October Half Term is just around the corner and here at The Pyjama Party Company we know it can be tough thinking of ways to keep the kids entertained, that’s why we’ve collated an amazing list of activities to stop the ‘I’M BOREDS’. We know you’d like to spend the whole of the holidays with your little cherubs but sometimes it’s just not possible… someone has to earn the £££ to pay for their latest craze right!?! So here is a collection of activities you can do in the house or outdoors, activities you can do together or the kids can try alone. Whatever the time frame or budget there’s something for every family.
History & Culture
Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham is rich in history and culture, experience some first hand this October half term and try the Nottingham Contemporary and help them appreciate the art gallery and exhibits on offer, they also offer a wonderful program of activities to help keep the kids engaged and entertained.
www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/exchange/for-families
Lakeside Arts
Take them to the theatre and let them work with a theatre company for 2 days. The kids can enjoy lots of animal fun, learn to move like animals, make animal masks and create their own stories, they can even try their hand at circus skills…who wouldn’t want to do that!
www.lakesidearts.org.uk/children-and-families/event/5511/tarzanna-master-class.html
Nottingham Castle
Following its £30 million revamp the castle gates are once again open at Nottingham Castle, take
the kids to discover the thrilling tales of Robin Hood and the rebellion, explore the caves or enjoy
the arts and exhibitions on offer.
Greens Windmill and Science Centre
Let the children climb the steps of Nottingham’s own working windmill, learn how grain is turned into flour. Explore the science centre and experiment with light, electricity and magnetism or discover the story of George Green. Why not buy some locally produced flour and bake something with the kids that the whole family can enjoy!
Belvoir Castle
If you’re able to travel a little further afield take them on a trip to Belvoir Castle to complete a regal Halloween trail or try Bolsover Castle to complete a magical Halloween quest.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-wizards-of-once-halloweenquest-23-31-oct-2021/
www.belvoircastle.com/halloween-trail-2021/
Continue their regal adventure with the Knights and Noblemen themed sleepover from The Pyjama Party Company. Let them run the gauntlet into battle, slay the dragon and find the
legendary Excalibur!
Get back to nature
Fun With Furry Friends
Winter can be tough for our wild furry and feathered friends so why not plan ahead and give them a helping hand by creating a hedgehog house so they have somewhere to shelter. These easy to follow instructions should mean minimal help is required by you; so put the kettle on and watch them get creative.
www.muddypuddles.com/blog/build-hedgehog-house
Feed The Birds
As food becomes scarce, encourage birds into your garden with some wonderful homemade bird feeders, some wonderful and simple tutorials are available from our friends over at the RSPB
community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/natureshomemagazine/posts/3-easy-homemade-birdfeeders
Find Your Way
Set the kids a nature scavenger hunt and let them run wild at a local beauty spot. Here in Nottingham we are so blessed to have so many parks and green spaces to explore and enjoy. Below is a link to an autumn scavenger hunt for you to print and use courtesy of the Woodland Trust.
treetoolsforschools.org.uk/activities/pdfs/pdf_autumn_scavenger_hunt.pdf
Road Sense
Or just get on your bikes or scooters and go on an adventure, but if you’re a little more cautious why not try the brilliant cycling track at Victoria Embankment, complete with a road system, working traffic lights, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
Pumpkin Picking
Yes, you could go to the supermarket and buy a pumpkin but why not make a day of it and pick your own straight from the field. You could carve it for Halloween or even make a delicious
pumpkin soup, yum!
www.nottinghamshirepickyourownpumpkins.com or www.pickupapumpkin.com
Chilling at home
Sometimes you don’t want to go out and you’re happy to just have a pyjama day at home, embrace this time, sometimes just being together is enough and can turn out to be even more memorable and fun than a wild day out. But if you need a little inspiration to keep the kids happy whilst at home take a look at our activity list:
Get Crafty
Get creative and try a new craft, kids often find the art of origami fascinating and quite addictive, try these simple animals to start with.
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/easy-origamikids
It’s Picnic Time!
Host a teddy bears picnic, get the kids involved in making some sandwiches and baking some cupcakes, then lay out a blanket, invite some guests and enjoy!
Luxury In The Lounge
Indulge in a pamper session together, soak your feet, make a sugar scrub, paint each other’s nails and make some homemade face masks from kitchen supplies. Take a look at these mask recipes that you could try yourselves.
www.fancynancyworld.com/2017/08/16/3-diy-edible-face-masks
If you’re wanting to enjoy a more luxurious spa experience why not book a Beautiful You Spa experience from The Pyjama Party Company. We offer a selection of packages which include day spa and sleepy spa options. Whichever you choose it’s bound to be a special time for giggles and connection.
Movie Magic
Enjoy an afternoon matinee, stock up on popcorn… the kids are bound to eat as if they’ve never been fed! Choose a fun film that you’ll all enjoy, close the curtains, snuggle in and enjoy.
Spooktacular
Halloween is fast approaching, set the kids a task to make some spooky creations that you can use to decorate the house, here are some simple suggestions from daisies and pie that the kids can try themselves.
daisiesandpie.co.uk/10-easy-diy-halloween-decorations/
Or if you want to treat your little ghouls to a special Halloween treat why not make their night extra spooky with our Fright Night themed sleepover, suitable for all the family to enjoy.
The Imaginarium
Kids don’t always have to be entertained, let them make their own world of imagination. Soft toy animals can be used to create a jungle adventure and turn the kids into explorers, den making and toy soldiers could become a military manoeuvre for your little soldier, empty bowls and bottles can transfigure into magical potions for your little witch or wizard. Give them a few of your old clothes and accessories and let them role-play being a grown-up. They can be anything they want to be… the only limitation is their imagination.
At the Pyjama Party Company, we are here to help you keep your kids happy, engaged and feeling connected. We develop and provide a whole host of themed sleepover parties that the whole family can enjoy, so as the weather turns this Autumn consider this; Why camp out when you can camp in?
For more ideas on how to keep the kids happy and entertained this Autumn contact us: info@thepyjamapartycompany.co.uk
