School holidays can be a brilliant time for families -- or a source of low-level panic as you try to figure out how to keep everyone entertained for one, two, or six weeks at a stretch. The good news is that the UK is packed with events and activities specifically designed for school holiday periods. You just need to know where to find them. Here is your guide.
Plan ahead but stay flexible
The most popular school holiday events sell out fast, so planning ahead is essential for the big-ticket items. Pantomimes, major family shows, and blockbuster museum exhibitions often go on sale months before the holidays arrive. If there is something specific your family wants to do, book it early and secure your spot.
That said, do not over-schedule. Leaving some days free for spontaneous activities -- or simply for doing nothing -- keeps the holidays enjoyable rather than exhausting. Aim for a mix of planned events and open days where you can decide what to do based on the weather, energy levels, and mood.
Check your local venues and attractions
Most museums, theatres, arts centres, and family attractions ramp up their programming during school holidays. Check the websites of every venue and attraction within a reasonable drive of your home to see what they have planned. Many run dedicated holiday programmes that include workshops, shows, activity trails, and special exhibitions designed specifically for children and families.
National Trust and English Heritage properties often run family events during school holidays, from Easter egg hunts and nature trails to hands-on history activities. Local parks, farms, and nature reserves may also programme holiday events -- and many of these are free or very affordable.
Use event listing platforms
Tickts lists family events across the UK with zero booking fees, making it a reliable place to browse school holiday activities without worrying about added costs. Eventbrite has a dedicated family and kids section that you can filter by date and location. Kidadl and Hoop are apps specifically designed to help parents find activities for children.
Your local council website is another underrated resource. Councils often coordinate holiday activity programmes, particularly for younger children, and publish comprehensive guides to what is happening in your borough or district during the holidays. Many of these activities are free or heavily subsidised.
Theatre and shows for families
School holidays are peak season for family theatre. Pantomime runs through the Christmas holidays, but the rest of the year sees a steady stream of touring children's shows, family musicals, and interactive performances at theatres across the UK. Companies like the Gruffalo Live, Horrible Histories Live, and Peppa Pig Live tour extensively during holiday periods.
Puppet theatre, circus, and magic shows are also popular holiday fare. Many regional theatres and arts centres programme a dedicated children's show during each school holiday period -- check what is coming to your nearest venue and book early for the best seats.
Outdoor events and festivals
The summer holidays overlap with the UK's busiest outdoor events season. Free community festivals, outdoor cinema screenings, sports events, and family fun days run throughout July and August in parks and public spaces across the country. Half-term holidays in October and February may have fewer outdoor options, but many attractions run special events regardless of the weather -- fireworks nights, Halloween events, and winter wonderlands all fall during or near school holiday periods.
Farm open days, country shows, and agricultural fairs are brilliant family days out that often coincide with school holidays. They offer a mix of entertainment, education, and fresh air that children of all ages enjoy.
Sports events and activities
School holidays often overlap with major sporting events that the whole family can enjoy. Cricket in the summer holidays, football preseason matches, athletics meetings, and tennis tournaments all offer family-friendly days out. Many sports clubs and leisure centres also run holiday activity camps for children, which can be a lifesaver for working parents.
Check your local leisure centre or sports club for holiday programmes. Swimming, climbing, gymnastics, and multi-sport camps are widely available and give children a structured, active day while parents work or take a break.
Free and budget-friendly options
School holidays do not have to drain your bank account. Free museums, parks, libraries, and community events offer plenty of entertainment at zero cost. Many libraries run summer reading challenges and holiday activity programmes for children. Parks with playgrounds, lakes, and open spaces provide free entertainment that never gets old for younger children.
Look for pay-what-you-decide events, free workshops at craft stores and bookshops, and community-organised holiday activities. The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), funded by the government, provides free holiday activities and meals for children on free school meals -- check your local council for details.
Make it a family project
Involve the children in planning the holidays. Give them a budget, show them the options, and let them help decide what to do. This teaches valuable skills around money management and decision-making, and it means everyone is invested in the plans. A family calendar on the kitchen wall where everyone can see the upcoming events builds excitement and keeps everyone on the same page.
School holidays should be something the whole family looks forward to. With a bit of planning, a few good sources, and a willingness to try new things, you can fill them with brilliant events and activities without breaking the bank.
Curious how tickts compares? See our side-by-side comparison of tickts vs Eventbrite: fees, payouts, and features for UK organisers.
