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

9. My Mum Tracy Beaker
Here's another one that will bring back memories and engage young viewers too - CBBC's My Mum Tracy Baker involves Dani Harmer returning to the title role of Tracy, who now has a daughter. The episodes are available on the BBC iPlayer. Author Jacqueline Wilson is pictured with the book on which the series is based. Photo: Tim P. Whitby

10. The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman - starring Hugh Jackman, pictured, as circus founder P. T. Barnum - has turned into something of an entertainment juggernaut since the musical film was released in 2017, mixing live action with big songs like A Million Dreams. It can be streamed on Disney Plus. Photo: Michael Loccisano