Holy Moly is it February half term already?! It always seems to arrive faster than expected! One minute you're packing away Christmas decorations and the next you're staring down a week of keeping a toddler (and their older sibling) entertained whilst juggling work, life and a budget that already feels tight. If that's you, you're not alone!

Most parents are in the same boat trying to figure out how to keep everyone sane, not break the bank and get out of the house. For us, we believe getting toddler's out and about can be a great way to achieve all three and with a bit of planning simple outings can keep the kids entertained, generate great memories and not cost a small fortune. 

Here are our practical, parent-tested tips to help you survive the half term adventures (and madness!)

Find Local Information of What's On

By searching for what's on over half term you can find some really great activities for toddlers. Council run websites, libraries or school/nursery emails can frequently contain a host of useful events that are being run for toddlers. It's not a bad starting point for some inspiration!

Plan your feeding

Spending money on food when out and about can feel like a massive expense so planning ahead can really help save some pennies. Whether that be home made toddler snacks (e.g. cheese & broccoli scones, peanut butter flapjacks or dried fruit pot) or main meals.

More Toddler Meals are perfect for taking on the go. All you need is a flask of hot water and a spoon and no matter where you are you can feed your little one and save yourself a hunger fuelled meltdown!

Keep Outings Short & Sweet

We all know that toddler's attention isn't exactly the longest.... So keeping trips shorter can mean they're not totally exhausting for you! Focussing on trips around a simple activity (e.g. feeding the ducks, playground, bear hunt) also help give your toddler a focus as well. 

Embrace "Micro Adventurers"

With your short and sweet activity you can always build a sense of adventure and excitement into it. Whether that be a bear hunt, a nature treasure bag (for collecting items from nature), or building an animal den. It can really help get your toddler bought into a bigger plan!

Be prepared!

Don't we all know that the number one rule of parenting is to be prepared for the unexpected! So taking a small bag with essentials in case of accidents, rain or mud can help you get out of a sticky situation. 

Final thought:

Half term with a toddler doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. With a few simple strategies you can create low stress days that work for your toddler, you and your budget. Toddlers thrive on adventure, routines and play and you're already doing so much of that already so keep on rocking you super star!