Ahhh school vacations! I look forward to not having to wake up early, get the kids ready, pack their lunches, feed them breakfast, and send them off to school in time. Although this is an ideal time to go on vacation, it’s not always an option for everyone. Between trying to get time off from work or factoring in the high cost of traveling, many people decide to just stay in town.
During the hustle and bustle of work and school, it’s hard to spend one on one time with kids. A staycation can be a great way to reconnect with them.
But let’s be real here for a second. After the first, maybe second day, your kids may start driving you crazy. They may be bored or the constant fighting with one another will start (even more than usual!). Here are some ideas of what you can do with your kiddos to keep your sanity and prevent them from dying of boredom:
- Library: Many local libraries have events planned out for Spring Break. Our local library is playing movies, story time, and having craft activities. Be sure to check out libraries in other cities too. Even if your library isn’t doing anything, a trip to the library is worth it to pick up some books, movies, and video games to keep the kids busy.
- Museums: A trip to the museum is always sure to please! Check out your local museums during spring break. A lot of areas have museums geared just towards kids, with plenty of hands on activity. Many of them offer discounted tickets or special events. Get lost in learning something new.
- Playdates: Plan on some fun playdates with friends! It’s nice to catch up with friends outside of school. Go bowling, mini golf, laser tagging, bounce houses, Chuck E Cheese, or just stay home and enjoy the company. A sleepover can also be fun if they’re old enough.
- Spring Cleaning: Although they may moan and groan, this is the perfect time to clean out their rooms! Go through their clothes and donate what doesn’t fit. Throw away or donate the toys they don’t use anymore. Also, clean out their backpacks and sort out their school papers.
- Play Outside: If the weather is nice, take them outside! Go for a hike, bike ride, fly a kite, or picnic at the park! Kids love being outdoors. You can even plan fun games for them like a scavenger hunt or obstacle course.
- Camps: For those who still have to work, many schools and museums will have spring break camps. They will take care of keeping your kids busy. This is also a great option for those uncontrollable kids that you would rather have out of the house 😜
- Theme Parks: Many areas have a theme park within a drivable distance. From loopy roller coasters to teacups, there is something there for everyone, including funnel cakes!
- Movies: Take them to the movies or rent something, grab some popcorn and candy, and make it a movie day!
- Zoo or Aquarium: No explanation necessary, kids of varying ages will enjoy this! Look out for special Spring Break pricing or events.
- Get Wet: Go to local pool, waterpark, or beach if you’re lucky enough to live close by one. Or my personal favorite, the backyard! Keep it simple and turn on the sprinkler and take out the slip and slide and dish soap!
- Food: Food brings everyone together, and that includes kids. Try out new restaurants, or get them involved in the kitchen and make something special.
- Gardening: Spring is the prefect time to get your home garden and flower beds started. Kids LOVE helping out with this type of stuff. Get them involved in the planning and have them pick out some plants. This will encourage them to take care of that plant themselves.
- Chill Out: Just remember that a staycation doesn’t mean it’s time to run errands and do chores. Try to relax with the kids, spend time with them, and make sure YOU also get to relax. Don’t get too overwhelmed in planning things for the kids. Sometimes, it’s best to keep it simple!
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