I know we are not alone in this struggle. I know because a few years ago when we showed up late to church, we were not the only confused family engulfed by a Twilight Zone experience. Changing clocks is the real deal. It graces us with bags under our eyes and bed-head for two days straight.
I know we are not alone because a friend of mine, author Catherine Weaver of the Gold Dust YA book series, posted a funny video this morning that has already gone viral. https://www.facebook.com/catherine.weaver.5?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
All laughing {and yawning} aside, it is SPRING and the kids will be on Spring Break soon. I am all about sun and flowers and having fun, so here are some ways to keep your kids active over the break.
Top 10 Family Friendly Spring Break Activities
1. Photo Shoot!
Take your kids to a tulip farm or a local park surrounded by flowers and greenery. You can dress them up, but let them be kids while you are there. Feed the ducks. Climb trees. Enjoy yourself. Trying to get them to POSE will just add anxiety and you do not want this to come across in your photos. Remember, this is a way for your family to enjoy nature together.
Take your kids to a tulip farm or a local park surrounded by flowers and greenery. You can dress them up, but let them be kids while you are there. Feed the ducks. Climb trees. Enjoy yourself. Trying to get them to POSE will just add anxiety and you do not want this to come across in your photos. Remember, this is a way for your family to enjoy nature together.
2. Softball/Baseball
One of America’s greatest pastimes begins in the Spring. Even if your child does not belong to a softball or baseball club, take them to an open field to practice batting and running. Kids just want to be outside so pick-up a bat and play as a family. Most clubs and stadiums allow the general public to attend games as well. This means you can take your family to cheer on a local team. You will enjoy great weather, hot dogs, and lots of cheerful excitement. What could be more fun?
3. Spring Ahead...
to the BEACH!
If you live close to the ocean {or a lake}, Spring Break always means it's beach time! The rainy
season is winding down and the gray skies are turning blue. Work and school have weighed you down and you are ready to enjoy a nice relaxing day at the coast. Look for low cost hotels or a VRBO and make a weekend of it. It is just what the doctor ordered!
4. Backyard Fun
Turn your backyard into your very own theme park. Set-up a volleyball net or if it is warm enough, lay down a Slip-n-Slide and let the kids be entertained by sprinkler water for hours on end. If you are creative and like DIY projects, turn your backyard into your very own splash-pad like this DIYer.
5. Multi-Family BBQ
Invite your friends or your neighbors over for a good ol' fashioned BBQ. Spend the day in the company of people you love and celebrate the season with a family favorite - BURGERS! If planning for a large group of people is too much, ask your friends to bring a dessert or dish for everyone to enjoy. Want to make it fun? Have the grill-masters do a cook-off! Who can make the best burger? Or have the bakers do a bake-off. Who can make the best pie? Have your kids get involved every step along the way. Not only will you all have fun, and full bellies, but you will be showing them that adults can be fun too!
6. CraftsSpring Break is the perfect time to pull out that long list of craft ideas and let the kids go wild. Need some inspiration? Try making these cute water balloon flip flops. They are inexpensive, look cute and will keep your kids occupied for quite some time. All you need is about an hour per flip flop and the ability to knot. Make a pair for everyone in your family, or make a few and give them out as gifts. They are fun, easy, and make a great statement!
When was the last time you let loose? I mean really let loose and got in touch with your inner rock star? Find your favorite semi-isolated location, bring your video camera and ipod, and make the magic happen. Kids love being STARS so let them get involved too. It doesn't take much filming or planning to create a music video - just some fun and focus. There are a lot of apps out there to edit your video and add music, or you can do what we do and use the FREE Windows Movie Maker.
(YouTube video above was uploaded in March 2014: Let It Go Sibling Music Video - Maya & Declan Williams)
8. Community Class
Have you always wanted to try pottery or sculpting but haven't gotten around to it? Do you feel like your creative energies are bursting and need release? Check out your local Cultural Center, YMCA, or Parks and Rec to find classes you might enjoy as a family. There is nothing like getting messy together. Look for Groupons for Paint Nights in your area. They are a fun and interactive way to learn the techniques of painting. When all is said and done, you will have beautiful art you can put on display in your own home.
9. Shopping Spree!
Because, why not?! Everyone loves shopping for themselves, right?! Well, maybe not EVERYONE, but when you stop for ice-cream and take a break at that cool treehouse in the middle of the outlet mall, shopping for summer clothes becomes a breeze! Don't forget to download the Retail Me Not app before heading out. You wouldn't want to pay full-price for clothes your kids will just grow out of in a few months!
10. Berry Picking
Berry picking is very popular this time of the year. People love to get fresh fruit early so they can freeze them for those sweet summer recipes. Strawberries and Blueberries go quickly so use this site to find a u-pick farm in your area and get there before the good ones are all gone. And don't forget your rubber boots and bucket!
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