With the gas prices draining the checkbook, many families are looking at staying at home this Spring Break. March is traditionally a time when kids get out of school for the most coveted break of the year. It marks the halfway point to an enticing summer that waits.
As a mom, I am continually looking for ideas to entertain my kids during this time. I covet this extra time with my kids. I love the break from the routine, from the work schedules, homework. Because of this I try to come up with activities to make the week special.
Many travel during this week, but most times we find fun staying at home and growing close as a family. Here are some activities that my family does during spring break at home.
Camping Out At Home
There is nothing better than coming together as a family to build pretend tents out of sheets in the living room. We break out the games and enjoy a great time all together. Rules, of course, are that there are no phones, computers, etc. during the campout time. It is even better to tell everyone that you are going out of town and then enjoy a nice private vacation at home. You can cook normal camping food and enjoy some smores in the microwave. The kids will love the closeness of it all. Parents will love being able to sneak in their own beds once the kids are asleep. If you have camping equipment and the weather is beautiful, families can even camp out in their own backyard. The only risk is running into neighbors.
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town
Every town has some sort of attraction even if it is the local Wal-Mart. Get out of the house and see your town through the eyes of a tourist. Visit you local visitor's bureau and find an area of attraction that you have not been to for years. Go to the museum, the zoo, the best eatery and just enjoy the time together rediscovering your hometown.
Visit Your Local Library
The library has all kinds of fun, family events for all ages each week. Check it out during spring break. Also, just go and share some books with your child. You will love the closeness and learn a lot about your children. I always find it amazing to watch the kind of books my kids pick out.
Go For A Picnic
Nothing brings a family closer than a meal shared in the great outdoors. Find a great park that suits your family desires and spend the day. Pack a great picnic complete with blanket and enjoy mother nature. Parks offer many amenities that your family might find appealing. For example, some might just have an open space that can be used for flying kites. Families can go on hikes, feed ducks, check out the park equipment, etc. Enjoy the time together.
Have A Paint/Craft Day
Go to your local art store and stock up on some fun. You can buy ceramics to paint, bears to stuff, planes or cars to build or just some paint and paper. The kids will love getting in smocks and creating.
Have a Spring Clean Day
I know what kid likes to clean? Kids can find cleaning quite entertaining if you get a little creative. Get dressed in swimsuits and let the kids play in the water as they clean the car. You can even bring out your blinds in your house and allow them to squirt with water guns. Inside, if you have younger kids, let them dress up with the latex gloves and give them a wipe. They will love pretending to be mini versions of you.
The possibilities for a spring break at home are endless. Have a movie day, play hide and seek-just spend time together. Get creative and do what your family loves. You know them the best so start planning now to make the most out of the week.
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