October half-term is just around the corner – but most of the activities that kept the kids happily occupied over the long summer break are now off limits because of the weather. Fret not! There are tons of terrific things about autumn that translate brilliantly into perfect pastimes for all the family – and you can source everything you need with easyfundraising, so your good cause will benefit too. Read on to discover 8 great ways to entertain your offspring all week long – come rain or shine.
1. Treasure Hunt
Smaller kids will go wild for an indoor treasure hunt. Either invest some time creating clever clues that will lead them through the house and garden, or cheat by buying book of ready-written clues from Amazon (up to a 1.5% donation). For ‘treasure’ wrap up some small books from The Works (up to a 7.5% donation) or go retro with a selection of traditional sweets from A Quarter Of (up to a 3% donation).
2. Mad Science
Encourage their passion for science by carrying out cool experiments from the comfort of your own kitchen with a chemistry set from Argos (up to a 1.25% donation) or embrace the current craze for slime with a little help from Hobbycraft (up to a 1.5% donation).
3. Magical Movies
When it’s too wet to go out, there’s nothing nicer than snuggling under a blanket and watching a movie. Access a huge range of films, box sets and TV programmes for less by taking out a NOW TV subscription (up to a £10 donation) and create an authentic ‘cinema’ feel by popping popcorn in a popcorn machine from Wayfair (up to a 1.5% donation), served in retro popcorn boxes from Etsy (up to a 4% donation).
4. Autumn Crafts
Autumn is a season rich in natural materials perfect for creating mini-masterpieces. Let your toddlers lose with some halved apples, poster paint and sugar paper from the Early Learning Centre (up to a 2% donation) or help older ones to make a collage of pressed autumn leaves (pick some up on your nature walk!) Add a coat of varnish and a quirky frame from Etsy (up to a 4% donation) and you’re done.
5. Fantastic Castles
What could be more autumnal than a cosy staycation taking in a spot of castle exploration? Head to the Midlands via Warwick Castle Breaks (up to a 2.5% donation), set a course north to historic Edinburgh with Booking.com (up to a 4% donation), or go west to Dorset and base yourself in a cosy cottage near Corfe with Cottages.com (up to a 2.5% donation).
6. Spruce up their Space
A wardrobe/bedroom de-clutter is the perfect way to clear the decks for autumn. Pack away summer clothes in vacuum storage bags from Lakeland (up to a 2.5% donation). Next, encourage the kids to make three piles of ‘stuff’ – things to keep, things to throw away/recycle, and things to sell (the prospect of some extra pocket money will help them stay motivated!) Finally, invest in some cool new storage from GLTC (up to a 2% donation) to keep all their remaining treasure neatly organised.
7. Bedroom Make-Over
Once the clear-out is complete, why not add some finishing touches with new bedding and soft furnishings? Little ones will love the mix-and-match fabrics (space, pets, unicorns!) from Laura Ashley (up to 1.5% donation) while older kids will prefer a duvet cover and fleecy throw or two from Habitat (up to a 1% donation). ‘Zone’ your teens’ rooms – adding a designated study space comprising a stylish desk from Made.com (up to a 2% donation) and an elegant angle poise lamp from Lights 4 Living (up to a 4% donation).
8. Nature Inspiration
Make tracks to your local National Trust (up to a 1.5% donation) property for a dose of culture, a brisk tramp through autumn leaves and a spot of nature spotting. Print out a list of trees, plants, animals and birds to look out for on your walk and tick them off as you go. Don’t forget to take along a handbook or two from Waterstones (up to a 2% donation) so you can identify any unfamiliar species. Once home, why not encourage the kids to draw the wildlife they’ve seen using art supplies from Cass Art (up to a 3% donation).