| If you're only a few days away from the half-term | | | | York City, last minute hotels can be a great way to |
| holiday and you still haven't figured out the best way | | | | get a low price for an otherwise posh vacation. |
| to keep your little darlings busy, now's the time to | | | | 5. Almost every home has a pile of electronic |
| buckle down and come up with some great ideas | | | | equipment that no-one is sure works or not. Let your |
| that will help you keep your sanity while they're out | | | | kids test it out, and salvage what you can - then |
| of classes. | | | | take the rest to nearby charity shops. Your kids can |
| To that end, we've come up with some terrific | | | | learn about how great it feels to help the less |
| suggestions on how you and the little ones can keep | | | | fortunate, plus you'll be de-cluttering your house! |
| busy while waiting for school to start up again. | | | | 6. Pamper the family pet with a bath and brushing! |
| 1. Pack the kids in the car and go for a day out to | | | | Kids will love the fun of helping your cat or dog feel |
| nearby historical landmarks. Even though this may | | | | fresh, and good grooming will limit shedding around |
| only fill one of the many days of half-term, you'll get | | | | the house. |
| a refreshing day out with the kids, plus the added | | | | 7. Go to a nearby hotel with some close friends and |
| satisfaction of having given them a new lesson in | | | | enjoy a lock-in. You can find great last minute hotel |
| their country's history. | | | | deals in the off-season, and can look forward to |
| 2. Put together a car boot sale by rooting through old | | | | cementing close connections with family friends. |
| belongings, then bond with your kids by selling off | | | | Lastminute deals are a great way to find cheap |
| things they no longer want - you'll earn some money | | | | bookings. |
| in the meantime, so take them out for a treat | | | | 8. Go camping in the woods (weather permitting) and |
| afterwards! | | | | make some great family memories. Just make sure |
| 3. Films and theatre productions often offer additional | | | | to pack plenty of warm clothes! |
| performances during school holidays, so check your | | | | 9. Hit the shopping center and shop till you drop! Let |
| local listings and see what there might be for your | | | | the kids loose with twenty pounds each and see |
| kids to enjoy. | | | | what they bring back. |
| 4. Feeling extravagant? It's time to hop online and | | | | 10. Take your kids to a local book store and help |
| look for last minute hotel deals, then whisk your | | | | them choose a book or two. This will not only fill their |
| family away for a fun-filled weekend somewhere far | | | | time over the holiday, but it will keep their minds |
| from home! Whether you look to other parts of | | | | limbered up for when school begins again. |
| Britain, Europe, or perhaps even a weekend in New | | | | |