The autumn school holiday is a good opportunity to step away from the usual routine, spend more time together as a family and plan something enjoyable. Whether it is a short trip, a spa visit, a museum day or simply some cosy activities at home, a memorable school holiday does not have to mean spending a lot of money.

The 2026 autumn school holiday runs from October 26 to November 1. That gives families a full week to relax and enjoy new experiences together. But how can you plan the school holiday so there is something to do every day while still keeping the family budget under control?

What to do with kids during the autumn school holiday?

The weather at the end of October can be unpredictable, so it is worth planning both indoor and outdoor activities. Estonia offers plenty of options for children of different ages.

1. Explore museums and science centres in Estonia

The autumn school holiday is a great time to visit places that are difficult to fit into a regular school week. Many museums and science centres offer interactive exhibitions, workshops and educational activities for children.

2. Enjoy a water park or spa day

If the autumn weather is not ideal for outdoor activities, spending a day at a water park or spa can be a good alternative. Children can enjoy pools and water slides while parents have a chance to relax.
A spa visit does not have to mean a multi-day hotel stay. Even a few hours at a water centre can be enough to add something different to the week.
For larger families, it is worth comparing family tickets, special offers and different visiting times.

3. Plan a short autumn trip

Estonia has plenty to discover in autumn as well. A day trip to another town, a nature trail or a local attraction can easily become one of the highlights of the school holiday.
One of the advantages of spending time in nature is that many hiking trails and recreation areas are free. Bringing a warm drink and snacks from home can help keep costs down even further.

4. Look for free and affordable school holiday activities

A fun school holiday does not mean paying for attractions every day. Libraries, youth centres, community centres and local authorities often organise free or low-cost activities for children during school holidays.
It is worth checking the local events calendar, as school holiday programmes often include craft workshops, movie nights, game days and other family-friendly events.

5. Create your own school holiday programme at home

The best memories are not always made while travelling or spending money. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at home that give children something fun to do and allow families to spend quality time together.

You could spend one day baking together, organise a movie night the next day and hold a board game tournament on another. Families can also make autumn decorations, cook dinner together or invite friends over.
What matters most is not how much an activity costs, but the time spent together.

How to finance bigger school holiday plans?

Sometimes families want to do something a little bigger during the autumn school holiday, such as taking a short trip, spending a weekend at a spa hotel or visiting relatives who live abroad.

For plans like these, the most sensible approach is to save in advance and use existing savings where possible. If a larger expense does not currently fit into the monthly budget, it is worth considering whether the plan can be postponed or arranged more affordably.

Another option may be one of the financing solutions offered by Laen.ee, such as a small loan or a credit line.