As school holidays approach, many parents face the same challenge: how to keep the kids active, entertained, and off screens without spending a fortune. Whether you’re juggling work or just looking to make the most of family time, we’ve pulled together a list of fun, affordable, and active ideas for children during the school holidays – all with a focus on creativity, movement and Midlands-based options.
1. Sprint Active Holiday Camps
Let’s start with one of the most exciting options! At Sprint Active, we run fun-filled holiday camps across the Midlands designed to keep your children happy, healthy and engaged. From multi-sports and performing arts to exciting enrichment activities like fencing, archery and glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, there’s something for everyone.
All of our camps are Ofsted-registered, run by qualified coaches, and offer flexible booking options to fit your schedule. They’re also a great way for children to stay active, meet new friends, and grow in confidence over the holidays.
👉 Find your nearest Sprint Active Holiday Camp
2. Get Creative at Home – No Screens Needed
You don’t have to leave the house to keep kids busy. Encourage creativity and movement with ideas like:
- Back garden sports day – sack races, obstacle courses, and tug of war
- Craft corner – use recycled materials to build castles, rockets, or puppet theatres
- Dance parties – turn up the tunes and let the kids choreograph their own routine
📌 Tip: Combine physical activity with creativity – set up a treasure hunt where each clue is hidden after completing a challenge (e.g., 10 star jumps, a quick drawing, etc.)
3. Explore Local Attractions in the Midlands
Looking to get out and about? The Midlands has plenty of child-friendly attractions that are both active and educational:
- 🐒 Twycross Zoo – A great day out for animal lovers
- 🧗♀️ Ackers Adventure (Birmingham) – Outdoor fun including climbing and canoeing
- 🌳 Conkers (Leicestershire) – A forest-themed interactive experience with play zones, trails, and high ropes
Many local museums and nature reserves also run free or low-cost holiday events, so it’s worth checking their What’s On pages in advance.
4. Get Involved in Free Community Activities
Your local library or community centre may run free children’s clubs, creative workshops, or sports taster sessions during school holidays. Check out:
- Active Notts or Active Black Country for regional sport and activity listings
- Local council websites for parks and recreation events
- Libraries for storytelling hours and activity trails
5. DIY Adventure Days
If you’re looking for something more spontaneous, pack a picnic and head to:
- A local nature trail or woodland walk
- A bike ride along the canal paths
- A wildlife-spotting trip at your nearest country park
Give your day a theme, like “Jungle Explorers” or “Nature Detectives”, and let the kids lead the way. It’s simple, affordable, and packed with learning opportunities.
Why Staying Active Matters During the Holidays
Children thrive when they’re physically active, and school holidays are the perfect time to build healthy habits. From boosting physical health to supporting mental wellbeing and confidence, regular movement is one of the best things you can offer your child – especially when it’s combined with fun and creativity.
At Sprint Active, we believe every child deserves an active, adventurous and engaging school break – and we’re here to help parents make that happen.
Looking for Holiday Clubs Near You?
Sprint Active holiday camps are available in areas across the Midlands including:
Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Derby and more.
👉 Book Your Child’s Place Today
Final Thoughts
From local adventures and free events to hands-on crafts and action-packed camps, the school holidays don’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little planning (and a lot of imagination), your kids can enjoy an unforgettable break filled with activity, creativity, and joy.
Don’t forget to share this blog with fellow parents looking for ideas!
