21 Ways to Have an Epic Stay-cation
It\’s spring break and everyone is excited to have a week without homework and time constraints. Unfortunately, many people don\’t have the luxury of taking off work full time for spring break or going on a vacation for the week. Time to plan a stay-cation.
Here are some of my BEST Stay-cation ideas to fit any budget or weather forecast so you and the family can enjoy some time together this Spring Break.
- Play outside- This is an obvious one. Go fly a kite, take a walk, go for a bike ride, or take a hike. Anything to enjoy this spring weather.
- Host a Bookworm Tournament– Rainy Days can often lead to the ever-popular phrase “I’m bored.” Head it off at the pass by creating (or printing) some fun bookmarks for your children to use this week. Encourage your child to color and decorate it however they like. Then, turn it into a personal contest… adding a sticker or gem every time they finish a chapter or a book. Whoever finished the most by the end of the week wins!
- Chalk it up– Pick your favorite Young Rembrandts lesson or pull up one of our How to Draw videos and recreate it on the sidewalk! Remember to make the drawing BIG for a tremendous impact. Teach your friends and family to draw with you.
- Have a Picnic in the Park. Find a park near you that you’ve never been to before and pack a lunch so you can spend the day enjoying the weather. Weather not ideal? Host a picnic indoors.
- Visit a Business That Makes Something – Look for one that allows visitors to watch their process. From candy making to furniture to dairy farms, large factories to small operations, it’s a learning experience kids and parents alike will enjoy.
- Host a family bake off. Our family loves the Great British Bake Off. Create your own cooking competition at home. You may even come up with a new favorite family recipe.
- Go to the local pool. Nothing says vacation like a chance to swim. If it’s not warm enough to swim at an outdoor pool, find an indoor pool near you.
- Slumber party. Whether you are brave enough to host a couple of friends or just want to change up the sleeping arrangements by sleeping in the living room, slumber parties can be so much fun!
- Visit the animal shelter. Do you love animals but are not able to adopt one? Visit a shelter and spend some quality time with the inhabitants and they would be more than happy to share their time and love with you. All they need is your time.
- Go to the zoo. Who doesn’t love seeing animals? Many zoos have junior zookeeper programs or opportunities to feed the animals.
- Tackle a family project. Have the kids been wanting to redecorate their rooms or build a treehouse? Spend the extra time together bonding while building and painting. And, you’ll have something to show for it at the end of the week.
- Paint rocks and hide them around town. It’s sort of like letterboxing, sort of like geocaching, all sorts of fun! Many towns have groups on Facebook dedicated to hiding and finding rocks.
- Try laser tag. Invite a few other families and battle it out for the title of Most Awesome Family. There are laser tag facilities almost everywhere- use Google to find one nearby.
- Check out a local Children’s Museum. Most major cities have interactive children’s museums that give parents and children a chance to explore. Have you been to the one in your town?
- Try out a theme restaurant or dinner theater. Make dining an event with a theme restaurant, dinner theater or even a murder-mystery cruise or train.
- Host a family board game tournament. You could get a few new games or just have everyone choose their favorite. Make some fun snacks and drinks and prepare for a marathon board game tournament.
- Go bowling. Sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. Bowling is the perfect solution. It’s usually inexpensive too. If your kids are small, try bumper bowling; for older kids try “glow bowling.”
- Make a basket of sunshine for someone in your life that could use a pick me up.
- Host your own film festival. Pick a theme and let each family member choose a movie. Then, pop some popcorn and get comfortable for a day of movies. Don’t forget the snacks.
- Give yourselves a makeover- Do hair and makeup at home or take a day to go the local beauty school. Complete the look with a new outfit!
- Go to the library. Most local libraries have some family friendly activities planned for Spring Break. Check your local library’s website for details.
What are you doing for your spring break? I would love to see some pictures in the comments!