Even if you're not traveling on spring break, that doesn't mean it can't be special! We've put together a list of fun spring break activities for kids that might just sprout some happiness. Even better, they're things that the whole family can enjoy together.
Spring Break Activities for Kids to Make the Most of the Season
In order to make the most of your spring break, you need to find activities that are exclusive to the season. What is this time of year known for? Beautiful blooms, butterflies, baseball, and basketball, to start! Here's a look at some unique activities in March or April to enjoy this season when school's out of session for a week.
Plant a Garden
As the cold weather clears, it becomes time to plant your garden. This year, let your kids get involved. One of the best ways to do this is to create a raised vegetable garden. Not only will they have the chance to learn something, but this activity will get kids more invested in their mealtimes.
Don't have room for a garden? Consider volunteering at a community garden instead. This is a wonderful way for your kids to give back and have fun at the same time.
Grow Butterflies
If you've never grown a butterfly garden, you might want to give this a try. Surprisingly, it only takes seven to ten days for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly, making this a great project to start as you head into your spring break weekend. The best part happens when they emerge from their chrysalis as beautiful butterflies! This can be another great learning experience for your kids while they are away from school.
Take Wildflower Photos
Every year across the nation, glorious wildflower blooms take over parks, the sides of highways, and even in neighborhoods. Texas bluebonnets, California poppies, Colorado blue columbines, and Washington D.C.'s cherry blossoms are just some of the many iconic spring spots to have an impromptu photoshoot. Get in the car, take a scenic drive, grab some great shots, and end the excursion with a picnic! Just be warned - these beautiful blooms can attract snakes, so check the area before you sit down.
Create Nature Sculptures
While you're out taking your photographs, consider snagging some of those beautiful blooms (only the ones that you're legally allowed to pick) and using them to make nature sculptures. This is an easy craft that you can then use to decorate your garden. You'll just need oven-bake clay and whatever flowers, leaves, and twigs you want to imprint on the surface.
Simply lay your object (or objects) on a flat surface, roll the clay into a ball, and press it onto the items. Carefully peel them away from the clay surface and then follow the baking instructions. Afterwards, your kids can paint their masterpiece and put it in your garden!
Press Wildflowers
Another fun activity to do with your wildflowers is to press and preserve them. These can make beautiful art to put on the wall or bookmarks for their latest story. Parents just need some heavy books and some self-laminating sheets.
Search for Four-Leaf Clovers
St. Patrick's Day is always on March 17th, making it an exciting part of most kid's Spring Breaks. This year, take a trip to try and find some luck and join in on some different St. Patrick's Day activities while you're at it!
Go to a Baseball Game
If your spring break lands in the last week of the month, then consider enjoying Opening Day at the ballpark! Both the Major and Minor Leagues start play on March 30th, making this a unique springtime activity to enjoy with the kids.
Participate in a Family 5K
Get moving this holiday break! Every spring, 5K races pop up and they can make for a fun family activity. Best of all, many of these events have themes surrounding St. Patrick's Day, fun foods, colored powder, and even mud. Get messy, have fun, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you did something good for your body while having a great time!
If you have younger elementary kids and a 5K will be too much for your child, look for one-mile fun walks or runs in your area to participate in. These are often in conjunction with 5K community or charity events.
Take a Pottery Class
While you can take a pottery class at any time of year, springtime is a great time to sign up for this type of course. Why? Because you can actually make a pot for your flowers and use it immediately! This is a fantastic sensory activity that the whole family can do.
Some art studios also have pop-up workshops for kids or families over spring break too, so check locally for an art or pottery class or event that coincides with your child's break.
Visit an Arboretum
When you think of spring, you might think of flowers, so why not see the best of the best? Arboretums can provide scenic views, delicious food, live music, and even fun classes on flower arranging, cooking, and of course, gardening.
Attend a March Madness Game
If you live in or around a big city, it is likely that you will be in the presence of competition! March Madness games are an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike. If your children love basketball, this is a spectacular spring break idea for kids as well as the whole family.
Go to the Horse Races
Most know that the Kentucky Derby is on the first Saturday in May, but many don't realize that the races begin way before this date. There are loads of tracks across the nation, making this a fun day trip if there isn't one in your town.
Make Custom Bird Houses
Springtime brings out all kinds of creatures, including the return of beautiful birds. Give them a beautiful place to stay by building and decorating a bird house together. All you need is a bird house kit, paint, and brushes. This can be a great activity to do indoors or outdoors.
Get Active as a Family
Spring break is usually right when the weather starts to improve. Temperatures are not too hot or cold in most states, and if you're lucky, the sun is shining. This means it's a great time to get outdoors and try out some new pastimes. We love these ideas for kids that everyone in the family will enjoy too:
- Go rollerblading
- Play disc golf
- Try goat yoga
- Go paddle boarding
- Try kayaking
- Fly kites
- Go fishing
- Feed the ducks
Spring Break Ideas for Kids Start With Favorite Hobbies
What do you and your kids like to do in your free time? The best activities are ones that circle around your passions and elevate those pursuits. Don't forget to also do your research to see if your hometown is hosting any festivals or events during the week of spring break. Many times, there's fun waiting just outside your door!
