While older kids and teens usually can't wait for the moment a school vacation starts, spring break for little kids can mean a disruption in the routines that they count on. If you have young children, then you may be wondering how to keep them busy during spring break. With a little planning, you can create fun times that your entire family will treasure.
Spring Break for Little Kids
When school holidays start, all of a sudden your kids have time on their hands. Most school districts take some type of a week-long break in March or April, and many private schools and preschools follow suit. Many parents also take time off during spring break so that the family can enjoy spending time together. You can make spring break for little kids a time that your family looks forward to every year.
Take a Staycation
With the cost of gasoline and travel, many families are opting for staycations rather than vacations. This is a great way to enjoy time together while visiting area attractions and events you might not normally attend. People who take staycations relax at home, but plan fun outings and day trips to museums, parks, science centers, and other nearby tourist spots. Some you might want to consider include:
- Hands-on children's museums
- Roller skating or ice rinks
- Nearby amusement parks
- Art, nature, and science museums
- Science and exploratory centers
- IMAX movies
- Zoos, aquariums and drive-through animal parks
- Nature and wildlife preserves
- Farmer's markets
- Local festivals
- Organized tours
Go Outside and Get Active
Young children enjoy time spent outdoors, where they can run off their energy. If the weather is nice, head out for a day of fun outdoors.
- Visit local parks or beaches
- Take a short nature hike
- Visit a plant nursery to look at plants, or visit a local outdoor public garden
- Plan and plant a special garden that kids can enjoy all summer long, such as one that attracts butterflies or a sunflower garden
- Take a family bike ride on a local bike path
- If it's raining, suit up in rain gear and go stomp in mud puddles
- Fly a kite or make fancy paper airplanes
- Create a backyard Olympics or a frisbee golf course
Plan for Rainy Days
If the weather is too inclement to spend much time outdoors, have some fun indoor activities planned.
- Learn about science with some great science activities
- Head to a local thrift store and create a dress up box
- If you have a video camera, let the kids write a script and make a movie
- Mix up a batch of homemade play dough
- Spend a day cooking with the kids
- Pop some popcorn and plan a movie day
- Create great works of art
- Create an indoor parade by lining toys end to end in a queue around the house
- Invite friends over and host a game day
- Use dominoes to create a domino cascade
- Give children craft sticks and glue to build structures
- If you have dogs, work with the kids to teach them a new trick
- Go bowling
Kids' Spring Break Tips
A break from routine can be a wonderful thing. Here are a few tips to help your family's next spring break a fun-filled week for the whole family:
- Kids rely on consistency, so be sure to include familiar daily activities such as a bedtime routine, mealtimes, regular chores, and naps.
- Be flexible and work with your kids' rhythms.
- Keep activities relatively short, or plan for frequent breaks.
- If you head outdoors, pack snacks, drinks, extra clothing, and first aid supplies.
- Encourage older children to mentor their younger siblings during family activities.
Enjoying Free Time
Spring break can become a time of boredom for children and a time of irritation for parents listening to an endless chorus of 'I'm bored', but just a few activities can provide hours and hours of family fun. By planning activities your children are sure to enjoy, your entire family can benefit from time spent together.
