Avoid the whining. Plan some free things to do on Spring Break with these ideas.
When Spring Break rolls around you will soon have kids from preschool to high school looking at you with eyes glazed over and that well known “ Mom, I’m bored!” chorus rising in the air. Go ahead and nip that in the bud before it has a chance to bloom by having a handful of fun and free things to do during the break.
Fun, learning, bonding time… none of it has to cost money if you get creative (other than maybe a bit of gas money).
Free Things to Do on Spring Break
Explore a Local State Park
Pack up a simple picnic and your camera, head out into nature and make some memories! Most have trails, some even offer swimming, and education offices where you can get a close look at nature.
Hit the Water
Visit the beach, local lake, or other swimming spot. If the weather is finally warm enough to enjoy it take your first swim of the season with your kids.
Volunteer your time
Maybe you want something that is far reaching and will leave a lasting impression on your child’s heart. This is a great time to volunteer at a soup kitchen, help an elderly neighbor paint the outside of their house, or spring clean the house- donate clothing and other items to a shelter.
Town Scavenger Hunt
Create a fun and educational scavenger hunt of your town. Write up clues for your kids and drive or walk around letting them find the various destinations. For example- Dad’ favorite restaurant, the church where we were married, a place full of knowledge (the library). Keep it simple for little ones or more elaborate for your teens who may go on their own-hand them a camera to document their findings, and a time limit.
Backyard Obstacle Course
Using what you have on hand… the swings, garden hose, cones, whatever… set up a fun obstacle course. Take turn redoing it for each other, the laughs will be the best part. Invite some neighbor kids over and serve popsicles!
Window Shopping
Have breakfast at home then head to some local shops, imagine what you would buy if funds were unlimited. What would your kids buy for others? What is the silliest item you saw today? The most practical?
Visit a You Pick Farm
OK, This one costs, but just minimally, you can work it into your grocery budget! Spend half a day gathering berries or other produce with your own hands then bring it home and make something with it.
Plan a Future Trip
If money is tight right now that doesn’t mean you can’t use some of your time to plan a future trip, maybe your family summer vacation. Challenge the kids to think outside the box on ways to save money, perhaps local places to visit. Pour over brochures, travel magazines, and the internet to plan your perfect vacation. Begin saving up for it by setting up a bank for change and small bills.
Go to the Library
Not only is this an endless source of fiction that can help pass a lazy day in the hammock but they can pick up books to teach them how to do everything from coding to building a birdhouse.
Research Family History
Set Up a free trial at a site like Ancestry.com and plot out some family history. Start a family tree and see how far you can go back in your week off.
Head to a Botanical Garden
Many colleges, extension offices, state parks, or other organizations have botanical gardens that are free and open to the public. Take a camera or sketch pad and pencils and document the beautiful surrondings.
Visit New Playgrounds
Maybe you have one local playground that you visit often and it’s becoming a bit boring. Head out a little farther and visit a new playground every day of spring break. Fresh air, exercise, and exploration!
Camp Out in the Backyard
Pitch a tent, load it up with comfy blankets (or an inflatable bed), pack up lots of snacks, flashlights, and enjoy a night under the stars in your own yard.
Decorate and Ride Bikes
Decorate your bikes with artificial flowers, streamers, slice colorful straws lengthwise and pop over the spokes, make signs and small “license plates” then take a ride around the neighborhood or to your local park.
Enjoy a Family Game Night
Break out everyone’s favorite games, throw some snacks together and spend a few hours in the evening just enjoying the fun, competition, and bonding time with your kids. Let everyone have a chance to choose a game, even the little ones.
Whatever you do with the kids, slow down, take pictures, and enjoy every moment you can of their childhood.
Great list!!