What to do with kids for half term

[mumof2monsters]

I have my two DSDs coming over in half term. They are 13 and 11 and I have two of my own who are 7 and 5. What can we do with them that is cheap (money is short and not appreciated when spent) and fun and can entertain all the age groups. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

Is there a leisure centre or similar near you? If so, could you take them all swimming or something like that?

When we have DSC to stay at Easter, we always buy an Easter egg making set for them to make so they can design their own and we also buy some small cheap hollow chocolate eggs and hide them all around the house and garden and send them on an egg hunt.

Does your DP/DH take time off to do childcare during the holidays?

I would say swimming is always a good one; if you can stand the mess, making cakes. If you're not keen on the baking, just buy a couple of big bags of fairy cackes and get them to decorate them with icing and sprinkles etc. You could even split them into teams and have a competition (multiple categories, so everyone can win!)

I like doing stuff in the garden and can usually get my 11 SD to help out... sometimes I can incentivise her to help by paying her an hourly rate of £2; she does some of the hard labour and moans a lot less as she's getting paid!

I think the main thing is you spend time with them, either going for walks, down the park etc. This is the thing my two steps like best (9&11)(well after computer games obviously...)

Baking cakes
Gardening / let them plant seeds etc.,
Art - my DSD2 (11) loves going to hobby craft and (without spending a fortune) can amuse her self for hours!
Adventure bus tours can be good too - though this really depends how mature the elder one is.. my 14DSD is really too old for treasure hunts etc.,

Park
Library
Buy a pack of muffins and toppings and let them create their own pizzas
Free musuem
go to £ shop or scrap store and get some art supplies
Dvd day

how is it going mumof2monsters?