20 Spring Break "Stay-Cation" Ideas

     Oh my goodness....it's almost here! Spring Break seems to always sneak up on me. If you are one of the lucky ones you have  already planned and prepared a get-a-way with your family!

     Others (like myself) either don't get time off of work, or are learning the act of being frugal with their funds ( I have both strikes against me this year....but read about my financial accomplishment last month here.) So here's a list I have compiled to help make your 'stay-cation' an exciting one. Pick your favorites and schedule your week of fun!

1. Go to the Park. - This is a no brainer! The park is free fun, and the weather is just getting warm enough to enjoy outside again!  Check out 5 reasons why you should be taking your kids to the park HERE

2. Go to the Library. - Seriously, I don't know about your kids, but mine love looking at new books, even if your kid isn't an avid reader, take them anyways, and encourage reading.

3. Have a craft day. - Spend some time online looking through blogs for some fun crafts to make with the kids. Channel your inner child and participate as well...you'll be surprised how happy it makes you feel! 

4. Slumber Party!!! - I know, I know, slumber parties are still a source of anxiety for me as well...but do it anyways. Sure your house will be completely thrashed when its over, but you will be the coolest mom around ;) Check out some Girl's Slumber Party Ideas HERE and HERE.

5. Friday Night Movie Night - Let them pick out a movie, cuddle in their sleeping bags, stay up late eat lots of popcorn!

6. Chalk it up. - Go grab a box of the brightest chalk you can find and create a chalk village together on the sidewalk or driveway!

7. Take them Bowling. - This is a great one for a rainy day, and often times bowling alleys will have mid-day/mid week specials.

8. Have a backwards day. - You heard me right. The entire day. Backward. Let them put their clothes on backwards, and eat dessert for breakfast, then dinner. Have breakfast for dinner that night...do things that you normally do in opposite order! They'll love it!

9. Go to a Children's Museum. - This is on my personal to-do list! There's a couple great ones fairly close to me. Always make sure you check out the website online, because some of them have certain days of the month with reduced, or free admission!

10. Board Games and Floats. - Break out the family games, and have game night. Get some vanilla ice cream { if you are feeling extra "wonder-woman'y" make some! }, and buy some root beer and orange soda and have a good ol time!

11. Have a "Travel the World" week! - I still have to try this one. Pick 5 places that you and your kids are interested about. Use the WWW and the library to learn some cool stuff about there, print some pictures, and make a 'travel' scrap book. Find authentic recipes to make, and create a themed dinner every night for those 5 days! Use your imagination....it will be fun to look back through the scrapbook, and you will all learn a thing or two. :)

P.S. You know Italy will be on the top of my list!

12. Go to the Zoo. Make sure you pack snacks and take pictures of all the baby animals!

13. Skating anyone? Skating rinks are fun, inexpensive, and great for rainy spring days.

14.  Decorate Easter Eggs! - Easter is just around the corner, make sure you let the little ones color beautiful eggs! You can also decorate plastic eggs with stickers, glitter, paint, etc!

15. Go out for Ice Cream - Pick an ice cream shop that you have never been to before. I love the little local ones...have everyone pick a flavor for each other!

16. Have a Picnic in the Park - or backyard, or even in the living room if its too cold outside!

17. Throw a cupcake bash! - Pick out flavorings, toppings, different frosting's...the works. It will keep the kids busy all afternoon! (Don't be alarmed if they have a hard time eating all their dinner that night though! ) :)

18. Go Visit a Farmer's Market - Or Saturday market. I am lucky that we have a fun Saturday market year 'round where I live. There are lots that open up during spring break though - go be a 'tourist' and check them out!

19. Head to the Local Pool - Obviously the beach would be the first choice, but if you are not lucky enough to live next to one, take the kids to the pool for the afternoon and let them burn off some energy!

20. Plan Your Family Summer Bucket List - I know it sounds like a long ways off, but it will be summer vacation before you know it. Now is a good time to all sit down together and figure out your 'must do's' for this summer. That way when the time gets closer you can start to schedule your summer accordingly.

Remember, plan out your spring break, and let the kids be involved with choosing an activity! Most of all, take lots of pictures and have fun!

~ Melissa