You shouldn’t have to shell out thousands of dollars for a memorable family spring break. Although soaking up the sun in a tropical destination may sound nice, creativity and adventure can be found right at home. These six spring break staycation ideas will keep your kids busy and create exciting family experiences.
Outdoor adventures in your own backyard
A spring break staycation doesn’t mean that you have to be holed up in your house all day. Make use of your backyard to spend time in nature, especially as the weather warms up from the winter months.
Start planting the seeds of early spring vegetables like peas or beets. You’ll thank yourselves for gardening when you can go to your backyard for organic produce, saving a trip to the grocery store.
For a cozy night, roast marshmallows around a campfire, exchanging stories while eating delicious smores. If stars are out, lay a few blankets out for star gazing. Try and see if you can spot constellations, like the Big Dipper.
Culinary adventures for young chefs
If your family is tired of rotating through the same old meals every week, this spring break staycation is a perfect opportunity to roll up your sleeves and try out new recipes or cuisines together. You can also start teaching your kids the basics of cooking and meal preparation.
A grilled chicken caprese sandwich has simple ingredients with bold flavors that leave a lasting impression. It’s an easy meal to make with your family, so don’t be surprised if it becomes a frequent choice in your dinner lineup.
Get your children involved by having them wash vegetables, cut tomatoes and season the chicken. This way, you can teach them about food safety when handling raw meats. Cooking together will be a fun and educational experience with a tasty reward at the end.
DIY science experiments
Dedicate a day to becoming mad scientists with colorful potions and bubbling concoctions. Making a lava lamp is a safe, simple and fun science experiment for kids.
First, fill your bottle with three-quarters of vegetable oil and then pour in water mixed with a few drops of food coloring. Make sure to leave around an inch of space from the top. To get the bubbly reaction, slowly add one Alka-Seltzer antacid capsule that has been broken into pieces. Wait a few seconds between each piece. That’s all it takes to make a mesmerizing piece of decor.
Try creating an exploding watermelon baking soda volcano for a more eventful experiment. Carve out some watermelon, pour half a cup of baking soda and then vinegar with food coloring. The vinegar, which is an acid, reacts with baking soda, a base, to release carbon dioxide, which causes a bubbling eruption. This experiment will create a mess, but your kids will fall in love with all the excitement science can bring.
Themed movie nights
After an exciting afternoon of testing science experiments, unwind with a themed movie night. Watch your family’s favorite Disney classics and newer films like Elemental or Soul.
Disney movies can help your kids learn important life lessons about family and friendship and open up conversations about difficult topics like conflict and grief. Research has shown that discussing these issues as a family can strengthen a child’s cognitive and behavioral development. Turns out these entertaining animated movies are a fun and productive pastime.
It’s not a movie night without snacks by your side. Make some easy raspberry cheesecake parfaits to satisfy your sweet tooth instead of just having a bowl of candy. As a no-bake dessert, you can whip this up in no time to enjoy with your movies.
Indoor fort building and storytime
Let your imagination take over with an indoor fortress built with blankets and cushions. Add in challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions or balancing on a makeshift beam to accomplish a mission.
Pick out some books to read in the forts that are perfect for an adventurous atmosphere. As you recount Harry Potter’s thrilling life, your living room will transform into the world of Hogwarts, immersing you and your kids in the power of books and storytelling.
Spa day
A family spring break staycation should be about unwinding and making fun memories. Turn your house into a spa and treat yourselves to a day of pampering.
Make DIY face masks and beauty treatments using natural ingredients. Honey is great for the skin as it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. A honey face mask requires only a ripe banana mashed with some honey. Homemade facial masks are free of harsh chemicals, so they’re safe for kids.
After applying the soothing honey-banana concoction, lay back and relax with a foot soak to prepare for a mani-pedi. Paint each other’s nails with spring colors of your choice. You may even want to experiment with nail art to create cool designs.
A spa day is best complemented with refreshing drinks and nutritious snacks. A pomegranate mojito mocktail is a fresh and vibrant beverage that both you and your kids can enjoy. The best part is that you can tailor it to your preferences, adjusting the sweetness level or making it alcoholic for the parents.
Sip your mocktail with finger foods like a hummus platter to complete the experience. Who knew that an at-home spa could be so easy and relaxing?
Enjoying simple pleasures with staycations
You don’t need an elaborate vacation destination for an enjoyable spring break with your family. There are several at-home activities that can make a spring break staycation entertaining and a memorable experience. Whether it be trying out new recipes or relaxing with a face mask and mocktail in hand, start enjoying life’s simple pleasures with your family this spring.
Jenn Allen is a retired chef turned cookbook author, blogger, and traveler. She lives at home with her family and the cats that rule them all. Get all of her travel tips, stories and more at All The Best Spots.