The pressures of home-schooling can mean many parents are stuck for ideas of what to do with their children when class is not in session.
And with more time spent at home than ever and the absence of play dates, birthday parties and extra-curricular activities, it can all start to feel a little dull.
If you are running out of ideas for how to entertain your children this February mid-term, we have a list of 20 ideas to get you started:
1. Watch Oliver Jeffers read his stories
Northern Ireland author and artist Oliver Jeffers is famous around the world and he has been reading his books to an audience on his website - just search Oliver Jeffers 'A Book A Day' to find out more.
2. Day LEGO Challenge
This printable sheet found online features 30 different challenges for LEGO fans of all ages. The challenges range from creating a new house, building something from Star Wars to using the blocks to build a safe, a roller coaster and a treehouse.
It has proved to be the perfect way to challenge kids or yourself to create something new indoors.
3. Work towards a Blue Peter badge
The BBC's Blue Peter badge team receives thousands of submissions every year. You must be aged between six and 15 to get one - unless you are famous of course - so children can get started on a special creation to send in to secure one of the badges over half term.
4. Play hangman or charades on Zoom or Facetime with a friend
It is not possible to play games in person with friends at the moment, but children can still play simple games thanks to the power of technology. Paper, a pencil and a good internet connection can keep children going for hours by playing one of these classic games together.
5. Create an obstacle course or treasure hunt in your garden
However small your garden or outside space, in most cases it is still possible to create a simple obstacle course using toys and garden furniture. It's a great way to encourage kids to forget the computer and use their imagination during some outdoor time.
6. Decorate your own t-shirts
If you have a few old t-shirts at home, why not use fabric pens to create a new design - or if you are feeling adventurous, you could even try some tie-dye or fabric painting.
7. Bake cupcakes
Simple ingredients and a few creative toppings can ensure hours of fun for little ones and can even provide an opportunity to practice their maths and reading skills while weighing, measuring and reading a recipe.
8. Film a movie at home
We all have video cameras in our pockets these days - our phones - and simple applications mean it is easier for your children to create great memories by putting on a play or a drama they can film and watch back themselves. From writing a script for older children, dressing up and setting the scene for their play, it's an activity that will take them several hours at least.
9. Explore with Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum has many projects for children to help them find out more about some museum objects on their website. Kids can share their work with them to have them feature in their online gallery.
10. Make a baking soda volcano
This is an outdoor activity with the wow factor that also teaches children about science. It is a simple project using basic items and tutorials on how to make one can be found online.
11. Collect and paint rocks
It is an idea that has proved popular around Northern Ireland seaside towns and is easily brought to your own back garden. Kids can design and paint their own rocks with pictures and messages to decorate your own back garden or driveway.
12. Make a photo album
Don't forget to snap some photos of fun and silly times with your children even while in lockdown - you and your children can make a project out of picking the photos and making the photo album you have always wanted.
13. Make a time capsule
In a few years, this pandemic may be a distant memory. A time capsule filled with trinkets and memories is a fun indoor activity that will give you something to look back on when that time comes.
14. Play card games
Teach your children some classic card games like Spit, Go Fish or even Snap for younger players - parents could even enjoy this one.
15. Learn magic tricks
There are plenty of online tutorials that teach kids classic and modern magic tricks that could even provide a party piece when parties are allowed again.
16. Indoor bowling
Use water bottles or have a look in the recycling for old bottles to fill with water to create pins so your children can bowl with a medium-sized ball at home in the hallway or your living room.
17. Make a mini city out of toilet paper rolls
You finally have a use for all the toilet paper that has been bulk-bought this year - creating a mini city out of leftover rolls from toilet paper, kitchen paper or tinfoil. This should create hours of entertainment between building and painting your own mini city.
18. Make a desk caddy
Using cardboard boxes, make a beautifully decorated desk caddy to help your children organise their pens, pencils and copybooks during home schooling. This will also help them keep their school items tidy when class is back in session next week.
19. Make a sensory box
Use dried pasta, rice, beans or anything else you have in the house to make a sensory box with your children. They are easy to make and provide hours of entertainment for children of any age.
20. Whip up some playdough
This craft is perfect for small children and can be made in next to no time from everyday ingredients found in your kitchen cupboards. You can add food colouring to add some extra excitement to the project.
