Five fun things to do in the school holidays with your kids
Stuck for things to do in the school holidays? Want to spend some quality time making memories with the kids? Well, you've come to the right place! We may not be able to guarantee the sun will shine, but we can promise that these top things to do in the school holidays with your kids will keep everyone entertained. And of course, don't forget to add in a visit to a Hungry Horse pub!
From outdoor adventures where you can push yourselves out of your comfort zones, to cosy indoor activities that are perfect for a rainy day, we think that every family will find something they love on this list.
Get ready to discover some of the most fun and exciting memory-making experiences for you and your family over the hols!
Our top five things to do with kids during the hols
The school holidays are a special time when you get to reconnect with your family, and spend some serious quality time together. Whether you are planning for an action-packed few weeks or prefer something with a bit more of a relaxing pace; and whether you are looking forward to half term, or the summer, Easter or Christmas break, these top ideas for family days will get you off to a great start.
1. Go to a theme park
If there's one thing that families with kids will love, it's a thrilling trip to a theme park! Excitement-seekers and older kids will love the adrenaline rush of taking on rollercoasters and water rides - there's loads of family fun on offer.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is the top theme park in the West Midlands for families looking for things to do in the school holidays, and it has something for kids of all ages to enjoy. Older kids will love the jaw-dropping rides, and the little ones will love exploring CBeebies Land - look out on their website for special offers and vouchers for even better value.
Once you've gotten your steps in and worked up an appetite at Alton Towers, head to the Weathervane on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent for a family meal. You'll find a warm welcome and a menu packed with classics that kids and adults alike will love.
And what's more, the Weathervane is one of our pubs with hotel rooms, so you can spend the night in comfort - perfect for families wanting to extend their stay in the area and avoid the higher room rates at the Alton Towers Hotel!
Thorpe Park
If you're looking for a theme park in the south, Thorpe Park in Surrey is another must-visit destination for thrill-seeking families. This park is packed with amazing rides and loads more heart-pounding attractions and activities. Head to the Twynersh afterwards to end the day on a high, which is only a short walk away from the theme park!
2. Hit the arcades
Kids and adults alike will find some nostalgic, retro fun at the arcade. Many theme parks will have one packed with classic arcade games, but you can also fit in some fun sessions at your local fun fair, adventure park, or even town centre.
Test your skills on the claw machines and bag yourself some stuffed toys, show off your trick shots on the air hockey table, or battle to beat the high score on some arcade classic games.
Manchester arcade activities
If you're near Manchester then check out the arcade at the Trafford Centre, it's the perfect way to round out a family shopping trip! Whether you're filling a day during the summer holidays or are visiting in the colder months, this is the ideal activity for days when you don't fancy getting active outdoors.
Grab a meal at the Matchstick Man
If you’ve been at the Trafford Centre, grab a bite at the Matchstick Man after all the fun. Just a couple of miles away in Salford and a few minutes down the road from Ordsall Park, the whole gang can share their high scores and refuel with some yummy pub food!
3. Get cultural at a museum
What better way to enjoy some culture and educational activities for kids than to visit one of our many museums? Spark their curiosity and perhaps even start them on a lifelong path of learning and imagination.
Marvellous kids museums
A trip to the Eureka! National Children's Museum gives kids a hands-on approach where they can learn about everything from biology to how sound works. All kids from toddlers to 12 year olds will find the world around them brought to life through a huge range of interactive exhibits and special events.
An absolute gem and family favourite when it comes to museums, London's Natural History Museum promises a glorious, fun day out for the whole family. From immersive tours designed just for kids, to interactive dinosaur experiences, there's something to satisfy every curiosity.
Family days mean family dinners
Many museums are a stone's throw away from our Hungry Hose pubs where the whole family can grab something tasty to eat, whether you fancy a full three-course meal or just want to top up on some tasty snacks. The Noble Comb in West Yorkshire is perfect to pop into for a family meal following a visit to Eureka! National Children's Museum.
If your travels have taken you to one of Manchester's many museums then pay a visit to the Flying Horse near Stockport and get stuck into some delicious food and drink. For museum visits in London, complete your trip with a meal in the Honeycombe in Hounslow for some amazing pub food at even better prices.
4. See some animals
You may have guessed that we're a fan of horses here at Hungry Horse, but we're willing to bet that your youngsters adore all kinds of animals! From your local park, to zoos, wildlife centres and aquariums, there are plenty of ways your family can get up close to some of the coolest creatures on Earth. They often have playgrounds on-site too, so kids can unleash their wild side! Many of our best-loved zoos and wildlife centres are involved in conservation projects too, so you can feel great about showing them some support - what's not to love!
A day out at the zoo
London Zoo and Chester Zoo are our top picks for days out with a bit of a wild streak, but if you're looking for an aquatic adventure then head to the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, or The Deep in Hull. We love family days out like these because they're as educational as they are fun and exciting!
Big eats with big value
Whether you're heading to the zoo, aquarium or wildlife park, you'll want to round off your day with something delicious without having to do the washing up. After a big day of meeting the animals at London Zoo, stop by a nearby Hungry Horse pub like the Greene Man.
End your visit to Chester Zoo, with a drink or two at the Oaklands Hotel. Birmingham has loads of Hungry Horse pubs to choose from, like the Billesley which is definitely one to check out! Get stuck into a tasty meal, sip on a nice cold drink, and recharge in the beer garden.
5. Family feasts and great entertainment!
When all's said and done, you really can't beat a family meal at a warm, welcoming pub restaurant - it's the perfect way to celebrate life's little wins and grab yourselves some quality time.
With EPIC locations all over the UK, you're never too far from a Hungry Horse pub with an amazing menu to get stuck into. Even better, we want you to be able to enjoy yourselves for less, so be sure to check out our great value deals to protect your wallet when looking for things to do in the school holidays.
Top family entertainment
Even if you're doing nothing else during the holidays, make sure to make time for the kids to burn off some energy in one of our pubs with soft play. And for mum and dad? Our pubs are fully equipped with big screens where you can catch all the top live sporting events and relax with a drink! Whatever the holidays have in store for you, we're waiting to welcome you!
Find a Hungry Horse pub nearby
There are so many possibilities when it comes to things to do in the school holidays and the choice can be a little overwhelming. We hope that this handy guide has given you some big ideas on what you might want to get up to, whether you're staying close to home or heading out on your summer holidays in the UK.
Whatever activities you're planning to fill your days with, join us at a Hungry Horse pub near you, and fill your tummies with a choice of pub favourites! Wherever you go, we’re never too far away. Find your local, book a table, and let us take care of dinner!