10 Easy Wins for Last-Minute Bank Holiday Fun (That Still Count as Learning!)

Let’s be honest…Bank Holidays always sound lovely in theory. But when you’ve got little ones bouncing off the walls by 8:15am and you’re already on your third cup of tea, the novelty wears off fast. And if you’ve had zero time to plan anything? Even trickier.

So whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or an early years practitioner juggling life and learning, here are 10 super simple activity ideas you can whip up with minimal prep and maximum fun. No Hobbycraft hauls. No Pinterest perfection required. And yes—they all sneak in a bit of learning too (without anyone noticing).

1. DIY Discovery Bottles

Why it works: It’s sensory, calming, and brilliant for focus.

What to do: Fill an empty plastic bottle with water, glitter, sequins, beads, buttons, food colouring - whatever you’ve got. Add a squeeze of baby oil or clear hair gel to slow the swirl. Seal the lid tight.

Learning bonus: Great for observation skills, language development, and calming big emotions.

2. Car Wash (But Make It Toy-Sized)

Why it works: Water = magic. Always.

What to do: Fill a washing-up bowl with soapy water, pop a pile of toy cars, dinosaurs, or figures nearby, and hand over a sponge or old toothbrush. Set up a “drying station” with a tea towel.

Learning bonus: Fine motor skills, imaginative play, sequencing (“First I scrub, then I rinse…”), and independent play.

 

3. Sticky Note Hide & Seek

Why it works: It’s fast, active, and you can adapt it for any age.

What to do: Write numbers, letters, shapes, or simple words on sticky notes and hide them around the room. Then give your child a challenge: “Find the number 5!” or “Bring me a word that starts with ‘s’!”

Learning bonus: Boosts recognition skills, memory, and physical activity. Also… gives you time to finish your cuppa.

4. Paint with Water (Yes, Really!)

Why it works: It feels like painting but zero mess.

What to do: Give your child a cup of water and a paintbrush, and let them “paint” the patio, fences, or even old cardboard boxes. If you want to get fancy, pop in some chalk first and let them blend colours with water.

Learning bonus: Fine motor skills, creativity, cause and effect.

5. Treasure Hunt with a Twist

Why it works: Keeps them busy and thinking.

What to do: Hide small toys or natural items in a shallow tray filled with rice, oats, lentils, shredded paper - whatever you’ve got. Use a spoon, scoop or fingers to dig and discover. Want to go extra? Turn it into a matching game!

Learning bonus: Sensory exploration, language, sorting, and concentration.

 

6. Ice Cube Rescue

Why it works: It’s like a science experiment in disguise.

What to do: Freeze small toys inside an ice cube tray. Then challenge your child to rescue them using salt, warm water, or tools like teaspoons and pipettes.

Learning bonus: Problem solving, science talk, patience and perseverance.

7. Kitchen Tuff Tray (No Tray Required!)

Why it works: Keeps them nearby while you get things done.

What to do: Set up a muffin tin, baking tray, or shallow box with safe kitchen bits - spoons, measuring cups, pasta, dry cereal, stacking pots. Let them explore, scoop, mix, and pour.

Learning bonus: Role play, motor skills, early maths (“full”, “empty”, “more”).

8. Storybook Play

Why it works: Brings books to life = deeper engagement.

What to do: Pick a favourite story and gather some bits to act it out. Reading We’re Going on a Bear Hunt? Line up bowls of water, mud (or chocolate spread!), and shredded paper “grass.”

Learning bonus: Story recall, sequencing, vocabulary, imaginative play.

9. Indoor Obstacle Course

Why it works: It burns energy, fast.

What to do: Think cushions to jump on, a chair to crawl under, a teddy to balance on your head, a finish line made of socks. Set a challenge and time them!

Learning bonus: Gross motor development, listening skills, turn taking if you’ve got more than one.

 

10. Magic Tape Roads (or Fairy Trails!)

Why it works: It’s open-ended and really engaging.

What to do: Use masking tape on the floor or table to create a road for toy cars - or a fairy path for figures. Add bridges, tunnels (books!), and signs made from scrap paper.

Learning bonus: Planning, storytelling, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Need More Ideas Like This -Without the Prep?

If you love quick wins that don’t require hours of scrolling or setting up, check out these magical time-savers on the site:

• My Busy Books (perfect for quiet play and fine motor fun)
• The Curriculum Boxes (everything you need for meaningful play-based learning)
• And soon… my Holiday Adventure Packs - stay tuned!

You don’t need to do more. You just need to know what works…and I’ve got you covered!

One Last Thought…

You don’t need to plan every minute. A few well-timed, engaging ideas can completely turn a day around. Keep it simple, follow their interests, and say yes to the mess (sometimes).

And if this helped? Pop back next week - I’ve got something lovely lined up for half term survival and summer prep.

The Childcare Fairy

Magical resources for professionals, parents, and curious little minds.

www.thechildcarefairy.co.uk