And while it’s important to put a limit on ‘screen time’ in favour of getting fresh air and exercise, many families will be gathering to watch some good movies and programmes over the half-term break.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus and the BBC iPlayer have come into their own over the past year by making even more content available at the mere touch of a button.
Here are 10 of the best films and TV shows you can watch during the school holiday.

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There are many family films and TV box sets to choose from during half term. Image: Pixabay. Photo: Pixabay

. Soul
This is one of the newest releases on the Disney Plus service - a fantastical tale of aspiring jazz musician Joe who has adventures in the afterlife prompted by a single misstep. The animation is excellent and, just like previous Pixar movies Up and Inside Out, the story is thought-provoking, giving it universal appeal. Photo: Disney/Pixar

. Penguin Bloom
This film on Netflix is rated PG and stars Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln - based on a true story, it tells the tale of a mother who, while coping with the aftermath of a harrowing accident, finds inspiration from an injured magpie taken in by her family. Photo: Pixabay

5. Elephant
Children can be captivated by one of nature's most majestic animals with director Mark Linfield's documentary film that follows a family of African elephants making the epic journey of their ancestors. It's narrated by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, and is available on Disney Plus. Photo: Disney

6. Mean Girls
One for teenagers, maybe - rated 12, Mean Girls stars Lindsay Lohan and was written by comedian Tina Fey. Released in 2004, it remains a very astutely-observed study of high school cliques and is available on Netflix. Photo: Kevin Winter

7. Paddington 2
Paddington 2 - the second big-screen adventure for the friendly bear from 'darkest Peru' - can be watched for free on the BBC iPlayer. Photo: Stuart C. Wilson

8. Doctor Who
If your family is into science fiction, this will be a bit of a treat - all episodes of the rebooted Doctor Who, from Christopher Eccleston's tenure to Jodie Whittaker's turn as the first woman Time Lord, can be streamed on the BBC iPlayer. Photo: Andrew Toth