How to Keep the Kids Busy During Spring Break

Spring break is always an exciting time for both kids and moms. They want to have fun and you all enjoy the time off. You’d rather not have the kids just sit around playing video games or watching YouTube all day. But the thought of being their one-woman entertainment committee is also a little bit daunting.

And then, of course, there’s the fact that you’re trying to stick to something resembling a budget. Here’s the skinny on how to make spring break fun for the kids without losing your mind or doing too much damage to your bank account.

Start a Garden

It doesn’t matter if it’s still cold where you live. Spring break is the perfect time to start a garden. But if it’s too cold outside, you can start the seeds indoors. And you can make the whole thing more fun for the kids by letting them choose what they want to grow.

Show them how to sprout their seeds and nurture the seedlings by watering and keeping the seeds in a sunny place.

Bubble Wrap Game

What kid doesn’t love to pop bubble wrap? Heck, I still love to do it myself! You can buy huge rolls of bubble wrap for about 20 bucks at stores that sell moving supplies. Roll out a length of bubble wrap and make a runway for the kids to walk on.

Or give each kid a length of bubble wrap stapled to a piece of paper or cardboard and let them pop a bubble when they find a scavenger hunt item.

Have Some Fun in the Kitchen

I may sometimes get tired of spending so much time in the kitchen. But it’s still a place of magical possibilities for kids. There are a thousand fun things you can make with the kids in the kitchen. Try getting some heavy cream and let the kids shake it until it becomes butter. Let the kids make some simple no-bake cookies.

But if they’re too young for cooking, they might have fun pretending that the ingredients in your kitchen are items in a grocery store: they can “buy” some items, while a sibling pretends to be the cashier.

Camp at Home (Indoors or Out)

Going on a camping trip is great family fun. But it’s really a better summertime activity. Besides, it’s so much work to pack and unpack everything before and after, which usually ends up being Mom’s job. So why not have a similar experience without leaving the house?

If it’s warm enough, set up a tent and some sleeping bags in the backyard. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the grill or start a campfire if you have a fire pit.  However, if it’s still too cold for outdoor camping, make indoor forts with blankets draped over the back of two chairs. You can still do the campfire indoors if you have a fireplace.

Be a Tourist in Your Town

Even if it’s not practical or affordable to go on a trip out of town during spring break, you don’t have to stay home every day. You can be a tourist in your own town! Maybe there are tourist exhibits in your town (or a nearby town) that you’ve never experienced with the kids. If you’re on a tight budget, check Groupon or Living Social for deals.