Planning the school holidays without the last-minute scramble
The school holidays can stretch for six weeks, and most families end up balancing days out with long quiet afternoons at home. A good plan mixes three things: something to do on wet mornings, a few fixed events to look forward to, and low-cost options that keep reading and thinking going without turning every day into a screen session.
Before you buy anything, check the dates and the age range. Theatre and stadium tours usually run on set dates and times, and a show that suits a seven-year-old may bore a fourteen-year-old. Work out who the activity is for, how much time you have and what your budget covers. Then decide whether something should be kept at home, such as a book or board game, or whether it needs a booking that is harder to move.
How to choose the right activities
Start with age and interests. A reading level that suits a nine-year-old can feel babyish to a teenager, and a game rated for older players may not suit younger siblings. Consider how much the household already relies on screens, and whether a physical item, which needs storage space, would be better than a digital one that arrives instantly. Replay value matters too: a board game that gets played several times across the holiday often beats a single-use outing.
Each format has trade-offs. Physical books and board games cost less to keep and are easy to share, but they take up space. Digital game keys and subscriptions can be used immediately, but they may be harder to pass between children. Magazine subscriptions give steady reading over several weeks, while single issues suit a one-off treat. Theatre and stadium tickets make strong memories, but they fix your plans to a particular day. For games, check the platform, region and PEGI age rating before you pay.
Book the fixed dates first, then fill the quieter days with things that can be picked up and put down at home.
From the editors
Common mistakes include buying for the wrong age, booking events without allowing for travel and queueing time, and assuming every family show suits very young children. Check minimum ages, accessibility details and any seating or ticket conditions on the official listing before you commit. Avoid stacking too many bookings into one week, because a single cancelled plan can leave a gap you have not budgeted for.
Ideas for home and days out
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Board games and puzzles
A well-chosen board game or jigsaw can carry a rainy afternoon and encourage shared play. Pick a box that matches the youngest player's reading ability and the group's patience.
Search termsfamily board games · educational puzzles · jigsaw puzzles · rainy day games
Our recommendationhappypuzzle.co.ukBoard games and puzzlesBooks and audiobooks
Books and audiobooks keep reading going without screens and are easy to swap between siblings. Choose titles slightly above the child's current level so they stay engaged for longer.
Search termsschool holiday books · children's audiobooks · teen fiction · reading list
Our recommendationhive.co.ukWidest rangeFamily theatre tickets
Family-friendly shows give children and teenagers a memorable outing with a fixed start time. Check the age guidance and running time before booking.
Search termsfamily theatre tickets · children's musical · school holiday show · matinee tickets
Our recommendationatgtickets.comTheatre tripsStadium tour tickets
A stadium tour offers a guided look behind the scenes and works well for sports fans of any age. Confirm the tour's minimum age and accessibility details before you travel.
Search termsstadium tour · family day out · sports tour tickets · guided tour
Our recommendationbookings.wembleytours.comStadium day outPC and console game keys
Digital game keys deliver the game without a trip to the shops, which suits a sudden rainy day. Check the platform, region and PEGI age rating before buying.
Search termsPC game key · console game key · PEGI rating · digital games
Our recommendationcdkeys.comDigital games
Where to start shopping
Begin by writing down the weeks of the holidays and marking any dates you already have, such as family visits or work days. Book fixed-date events first, because popular theatre shows and stadium tours can sell out. Search atgtickets.com for family shows and bookings.wembleytours.com for stadium tours, and compare the age guidance on each listing.
Next, fill the rainy days. Hive is a sensible place to gather books, audiobooks and board games in one order, and it is helpful if you want a mix of formats. For older children who prefer gaming, cdkeys.com offers digital keys, but confirm the platform before you buy. Keep a short list of backup ideas so a wet Tuesday does not leave everyone bored.
Before you order
- Mark any fixed dates and travel times in the holiday calendar
- Check minimum ages and age ratings for each event and game
- Confirm the platform and region before buying digital game keys
- Decide which items need storage space and which can be digital
- Keep a short list of rainy-day backups
- Note booking conditions, seating and accessibility details before paying
The stores at a glance
hive.co.uk
Widest rangeHive at hive.co.uk brings books, audiobooks, games and stationery together, which makes it simple to stock up for wet days at home.
Recommended for Books and audiobooks
atgtickets.com
Theatre tripsATG Tickets at atgtickets.com covers plays, musicals and touring shows, so you can compare dates and venues for a family outing.
Recommended for Family theatre tickets
bookings.wembleytours.com
Stadium day outWembley Stadium Tours at bookings.wembleytours.com suits families who want a single, fixed-date experience with a clear itinerary.
Recommended for Stadium tour tickets
cdkeys.com
Digital gamesCDKeys at cdkeys.com sells digital keys for PC and console games, useful for older children who want something to play at home straight away.
Recommended for PC and console game keys
happypuzzle.co.uk
Board games and puzzlesHappy Puzzle at happypuzzle.co.uk offers board games, jigsaws and educational puzzles that work well for shared family time.
Recommended for Board games and puzzles
magazinesdirect.com
Steady readingMagazines Direct at magazinesdirect.com lets you subscribe to a title or buy single issues, which gives teenagers reading to dip into across the weeks.
hamleys.com
Toys and gamesHamleys at hamleys.com is useful for younger children who want a playset or game as a holiday treat.
britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Research for teensBritish Newspaper Archive at britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk suits older teenagers working on history projects or family research.
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Frequently asked questions
What activities suit children and teenagers together?
Board games, puzzles and audiobooks work well for mixed ages because the rules or stories can be enjoyed at different levels. A stadium tour or a musical can also appeal to both, though you should check the age guidance for each event.
Should I book theatre or stadium tickets early?
Yes, if you have fixed dates in mind. Popular family shows and stadium tours can sell out, and early booking gives you more choice of times and seats.
Are digital games a good option for school holidays?
They are useful for a quick start, but check the platform, region and PEGI age rating first. Make sure the game suits the device your children use at home.
Is a magazine subscription worth it for a holiday?
It can be, if your child enjoys regular reading. A single issue may be enough for a short break, while a subscription suits a longer stretch of rainy days.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
