As fun as holidays away from home can be, it's not always possible for us to travel. Whether it's a lack of time, holiday allowance or budget, sometimes we spend holidays at home. But here's the good news:

You don't need flights
You don't need theme parks

You don't need a packed itinerary

Some of the most magical school holiday memories happen at home — in pyjamas, with fairy lights, and slightly too much popcorn.

If you want the holidays to feel special without overspending or exhausting yourself, this is where simple “holiday magic” comes in.

Here are easy ways to create that away-from-home feeling… without actually leaving.

🏕 1. Backyard “Glamping” & Outdoor Cinema Night

Camping… but comfortable. I'm going to hold my hands up here, I am not a camping person, but my kids love it when we put the 'tent' up. Our tent is nothing more than a pop up beach tent I bought second hand when they were tiny. That doesn't seem to matter though, tent days are adventure days. Plus it's small enough to be popped up outside in the garden as well as in the living room on rainy days.

If you wanted to make that into more of an experience, instead of basic tents and sleeping bags, elevate it slightly:

The Setup

Gazebo or tent
Duvets instead of thin mats
Rugs and cushions
Fairy lights or solar lanterns
A small snack tray

Create one giant cosy bed space.

During the last holidays, my daughter spent 3 nights sleeping in the tent in her room. It was super cosy, she had all her favourite teddies, comic books and a small torch. Even if you don’t stay overnight, the novelty is enough.

Backyard Cinema

All you need:

A white sheet on a fence
A portable projector
Blankets
Popcorn bowls

It doesn’t need to be elaborate to feel magical.

If the weather turns? Bring it indoors and keep the atmosphere.

This pairs beautifully with a planned “low-energy day” — just one anchor activity that feels special.

🏠 2. Themed Indoor “Destinations”

When the weather isn’t cooperating, move the holiday indoors. Below are just a few ideas to recreate that holiday feeling

🌲 Living Room Campsite

Massive blanket fort
Sleeping bags
Torches
“Campfire” snacks (toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate)

Read stories inside. Eat dinner inside. Let it last longer than usual.

🏨 Hotel Suite Bedroom

Transform your bedroom for one night:

Use your best linens
Fold fresh towels at the end of the bed
Add a small “complimentary” tea tray
Play calming music

Children love the novelty of “staying somewhere.”

You haven’t left the house — but it feels different. You could do a room swap if you have a spare bedroom.

🧖‍♀️ Home Spa Afternoon

Clear bathroom clutter.
Light candles.
Add soft music.

Set up:

Warm flannels
Simple DIY face masks
Foot soak bowls
Nail painting station

It feels indulgent without spending anything. My Glitter Girls have some great recipe ideas for edible homemade face masks.

🌍 3. Culinary “World Tour” Nights

Food is one of the easiest ways to make the holidays feel special and one of the things I always look forward to when we are venturing abroad. Exploring the different smells and tastes of dishes from around the world is what makes a holiday that much more exciting. But you don't have to venture far, to try different cuisines.

International Theme Nights

Pick a country:

Italy
Mexico
Japan
France

Cook a simple meal inspired by that country.
Play background music.
Learn a few basic phrases together using Duolingo.

You can even explore art and landmarks virtually via Google Arts & Culture.

For example, you can take virtual tours of places like the British Museum or the Uffizi Gallery from your sofa.

You could start your day with a little culture and end it with delicious food whilst practicing your new language skills.

Backyard Restaurant Night

Want the restaurant experience but without the price tag? Or maybe you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere or the ability to eat in your jogging pants. If that's the case, you can always host a backyard restaurant night.

Set up:

A table outdoors
Printed menus (handwritten is fine)
Candlelight (battery candles for safety)

Let the children be waiters.
Take turns being the chef.
Play restaurant music.

It doesn’t need to be gourmet — even homemade pizza feels exciting when presented differently.

Indoor Picnic

If the weather isn't playing its part, you can always move your picnic inside. Spread a blanket on the floor and serve up lunch picnic style. Some of my favourite ideas for an indoor picnic are:

Sandwich quarters

Sausage rolls
Fruit skewers

Mini cupcakes to make it feel like a treat
Juice in proper glasses

Change the location, and it feels like an event.

If you’d like more simple picnic-style snack ideas, I’ve shared lots in my School Holiday Snack Ideas post.

🐼 4. Cultural “Virtual” Trips

Technology can be magical when used intentionally.

You can:

Take 360° museum tours
Watch live zoo webcams
Explore national parks virtually
Follow along with nature live cams

For example, you can watch animals via the live webcams at the San Diego Zoo.

Turn it into:

A drawing session (“Draw the animal you saw.”)
A fact-finding challenge
A mini research project

It feels like travel — without the packing.

✨ 5. The “Yes Day” (Controlled Version)

The idea of a "Yes Day" is exciting for most children, but maybe not a full chaos yes day. You can do a mini version, that has small boundaries, but still feels special.

Each child chooses:

One activity
One snack
One film

You set the boundaries.
They feel empowered.
It feels celebratory without being overwhelming.

🎨 6. The Cardboard Box Challenge

Before recycling goes out, save the large boxes. They make for excellent crafting materials. Set your children a challenge:

Build a car
Build a shop
Build a rocket
Build a café

and provide them with crafting materials:

Tape
Pens
Old magazines
Stickers

Leave them to it.

Sometimes the simplest things create the longest play. Best thing is that once the crafting is finished, they can use their creation for imaginative play.

🌿 7. Nature Explorer Day

If you’re keeping costs down this holiday (which I talk more about in my money-saving school holidays post), nature days are perfect. However, if your children are anything like mine, asking them to "just go for a walk" is akin to asking them to chop their right arm off. They need something to keep them motivated.

Try:

Local woodland walk - but make up stories as you go round. Can you spot the dragon behind that tree?
Scavenger hunt
Bug spotting list
Leaf rubbing art

Fresh air often resets everyone and is great for general well-being. You can download our free Nature Scavenger Hunt here: Free Nature Scavenger Hunt

Keep It Manageable

Holiday magic doesn’t need to happen every day.

Choose:

One special night per week
One themed meal
One creative setup

That’s enough.

You don’t need elaborate decorations or expensive props. You don't need perfect instagramm-able photos either. All you need is some intention, a small shift in atmosphere and my favourite survival skill of all - lowered expectations.

A Gentle Reminder

Children don’t measure holidays in air miles.

They remember the time you spent with them, being allowed to stay up slightly later, eating popcorn on the sofa. They remember that silly dance move you made or the magical story you made up together and how the home felt - warm, cosy and full of fun and laughter.

Magic isn’t about money. It’s about atmosphere.

If you’re building your own calm holiday plan, you might like my full School Holiday Survival Guide — it brings together budget tips, snack ideas, boredom strategies and simple routines so you don’t feel like you’re making it up day by day.

You don’t need to go far.

Sometimes the best holidays happen right where you are 💛

Calm Household Studio

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