What To Do With Kids At Home For The Mid Term Break

 Mid term break arrives, and suddenly the house feels smaller, the fridge empties faster, and the electricity meter seems to spin twice as quickly.

Parents everywhere know this feeling: the joy of having the kids home mixed with the very real stress of extra snacks, more lights and devices left on, higher grocery and utility bills, and the endless loop of “I’m bored” or “I’m hungry again.” It can feel overwhelming especially when you’re trying to balance work, household routines, and everyone’s sanity.

But these short breaks are also a beautiful opportunity to reconnect, create memories, and help your children grow a little, all without spending a fortune or losing your patience.

Here are practical, low-cost (or no-cost) ways to keep children of different ages engaged, reduce boredom-driven snacking, manage rising bills, and make the days feel full instead of frantic.

1. Turn your home into an adventure base Build a blanket fort or indoor “camp” using cushions, sheets, and whatever torches or string lights you already have. Dim the main lights to save electricity, make a simple snack like toast with peanut butter or fruit slices, and take turns sharing stories maybe funny family memories or made-up tales. Kids stay occupied, feel special, and snack less because they’re focused on the fun.

2. Get everyone moving outdoors (free energy burner) Fresh air is magic for restless kids and tired parents. Organise a simple scavenger hunt in your garden, yard, or nearby park: “Find something round, something green, something that makes a sound.” Or play classic games like tag, hide-and-seek, or catch with a ball. Physical activity reduces mindless eating, tires them out in a healthy way, and keeps indoor lights and screens off longer.

3. Unleash creativity with what’s already in the house Gather old newspapers, magazines, glue, scissors, or even recycled cardboard for collage art. Set a theme like “Our Dream Family Trip” or “Superhero Versions of Us.” Start a daily family journal where each person draws or writes one quick thing about the day. These activities spark imagination, improve focus, and keep hands busy away from the snack cupboard all for zero extra cost.

4. Make the kitchen a team project Involve the kids in planning and preparing simple, budget-friendly meals. Let older children measure ingredients for pancakes, sandwiches, or a big pot of soup using pantry staples. They learn basic maths, understand portion sizes and food costs, and importantly tend to eat more mindfully when they’ve helped make it. This directly tackles the “I’m hungry every hour” cycle.

5. Set smart screen boundaries to protect your bills Screens are inevitable, but you can make them purposeful. Create “challenge time”: watch one short free educational video together (nature, science, or crafts), then pause and do something related draw what you saw, try a simple experiment, or copy a dance move. This limits electricity and data use while turning screen time into shared, active fun.

6. Build in quiet reset moments for everyone

Schedule short “quiet time” slots where each person does something calm reading, coloring, listening to music with headphones, or just resting. Use this window to recharge yourself: make a cup of tea, sit quietly, or take five deep breaths. A rested parent handles the rest of the day with more patience and warmth.

Mid term break can stretch your resources and your nerves, but it doesn’t have to feel like survival mode. Small, intentional activities turn “What now?” into laughter, learning, and closeness. The bills might tick up a bit, but the memories and stronger family bonds will last far longer. You’re doing important work every single day give yourself credit, start with one idea today, and watch how the days unfold more gently.