Spring break is a bittersweet occasion for most moms. You are happy to see your kids and have them around more, but you also have a lot more cleaning and entertaining to do. I try to clear my schedule for the week. If I get too ambitious, I don’t get anything done and end up frustrated with my kids for sidetracking me. So instead I make it our great big, fun week together. A little oasis of free time in the desert that is the over scheduled school year. But how do you plan a week like that? What is there to do? Here are some ideas to get you spring break started right.
- Go day trippin’. Day trips are some of the most fun that you can have with your kids. For a small admission fee you get to laugh learn and explore together. Try museums, gardens, science centers, zoos and even farmers’ markets. We try to invite friends to come along with us since everyone is usually home for spring break. Our school district has all but cut out field trips at school, so some of us moms like to organize our own during spring break.
- Take a mini vacation. Spring break used to be a popular time for families to go on vacation, but these days most families’ finances do not allow a big getaway. Instead take a short 2-3 day overnight road trip. Think of a city or attraction that you have always wanted to check out, but never have. Aim to drive no more than 4-5 hours each way. Show your kids the brochure or Web site that showcases all that the area has to offer and let them get in on the planning too.
- Host a sleepover. Yes, it is not a lot of fun for you. But it is boatloads of fun for them and with all of those school nights they hardly ever get to do it. Plus after you make your famous french toast, you may just get labeled the coolest mom around.
- Get active. Keep kids on their school night sleeping schedule by wearing them out during the day. Go on a hike, go paddle boating or hit up the mini golf/batting cages fun zone. Or try teaching them a new sport such as tennis, golf or softball.
- Work from home. Who says you have to go out to have fun? Make crafts, try science experiments and run and play in your own backyard.
