How to Keep Kids Active During October Half-Term

October half-term is right around the corner, and we’re sure a lot of kids can’t wait to dive headfirst into a week packed with fun and a well-deserved dose of freedom!

But, for many parents, finding ways to keep their kids active and engaged every day, while juggling work and other household responsibilities, can be a challenge. Enter, PGL. We’ve compiled a guide filled with outdoor and indoor activities for kids during the October half-term. 

These include a wide range of activities you can all enjoy together at home and even during our fantastic family adventure holidays. Plus, we’ll provide a few handy tips on how to plan your week to keep your schedule simple and ensure everyone has something to look forward to! 

Reasons to be active this half-term 

October half-term is the perfect opportunity to keep kids active, engaged, and full of energy. While it might be tempting to spend the week watching TV or videos, there are plenty of reasons to get moving! From boosting mental health to building stronger connections, here’s why an active half-term makes all the difference:

Improves physical health 

Staying active during half-term is a fantastic way for kids to keep their bodies healthy and strong. With the cooler weather setting in, it’s easy to feel unmotivated, but regular exercise helps maintain fitness in various ways. It strengthens muscles and bones, supports healthy growth and keeps energy levels up, which is especially important as the days get shorter. 

Plus, it boosts the immune system, helping little ones stay resilient during the cold season. Activities like biking, hiking, or simply playing outside provide all these benefits while feeling like pure fun! By making movement part of their daily routine, you’re giving kids a head start on lifelong healthy habits. 

Boosts mental wellbeing 

Being active isn’t just great for the body; it works wonders for the mind too! Exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which naturally boost mood and reduce stress. This is especially important during the October half-term, as darker days and colder weather can sometimes lead to feeling low or restless. 

It’s also a great confidence booster! Whether they’re conquering a climbing wall or perfecting a new baking recipe, that sense of achievement is priceless. Plus, being outdoors in natural light helps regulate sleep patterns and boosts vitamin D levels, both vital for mental health. 

Strengthens family bonds 

Spending quality time as a family is what the half-term holidays are all about. Shared experiences like pumpkin picking, a scenic autumn walk, or a trip to a museum strengthen family bonds and communication as you chat, explore, and learn new things together. 

Overall, these activities aren’t just about exercise—they’re about laughter, support, and enjoying each other’s company. When kids see their parents getting involved, it sends a powerful message that being active is fun and valuable.

Learn new skills 

Want to try something new and exciting? Half-term lets kids (and parents) develop skills that will last a lifetime, with unique activities like archery and geocaching helping to build coordination, balance, and strength, while also teaching perseverance and problem-solving. 

It also encourages a growth mindset, showing kids that practice really does pay off! Best of all, these new skills often spark new passions, setting the stage for hobbies and interests that keep kids active and happy well beyond the school holidays.

6 active October half-term activities for kids 

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s dive into six exciting October half-term activities! Whether rain or shine, there’s a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to suit every family. Some of these are even available at our family holiday centres, perfect for a weekend escape, a short break, or a full activity day.

Outdoor activities to get moving:

1. Nature walks 

Who doesn’t love a walk in the great outdoors? And with the fresh autumn air, colourful foliage, and wildlife all around, there’s so much to see and explore. Nature walks are great for observing animals in their natural habitats and learning about the environment while enjoying some gentle exercise together. 

You’ll need:

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., waterproof jacket, warm layers)
• A small backpack with water and snacks (e.g., fruit, granola bars)
• Optional: notebook or camera 

Tips: Choose a nearby park, woodland, or nature reserve. Bring along a magnifying glass or binoculars to take a closer look at plants, bugs, and other creatures. Make the walk interactive by playing “I Spy,” keeping a bird-spotting checklist and identifying different calls, or collecting leaves, sticks, and flowers for a fun craft project afterwards.

2. Pumpkin picking 

A classic October half-term activity, it gets the whole family out into the countryside to find their perfect pumpkin for carving. Kids can learn about different varieties, such as casperita (white), and practice measuring and weighing them. Many farms also offer extras such as tractor rides and corn mazes for the ultimate autumn adventure! 

You’ll need:

• Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., wellies, a waterproof jacket, warm layers)
• A sturdy bag or basket to carry your pumpkins
• Cash or a card (some smaller farms may only accept cash)
• Optional: hats, gloves, or scarves on chilly days; a camera to capture the memories; and hand sanitiser for after exploring the patch.

Tips: Search online for your nearest pumpkin patch. Once you arrive, let your kids walk through the fields to find their favourite pumpkin — don’t be afraid to get a little muddy either! After picking your pumpkins, carve, paint, or turn them into delicious recipes like soup or pies! 

3. Climbing

Outdoor climbing is one of the most adventurous activities for kids to try during the October half-term. It involves ascending a natural rock face or a pre-set outdoor climbing wall with various routes designed for different skill levels. Overall, it teaches trust, problem-solving, and resilience as kids figure out their next handhold or foothold to reach the top. 

You’ll need:

• Suitable footwear and comfortable clothing (nothing too loose or restrictive)
• Specialised climbing gear (harness, helmet, and ropes)
• A qualified instructor or guide.
• Optional: gloves for extra grip

Tips: Book this activity with a professional company like PGL that provides all the necessary equipment and a certified instructor. They will ensure a safe and supportive environment for your children to learn the basics of climbing, belaying, and rappelling.

Indoor activities to keep minds engaged: 

4. Spooky arts & crafts 

Get into the Halloween spirit with some spook-tacular arts and crafts! It’s a fantastic way for kids to use their imagination and fine motor skills to create creepy decorations to place around the house, or terrifying masks for trick-or-treat, especially if the weather is a little chilly or bleak!

You’ll need:

• Paper and cardboard (recycle old materials to make it eco-friendly)
• Scissors, glue and tape 
• Paint and markers 
• Optional: googly eyes, glitter, or stickers

Tips: Set up a crafting station with all your supplies. Suggest a few ideas to get started, like making paper plate spiders, cotton wool ghosts, or painting leaves with spooky faces. Play Halloween-themed music or sound effects to keep the fun going! 

5. Baking 

Combining fun with a sprinkle of science, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for learning and laughter! Baking is an “egg-celent” activity for teaching kids how to follow instructions and measure ingredients, while tasting the results makes it extra rewarding. At PGL, crêpe making is a popular evening activity for families to get messy in the kitchen after an adventurous day out! 

You’ll need:

• Flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar and salt
• Mixing bowls,a whisk, and measuring cups/jugs 
• Non-stick pan or crepe maker
• Optional: fillings like fruit, chocolate, or jam

Tips: Always supervise young children in the kitchen. For crêpe, you'll mix flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and sugar to create a smooth batter. You can even make it a mini-competition to see who can flip one perfectly. Let the kids take turns measuring and stirring, and get them to help with the decorations.

6. Treasure hunting 

An indoor treasure hunt gets kids moving around the house and engages their brains. It can be tailored to any age group and is perfect for keeping everyone entertained on a rainy afternoon. The "treasure" at the end can be anything from a sweet treat to a new book or toy. Our treasure hunts help build problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail while keeping energy levels high. 

You’ll need:

• Small prizes or treats to hide
• Paper and pens for clues
• Optional: themed decorations for extra fun

Tips: Start by writing a series of clues. Each clue should lead to the location of the next clue. For example, the first clue might be, "You'll find the next clue where you go to get your favourite snack." The kids would then run to the kitchen to find it. For older children, you can make the clues into a riddle or a puzzle. For younger ones, simple picture clues work best.

October half-term planning tips for parents 

October half-term is all about making the most of your time together in a short amount of time. A little planning goes a long way toward creating a fun, stress-free week for you and the kids! Here are four simple tips to help you balance activities, family time, and relaxation. 

Check the weather forecast

The autumn weather can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast before planning your October half-term activities is a must. If the sun’s out, seize the day with outdoor adventures such as nature walks or pumpkin picking. If rain is likely, have a few indoor options like baking and crafts. Being flexible means you won’t be scrambling for ideas when the weather turns.

Get the kids involved

Half-term is more fun when everyone feels part of the plan! Involve your kids by letting them help choose some of the activities. Give them a few options and see what sparks their excitement. You could even create a simple activity jar where each family member picks an idea for the day. This gives them a sense of ownership and builds anticipation for the week ahead.

Break the week up

Packing too much into one day can lead to tired kids (and tired parents!), so break the week into manageable chunks. Mix high-energy activities, like climbing, with calmer ones such as reading. A balanced schedule keeps the week varied and fun without becoming exhausting, so everyone finishes the break feeling relaxed and recharged.

Schedule downtime

Speaking of which, it’s easy to get caught up in cramming the week with activities, but downtime is just as important. Make space for lazy mornings, movie nights, or a quiet hour after lunch. These slower moments help to prevent burnout from too many back-to-back plans. A good rule is to treat rest time as part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Get active with PGL this October half-term! 

Struggling with things to do this October half-term? Book an action-packed family holiday where you can try exciting activities together, from climbing and archery to zip-lining, baking and more! Our PGL centres have everything you need for thrills, laughter, and quality time.

Here’s what to expect: 

• All-Inclusive Stays: All meals are included, so you don’t have to worry about cooking or finding family-friendly restaurants.
• Expert Instructors: Activities are led by fully trained staff. 
• Thrilling activities: Enjoy a variety of activities that suit your family's interests and abilities.
• Family Rooms: Comfortable, private accommodation designed for families.

• Evening Entertainment: From family quizzes and karaoke to discos and treasure hunts, the fun never ends! 

We have some great special offers available, so don’t delay! For more information, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help.