To be a bit annoyed DH is working away during half term

[Apple52]

Can anyone give me some inspiration about what to do during half term? We have a 4 year old and a 7 month old , an easy baby who will go anywhere without a fuss. It’s our first half term and I’m feeling a bit clueless. DS hasn’t got any strong friendships yet and I haven’t had a chance to chat to other mums for longer than 2 minutes! DH has landed on me he’s working away Monday to Thursday so it’s me and the kids. Both our parents work during the week too. Any ideas?

Playgrounds and parks when dry.

Softplay, the library, a museum when wet.

A trip on a bus/train/tram. A trip out to the shops/post office. Bake. Drawer. Play.

Snuggle up for a movie when you need some time.

Thank you for breaking it down in this way.
dry/ wet days, I didn’t think of that. Makes it sound more manageable!

Ask on the school WhatsApp if anyone wants to meet at a soft play for a coffee or just come over.

What did you do when DS was in preschool? Half term with a 4 year old isn't really any different to an extension of what you were doing before.

Could you go with your DP to where he’s working, get a family room in an hotel and have a bit of a holiday?

Yes agreed re the WhatsApp chat, it is nice to have another mum to parent alongside even if you don't have that much else in common. I'm sure other mums would be happy to be asked as they will be in the same boat.

Has DH booked the Friday off so he can at least do something with the kids then?

Id have a look on local council pages for free activities in the area. Ours used to have loads on at libraries and church halls...messy play/sports day type game days

I'd plan one thing a day... generally have a lazyish morning cuddling baby on settee whilst son watches a bit of tv. Then get us all out for a few hours...soft play, library, park, woods, conker finding, local museum, get a train somewhere for lunch if not too much hassle, maybe a couple of bigger type outings if finances stretch eg a Halloween theme event at a farm and then in the afternoon an activity at home so get toys out, bake, paint, play do etc

I always found getting out for a portion of the day helped my sanity (there is 19 months between mine and my eldest was pretty lively)

Has your eldest started school this term? Don’t underestimate how knackered he’ll be. I would plan in lots of days where the activity is small- like a walk or a trip to a local park- so you all have a leisurely morning, lie in and cuddles in bed; then some outdoors time, home for lunch, maybe another walk in the afternoon and then CBeebies, tea, bath, and stories. Really low-pressure stuff, for all of you. Let him have some time just playing with his toys and other activities he likes at home, drawing or whatever. Food that you all like and is easy to prepare- maybe cook together, make scones or fairy cakes, and also have a few carpet picnics.
At this age when they’re adjusting to school routines I think less is often more in the holidays. Especially if you have one whose tiredness often looks like hyperactivity!

Enjoy! I also have half term next week but mine is working for a lot of it, and with her dad, and I miss those cosy days when she was little! I’m hoping for a couple of film afternoons with her and today we are off to the city on the train for some shopping. The teenage equivalent!!

ETA just noticed it’s DS not DD. Edited!

Ours get two weeks off in October so you don't have long to get through it. Lucky you! Mine go back next week.

Museums are your friend at those ages.

That first half term I remember a few “thinking about going to the park, does anyone want to join us” WhatsApp messages on the school group. It was a nice way to meet people

The best ages to keep them entertained easily. Plan to leave the house everyday, get a little routine going, with morning activity lunch, afternoon activity, evening wind down.

Out of the house:
Park
Swimming
Soft play
Cafe
Library
Farm
Take a bus or train

At home:
Baking (trip to supermarket first for ingredients)
Pumpkins
Play Doh
Painting
Junk modelling
Jelly bath
Dress up
Cars
Make a den
Get 4yr old involved in household tasks like sorting laundry.

No harm in a bit of TV and floor picnic either when you need a break.

You’ve had 4 years already of parenting? Not sure why this is a new thing to you 🤷‍♀️

Maybe she works full time, so DCs were both in nursery all day, until DS reached school age (so would only have had weekends ti entertain him, and mostly with DH present too)?

I had to be a planner. And have tasks to complete. Things to provide shape for the days. Also treats. And split the day into two. Morning out then back, afternoon out and back. Staying in was torture.
No big missions - eg dive into a supermarket to buy a pumpkin and pick up sweets - not to do a full shop.
Go to town to eg buy Xmas cards and treats from Pound land (not to upgrade the seasons wardrobe)
Visit a kiddy attraction one day. Tues or Weds would be good.