Half-term breaks are a whirlwind of packed lunches, day trips, and trying to keep everyone entertained without burning through your budget. But they also come with a little extra wiggle room—more daylight, a break from the usual routine, and the chance to make some extra money on the side.
As someone who’s always on the lookout for a good side hustle (especially the kind you can squeeze in around family life), I’ve used half-terms before to tidy up my Vinted listings, test new mystery shopping apps, and even earn from games while supervising a messy crafting session. If you’ve got a spare hour here and there, these ideas can seriously boost your income—without needing full-time hours.
Here are six flexible ways to earn extra cash during the school break.
1. Vinted Selling
Half-term is ideal for getting stuck into selling on Vinted. You’ve likely got a few hours at home with the kids and a chance to finally sort through that pile of outgrown clothes or unloved toys. The brighter days also mean better lighting for photos—goodbye yellow-tinted winter listings!
Quick tips:
- Focus on items that are easy to post and in-demand (branded kids’ clothes, new-with-tags gifts, seasonal bits).
- Keep prices fair if you want fast sales—half-term is the time to shift stock, not sit on it.
- Batch your packing up in the evenings and drop it all off in one go.
More Vinted tips:
2. Mystery Shopping and Dining
Mystery shopping isn’t just for solo coffee runs—it can cover meals out with the family too. If you’re planning to eat out anyway during the break, why not get reimbursed for it?
Here’s my guide to getting started.
Look for assignments with:
- Chain restaurants
- Family activities (bowling, soft play, cinema)
- Retail stores where you’re already planning to shop
Top tip: Complete the report straight after your visit when everything is fresh, or jot down key notes in your phone.
Best places to sign up:
Market Force, Field Agent, Roamler, and BeMyEye usually have assignments ready to go before the holidays hit. Here’s my full guide to getting started.
Typical earnings: £5 to £15 per task, and often with reimbursement included for food or purchases.
3. Online Surveys
If you’ve got a few quiet minutes during soft play or while the kids are watching a film, surveys can be a low-effort way to top up your earnings.
Best survey sites & apps:
- YouGov
- Five Surveys
- Prolific
- SurveySpin
- SurveyPop
- Swagbucks
Tips to earn more:
- Fill out your profile properly so you get matched with better-paying surveys
- Stick to early mornings or evenings when the house is calmer
- Use multiple apps to fill any gaps between surveys
I keep a routine of doing 2-3 quick surveys with my tea each morning, and over the course of a week it adds up to a nice little voucher or PayPal cash-out.
4. Product Testing
Some testing sites offer family-friendly products, from snacks and drinks to home goods and gadgets. It can be a fun way to get the kids involved—and save on your shopping too.
There are two types of product testing:
- Apps like TryIt or Toluna that offer digital testing and feedback
- Physical product testing, where items are posted to you and you provide a review
Sign up to platforms like Viewsbank, Home Tester Club, Pinecone Research, and Testable Minds ahead of time—opportunities often go fast around the school holidays.
We once tested a set of eco-friendly cleaning products over half-term. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave us free supplies for weeks!
5. Online Focus Groups
Focus groups are usually more in-depth than surveys and pay better too—often £30 to £100 for an hour of your time.
Many are now remote via Zoom, so you can take part from your kitchen while the kids are entertained with crafts or a film.
Where to find legit ones:
You’ll usually be asked about your lifestyle, opinions, or consumer habits, and payment is via bank transfer or vouchers. Be honest and relaxed—you don’t need to be a professional speaker.
6. Gaming for Money
Yes, really—you can get paid to play games. There are apps that reward you for trying out new games or hitting certain levels, and some that offer cashback-style rewards.
Here is my full guide to playing games for money.
Try these:
- Swagbucks
- Free Cash
- Five Surveys
- HeyCash
To get the most out of it, play during downtime—while supervising a playdate or waiting for dinner to cook.
Final Thoughts
These side hustles won’t make you rich overnight, but they can make a real difference over the course of a week. Add it all up and you could easily bring in £100+ during half-term—with plenty of flexibility around your family.
To get started:
- Pick 2-3 methods that work with your schedule and energy levels
- Sign up for platforms before the break
- Set mini goals (e.g. earn £10 a day, cover the cost of a family day out)
