How to Plan for Spring Break

What should you do over Spring break? This is a popular question with many K-12 schools approaching spring break. The kids will be out of school for 1-2 weeks depending on their school district for spring break, which leads to the question: How do I keep kids entertained during spring break? Maybe you are a first time mom or have a bunch of tiny humans and are trying to figure these school break options like me. I have some ideas that I'm trying and figured I could share with the mom tribe. There are 2 ways you can do a spring break based on what's best for your family. The first is to send the kids to a spring break camp for the duration of break. The second is creating your own spring break. Choose wisely. Remember you are in the circle of trust, there’s no “right answer”- choose what option fits best for your family.

Option 1: Spring Break Camps

There are several Spring break camps that are available in Columbus OH. If you are reading this blog and are not based in Columbus Ohio, I suggest googling "spring break camps in your city" I'm sure multiple options will pop up if you're in a major city. 

If you don't have any options, booked up, too expensive for you budget, etc. consider creating your own summer camp.

Option 2: Create Your Own Spring Break

If you are deciding to go with this option, I will share some tips I have learned when creating my own Spring break Camp.

Create the schedule in advance

Do not wait until the day of to decide what to do. Whatever you do do not think about last minute decisions or worse asking the kids to weigh in on the day of. I've been there before-trust me you will hate it there. Think of all the activities your kids enjoy and create a list. I also suggest incorporating at least one activity or place the kids have not been to before. Once you have created a list of activities, events, crafts, books to read, etc., it is time to create the schedule for Spring Break.

Balance the activities

Don't schedule a bunch of locations in one day. Choose one location. If you can't do everything at a particular location, schedule more than one day or determine which activities you can do before arriving. This requires research and a deeper dive when creating the schedule.

Incorporate quiet time and independent play

Don't feel obligated to have a jammed packed day of nonstop action everyday. School age children can have independent play and quiet times. They can read a book or play quietly by themselves or with a sibling. Screen time can also be included. Don't feel bad if you have more than the recommended screen time for the kids during this week. It is after all a break from school. But it can also be a break for you. Enjoy spending extended time with your kids but also give yourself time to relax and to get in some extra self care time.

Everything doesn't have a fee

Choose some free or inexpensive options. The way inflation is set up these days, I'm sure I don't have to tell you twice about cutting costs where possible. Try some free field trip options like going to a park. The Columbus area has splash pads, newly equipped play sets, etc. again do your research before just driving to a park to make sure it's going to have the best options for your kids.  The library has some free events going on during spring break your kids may want to check out. That could also allow you time to read a book while they participate in the event. While we are talking about the library, did you know you can get free admission to the zoo, COSI, and the conservatory by having a library card? The Columbus library has passes that can be checked out and used for free. Again, inquire early about checking out the passes.

Certain places have discounted and/or free admission on certain days. Something as simple as going a Monday instead of Friday can change the amount from full price to discounted or free. Again, you are able to seize the best deals with advance planning of the schedule.

Preparing for your kids to be home during spring break doesn't need to be daunting. The most important takeaway is to plan now for what you will do everyday during break to avoid the stress of throwing something together at the last minute. When you and your children know what's going to happen in advance, everyone can better enjoy spring break.

What are some spring break activities you like to do with your kids?

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