsters will be busy exploring the house and exercising observational skills whilst you can take a breather and have a moment to focus on your to-do list.

2. Recruit a sous chef

Cooking with your children is a wonderful opportunity to share family and cultural traditions, teach them vital life skills, expose them to all kinds of ingredients, and prepare dinner while you’re at it.

Of course, many a sharp object is home to the kitchen, so use your discretion to determine if your child is ready to handle culinary equipment and always responsibly supervise your little sous chef.

3. Movie night made cosier with a living room fort

Christmas is the time to draw the curtains, adorn your comfiest pyjamas, and get cosy in front of the TV. Try building a den with blankets, pillows, and duvets for some added luxury.

4. Board games for bored brains

Stimulation doesn’t have to come from a screen this yule time. Board games are a time-honoured way of bonding with family. No doubt, heated accusations of cheating and tomfoolery will ensue but what is Christmas without a bit of chaos?

5. Arts and crafts

Getting messy is a great way to fight off boredom. Reserving a dining room table or coffee counter where the kids can unleash their creativity will keep the chaos contained whilst keeping young minds occupied with the joys of drawing, painting, and building.

Fun, free, and out of the house

6. A country walk

We’re often begrudging about the UK weather, but there’s a lot to appreciate about the crisp air, crunching leaves, and the shimmering layer of frost that embraces the countryside. A scenic walk with your little ones brings a touch of magic and whimsy to your winter weekends; not to mention all that space to burn off pent-up energy.

The Hatton Estate is home to some of the most picturesque walking routes in the Midlands. With nearly three decades of tender love and care, Hatton’s walks offer over five miles of tranquil rural escape featuring village churches, lush fields, and an abundance of wildlife. Conveniently, our three new walking routes sit neatly between some of our most beloved attractions- Hatton Country World, Hatton Locks, and The Hatton Arms- so you’ll always have an exciting destination right up ahead.

7. Lend some love to your local library

Of course, the winter weather is not always lovely. If you’re instead looking for a warm spot out of the house that doubles as a hub for reading, learning, community, and creativity, then your local library is the perfect holiday host. Libraries are wonderful communal centres and often provide free events for families so check out their websites to see what might best entertain and engage your kids this winter.

8. Visit a museum

Christmas is a nostalgic time and often comes with reflecting on the past, so what outing could be more fitting than visiting a local museum? Cultural institutions offer great out-of-school enrichment for children. They present interactive activities, cultivate our curiosity, and connect us with people and traditions throughout history. And there’s no need to worry you’ll arrive and suddenly be hit with a ticket fee, Which Museum has helpfully curated a UK-wide locator for museums offering free entry.

9. Play in the park

It may seem like an option reserved for summertime, but the park can still be a great way to have some fun this winter. Let the kids run around and swap that picnic for some hot chocolates and suddenly it won’t feel so cold.

At Birmingham’s Canon Hill Park, you really will have the pleasure of ‘a play in the park’ with the Midlands Arts Centre situated in the belly of the estate between the boating lake and the play area.

10. Visit a cathedral this Christmas

Whether you’re religious or not, cathedrals offer art, architecture, music, spirituality, and a quiet place to share with loved ones this Christmas.

An all-out awesome adventure

11. Enchanted Christmas Kingdom

Perhaps you’re looking for a little more out-of-the-ordinary excitement to keep the kids entertained this winter. A magical Christmas excursion to Hatton Adventure World will see you and your family immersed in our enchanting parks transformed into a festive fairyland. Youngsters will be spoilt for choice with countless activities and entertainment, from funfairs to gingerbread baking to infiltrating Santa’s secret workshop.

12. Birmingham Christmas Markets

The notorious Birmingham Christmas Markets are the largest of its kind outside Germany. This sweeping spectacle offers jovial Christmas lights, authentic street food, a mountainous Ferris wheel, ice skating, luxury hot chocolates, plenty of mulled wine for mum and dad, and the hustle and bustle of the second city.

13. Adventure Play at Blenheim Palace

Just outside Oxford sits the wonderful Blenheim Palace and its sprawling estate. With an intricately decorated lavish interior, adventure play areas, an outdoor illuminated light trail, and a Christmas market of its own, Blenheim Palace is an extravagant day out for the whole family this winter.

14. Mediaeval magic at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is another magical destination with yule time storytelling in the castle library, a light show, and ice skating.

15. Visit the Black Country Living Museum

The Black Country Museum is a one-of-a-kind exploration of the sights, smells, and sounds of industrial life in the 1850s. It’s a highly immersive and interactive experience that satisfies curious young minds with a special Christmas theme this time of year. You’ll even get to see Santa preparing for the big day.

Hatton Country World

Hatton Country World is your ultimate destination for great days out in the Warwickshire countryside, conveniently homed in the Midlands between Birmingham, Coventry, and Warwick. We specialise in family fun, so explore our array of activities, whether that be our Enchanted Christmas Kingdom or having us host an unforgettable birthday party bonanza.