Spring break offers a sneak peak at the fun that awaits us each summer. In our house, this means alarms aren’t set, pajamas stay on until at least noon, cereal becomes a main course, and Wii competitions intensify and go past regular bedtime hours. Good times are had by all for a few days, but sooner or later everyone gets a little stir crazy (and usually by day 3 of 14 I’m about ready to pull out my hair).

So, here is a list of some fun things that you might be able to do in your area when spring fever hits and you’ve got to get out of the house:

 Wear-Them-Out Activities:

• Get wet. Everyone has access to water somewhere, whether it’s the pool, the lake, the beach, or the river. Or go old school and turn on the sprinklers and let ‘em have at it.
• Walk or ride scooters around unique neighborhoods or walking paths.
• Hit the road and take a bike ride on kid-friendly pathways in your community.
• Take a hike. Find a book that list short and kid-friendly trails.
• Visit a nature preserve. Don’t forget the binoculars.
• Find a park you’ve never visited before or visit a favorite with a fun theme you don’t normally frequent.

 

Rainy Day Activities:

• Watch a flick at the dollar-movie theatre or hit a matinee.
• Pull out the board games and let the competition begin.
• Go bowling.
• Rent some video games and take a few for a test spin.

 

Just For Fun:

• Thrifty ice cream at Rite-Aid is still the cheapest deal in town and it is available nearly everywhere.
• Prefer yogurt? Try one of the many trendy self-serve places and make your own creation.
• Hit the mall. Most have play areas and shows for younger kids and most tweeners and teenagers will be happy to do a little window shopping.
• Ride the carousel. No one can resist smiling when they ride a carousel. It’s guaranteed happiness for only a few bucks. Throw in some cotton candy and your kids will think they’re in heaven.

 

Sneak In Some Learning:

• Do a Google search and find out which days are FREE at your local museums.
• Check out books at the library.
• Visit the local aquarium or zoo.
• Take a self-guided walking tour of an historic area of town.

Need some more tips for saving your sanity over spring break. Check out this post.