The many months of below freezing cold and piles of snow here in Chicago have got me hankering for some warmer weather or at least a break from the usual winter routine. I am not going on a Spring Vacation this year with my family… this year  we are all working and planning a few Staycation ideas to shake those winter blues and get ready for spring.

Coming up this week I will be sharing some of the BEST Staycation ideas for families that are taking the week off to spend together and Staycation ideas for kids, maybe you can’t get the week off and your kids are on their own. YIKES! I will be sharing posts that will satisfy all.

Here’s just a few ideas to get you started…

Build an Art Spot- Designating an ‘art spot’ for the kid is a wonderful way to encourage independence and get hours of quiet time (that don’t involve a screen)! This is key to a successful Staycation whether your home to play or not, kids can have fun in here doing art for hours on end. Make sure your spot is well supplied and that artists can utilize it without the need of adult supervision. If you’re short on real-estate, a low and easy-to-open drawer works well – load it with paper and compartmentalize the materials with supply bins. Want to really go all out with your space?  Here are some amazing ideas to inspire you.

Kid Built Calendars- With your kids free all day, give them a task to get them involved in planning the “After Work Time”.  Try “Play Night” where the kids can dress for the event,
write and put on a play for you when you return.  You could also try an “Awards Night.” Plan a special dinner and ask the children to craft and present others with a special handmade awards. Another fun idea, a “Kids Get to Choose” night….  Kids can pick their dinner and an activity from a parent-approved list; like bowling, a movie, or even a backyard camp-out! Spring Break is a great time for homework free days where you should encourage creativity and playfulness.

These are just a few of some of the best Staycation ideas coming up this week…

What are your favorite family Staycation ideas?  Where are your favorite family Vacation spots?

Bette Fetter Founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts and Author of Being Visual [email protected] Follow Bette on Twitter