The countdown is on – Spring Break is almost here! For those of you picturing movies like “Where The Boys Are” and baking on warm, sun-drenched beaches like Daytona or Panama City, I feel ya.

I remember those days, too.

If you don’t have a fabulous vacation planned, Spring Break may be a little different. Raise your hand if the highlight for you is the opportunity to sleep in for an entire week? Not packing school lunches? Or perhaps not listening to your children whine and stress about homework for a week…unless your child has one of those teachers who assigns homework for the break (boo!).

It’s true, now that we’re all grown up, the thought of Spring Break doesn’t always convey feelings of fun and excitement. For many of us, instead of a time to relax and unwind, Spring Break can be somewhat stressful, like trying to figure out how to entertain your kids for an entire week!

Have no fear, T-Rod is here!

Okay, so there may or may not have been a brief moment where I pictured myself as caped-costume superhero, but I digress. To help alleviate some stress, I’ve compiled a list of fun and inexpensive things to do to help make Spring Break fun for you and your kids.

 

  1. Build a fort – Back in the day, building forts was routine in our household. Simply take a few sheets, some clothespins, and chairs, then have at it. You can even make multiple “rooms.” Let your kids eat lunch, color, read to their furry friends or stuffed animals, have a puppet show, and if you’re lucky, even nap-time inside!

 

  1. Create your own Mini Master Chef – Have you seen the show MasterChef Junior? No? It’s a show in which you discover how little you know about cooking. Seriously. 8 and 9-year-olds cook duck a l’orange and crawfish ettouffee. Seriously. But feel free to start out with scrambled eggs or brownies. Help your child find a recipe either in a cookbook or online, write down a shopping list of ingredients, then go to the grocery store together. Supervise and assist the shopping and cooking but allow your child to do as much as possible. Before you know it, you’ll have a gourmet chef on your hands. S. Cooking aids in reading, following directions, and math skills!

 

  1. Plant an herb garden – Buy inexpensive seeds or seedlings to plant in your yard or container garden. Be sure to use the fresh herbs in your culinary creation.

 

  1. Go to the library – The library is such an amazing place! Attend a story time and pick up an armful of wonderful books (for free!) on any topic your child likes. Discover cookbooks, gardening books (hint, hint), and other fun books your child can read in his or her fort.

 

  1. Make a movie – Most kids love movies and who wouldn’t want to star in one? In today’s hi-tech world, apps like iMovie allow just that. Have your kids write a script, pick out costumes, and choose a filming location or even design a set using cardboard and other items around the house. Not up to making movies? No problem, film videos for favorite songs. Later, don’t forget to host a screening party complete with a red carpet for the whole family. Make the evening more memorable by serving specialty hors d’oeuvres and a signature beverage (use your cookbook from the library!) and include an autograph and photo session.

 

  1. Go on a nature hike – The world is a beautiful place so take some time to notice it. Go to your favorite park, local trail, or beach to see some of the wonderful things Mother Nature has to offer. Beforehand, research native plants and animals and create a scavenger hunt list. Use a camera or phone to take pictures and/or video of each find. The footage can even be used in your movie. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors but don’t forget the sunscreen!

 

  1. Write a book – After spending time at the library and reading an armload of books, allow your child to write a book. Be sure to check out the “For Families” tab in the link for fun sample books and creative ideas.

 

Hopefully these ideas will help you survive the week. But remember, Spring Break is about fun and relaxation. Enjoy the time with your family because the years go by quickly!

 

Do you have any other fun and inexpensive ways to enjoy Spring Break? If so, please share.