Half term is a welcome break in the school calendar – a chance for families to spend time together, slow down, and take a breather from the often hectic routines of school runs, packed lunches, and after-school clubs. But while it can be a lovely time for connection and relaxation, it also throws many parents off their usual rhythm – especially when it comes to staying active.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we often hear from parents who struggle to maintain their usual exercise habits during school holidays. Understandably, the structured days that usually make it easier to carve out time for fitness are replaced by long, unstructured hours with the kids at home. Add in the need for some well-earned decompression for both children and adults, and it can feel like physical activity falls to the bottom of the priority list.

But keeping active during half term doesn’t have to mean dragging the whole family to a gym class or trying to squeeze in a workout at dawn before the house wakes up. With a little creativity, you can blend movement into your half-term plans in ways that support your well-being, model healthy habits for your children, and help the whole family transition gently out of the term-time routine.

Here’s how.

1. Redefine What “Being Active” Looks Like

One of the biggest barriers to staying active during half term is the idea that exercise needs to be intense, sweaty, and time-consuming to count. But movement is movement – and the more we can blur the lines between “exercise” and “daily life,” the more we open up opportunities to keep our bodies moving without pressure.

A walk to the park, kicking a ball around in the garden, doing a silly dance in the kitchen, or taking the dog out together all contribute to your daily activity. These low-pressure, fun movements are not only beneficial for your body, but they help your nervous system unwind too – especially important if you’ve been carrying stress or tension for weeks.

2. Build Movement Into Family Time

Half term is about quality time, but that doesn’t need to mean sitting still. You can make movement part of the fun by getting everyone involved:

• Nature walks or scavenger hunts: Choose a local nature reserve, park, or woodland trail and create a simple checklist for your kids to find items like feathers, acorns, different leaves, or stones.
• Bike rides: Whether it’s a trip to the local shop or a longer cycle along a quiet trail, cycling is a great way to get fresh air and raise your heart rate.
• Obstacle courses: Use things you already have at home to set up a mini challenge course in your garden or living room – cushions to jump over, hula hoops to crawl through, or chairs to limbo under.
• Family yoga or stretching: YouTube is full of child-friendly yoga sessions you can do together. It’s a great way to start the day or wind down after a busy one.

Making activity part of play helps children learn that movement is enjoyable and helps adults stay active without needing extra childcare.

3. Take the Pressure Off

If you’re the type of person who’s used to going to the gym three times a week or doing a regular run, it can be frustrating to feel like half term is a “step back” from your routine. But it’s important to remember that the rhythms of life shift – and that’s OK.

Rather than aiming to maintain your usual fitness levels during half term, try to reframe your goal: stay moving, stay mobile, and support your well-being. Swapping a 45-minute gym session for a 20-minute walk or a game of tag in the garden isn’t a failure – it’s an adaptive, healthy way to move through life’s seasons.

4. Support Your Body Through Transitions

Many parents tell us they only realise how much they’ve been running on autopilot when half term hits. The change in pace brings a physical and emotional comedown. You may feel stiff, sluggish, or emotionally drained in the first few days. That’s normal – and it’s a great reason to gently support your body through that transition with light, restorative movement.

This might include:

• Gentle stretching or mobility work in the morning.
• Going for a solo walk (if you can manage it) while a partner or family member watches the kids.
• Booking a short osteopathy session to help release built-up tension from weeks of desk work, driving, or stress.

Movement doesn’t have to be about pushing yourself harder – sometimes it’s about giving your body space to breathe.

5. Rethink Screens – For Them and You

Let’s be realistic: during half term, screen time often increases. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing – screens can be a lifeline for tired parents or a quiet moment in a noisy day. But they can also be a gateway to inactivity, both for adults and kids.

Try using screen time in bursts – and pair it with movement-based breaks:

• “Every episode, we stretch!” – Before or after watching something, take two minutes to stretch arms, legs, or do a silly shake-out.
• “Earn the screen!” – Encourage kids to get moving before switching on. Ten minutes of jumping, dancing, or running around the garden first makes the couch feel even comfier.
• Use screens for movement – Follow along with child-friendly yoga, dance videos, or mini workouts together.

6. Don’t Forget Yourself

It’s very easy to become the default entertainer, cook, referee, and organiser during half term. But looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your kids – and movement is one of the best ways to do it.

If you’re feeling stiff, tired, or low in energy, your body might be craving movement in a gentle, supportive form. Stretching, walking, or getting treatment from an osteopath can help you reset and reconnect with how your body feels – not just how busy your calendar is.

7. How Osteopathy Can Help During the Holidays

If you’re finding half term physically demanding – lifting children, sitting awkwardly for hours during crafts, or just moving differently than usual – your body might let you know.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we support parents and caregivers all year round. Our osteopathic treatments can help with:

• Back or neck pain from long days at home.
• Shoulder or wrist discomfort from carrying little ones.
• General fatigue, tension, or muscular stiffness.

We’ll help you decompress, move better, and feel more resilient going into the next school term.

Final Thoughts

Half term is a time of contrast – it’s slower but somehow still busy, less structured but full of opportunity. Staying active doesn’t mean rigidly holding onto your usual routine; it means embracing new ways to move that work with the season you’re in.

By involving your kids, redefining movement, and looking after your own body as well, you can create a half term that’s nourishing for everyone.

And if your body needs a helping hand along the way, we’re here to support you.Need some help keeping your body moving this half term? Book an appointment with us at Thrive Body Clinic and give yourself the care you give to others.