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The May half term holiday is fast approaching, with parents up and down the country starting to wonder about how the hell they're going to keep their kids entertained for the whole week.
So if you're looking for ways to keep your little ones happy without spending a small fortune in the process, we've got you covered.
Read on for our round-up of free events, as well as items to make the most of time at home - think of it as a warm-up for the summer holidays.
Babies and toddlers
Bestway shaded paddling pool, £18.95
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We’ve got our fingers well and truly crossed that the sun will be shining over the May half term break and if that’s the case, this shaded kiddie pool will be the perfect addition to your garden. Providing some much needed shade to keep little ones out of the sunshine, it has such a cute little sun and blue sky design. Just think about how much fun they'll have splashing about in it.
Bluey activity kit, £15
Alternatively, if the weather isn't ideal outside or you’ve got some car or train journeys planned and you’re looking for ways to distract little ones, look no further than this fantastic Bluey activity kit. Not only does it have pages of stickers, but the colour markers only show up on the designated Colour Wonder pages, meaning you don’t need to worry about any messes being made either.
Bubble 'lawn mower', £11.99
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Providing hours of entertainment for little ones, this entertaining bubble lawn mower will seem like pure magic to them, while giving them a bit of stability if they’ve just recently taken their first steps. I mean, who can say no to bubbles?
Chessington World of Adventures (from £29, free for under-90cm)
There’s lots happening at Chessington World of Adventures this May half term, whether you’re looking for a thrill with some wild rides, a meet and greet with some of their favourite characters – Chase, Skye and Rubble from PAW Patrol will all be making appearances over the course of the week – or you’re ready to explore an underwater world at SEA LIFE, what a day out they will have.
Age five to 10
LEGOLAND Windsor (from £39, free for under-90cm)
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With rides, attractions, rollercoasters and more, LEGOLAND should certainly be on your radar. And with tickets starting from £39, it’s a lot more affordable than you might think. Add in the brand new Drench Towers, which opens on May 25 and just so happens to be the largest water play structure in the UK, and what a way to spend a sunny May day.
Disney game, £14.32
Now, who happens to be the biggest Disney fan in your family? Well, everyone can put their knowledge to the test with this fast paced game. With 240 question cards, it will provide hours, if not days, of entertainment and keep everyone's brains sharp while they're off school. So, do you know Sully from Simba or Anna from Ariel? Put your knowledge to the test.
Flamingoland Resort, Yorkshire, from £30
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With 52 rides, including the adrenaline-pumping Sik rollercoaster and the family-friendly Dino-Stone Park, there's something here for everyone . The UK's most visited zoo adds to the adventure, housing over 140 species from Sumatran tigers to red pandas . Younger guests can enjoy the Peter Rabbit Adventure and Splish Splosh water play area. The park is easily accessible via train to Malton and a short bus ride, making it the perfect day out for all ages.
The Works clay kit, £6
Another great rainy day activity, this bargain make your own air drying kit from The Works is a real winner. Allowing them to shape creatures from under the sea, with stickers and googly eyes to bring them to life, it even comes with a little pop-out scene to allow them to display their creations with pride where they're all finished.
Banwood trike, £149
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And how sweet is this adorable little trike from Banwood? Complete with a wicker basket for them to take their favourite stuffed toy for a ride with them, it’s available in a range of great colours and has been built to last. Just think about many adventures they’ll be able to take on it, whether it’s simply around the garden or to the local park.
AGE 11 PLUS
National Trust events, prices vary
With hundreds of free and budget-friendly events up and down the country, the National Trust has lots of brilliant ideas to keep the whole family entertained. From a 'Bee Detective' Trail in Warwickshire, to a Horrible Histories’ Gorgeous Georgians trail in Middlesex and a How to Train Your Dragon trail at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, there’s something for everyone.
We recommend having a good scroll through, as there will most likely be several events to choose from near to you, depending on where you live in the UK.
Go Ape, from £20
Adventure awaits at Go Ape, with a number of exciting treetop challenges and courses. An energetic and engaging way to get even the most reluctant teens out into the great outdoors this half term, there are also options for those who maybe aren’t the biggest fans of heights. But we have a feeling most will be raring to go when they stare up at the awe-inspiring courses.
There are also 37 locations across the country, making it the perfect day out for many.
Monopoly life-sized, from £54
If you happen to be in the capital over May half term, why not give Monopoly life-sized a go. Taking the best parts from the iconic board game but making them life sized, as you might have guessed from the name, you'll need to work together to complete hands-on challenges, puzzles or mini games to win properties, build houses, manage money, all while avoiding jail. It truly is fun for the entire family.
You can also save up to 15% when buying family tickets.
V&A digital kids, free
Another fantastic option for those in and around London, the V&A South Kensington has put together a free clay workshop, allowing teens – and any kid over 5 – to dive into the world of stop-motion animation, storytelling and hand-building. Giving them the opportunity to create shapes or words with clay, they’ll then get a chance to animate them into their very own short video.
Who knows, it might just inspire the next Nick Park!
Ellis Cochrane