Spring break rarely feels like spring in Indiana. The weather is usually still a bit chilly and the flowers are only beginning to poke up from the cold ground. But as the days on the calendar quickly pass by, the week (or two) every school-aged kid has circled in red gets closer.
If you haven’t made plans for spring break yet, know that you’re not alone. I’m still hatching a few ideas myself. Usually, I tend to make things more difficult than they need to be when it comes to family fun. I set unrealistic expectations and miss the magic of the moment by constantly asking everyone if they’re having a good time. But in the past couple of years, I’ve learned a few tricks to help keep family experiences less stressful. As you’re making a spring break plan, keep these strategies in mind.
Plan passion days
One of the most beautiful gifts of family is that we’re each so unique. Sure, sometimes this can make it difficult for us to understand one another. But with the right mindset, our differences make our families stronger and fuller. For this reason, it’s a great idea whether you’re traveling or rocking the staycation to plan passion days or maybe just an afternoon for each person in your family.
For instance, if one of your kids LOVES science, choose to visit a science museum or do some experiments at home. If another fans out over basketball, find tickets for a college or professional game (use StubHub to save money!). From hiking to exploring bookstores, planning a day or afternoon based around each person’s passion helps us to appreciate one another more. Plus, we each get to do something memorable and fun.
Keep everyone well fed
On the last major family vacation we took, I tested out a theory. Oftentimes when we travel, we eat on a fairly spontaneous schedule. When you’re out of town this method almost always backfires. Without a plan, it’s tough to find a place to dine that’s open, that we can afford and that sounds good. Everyone in my family ends up hungry and grumpy.
To avoid this trap, I did intense research about the city we were visiting. I looked for restaurants that would have the options we needed in our price range (Thanks Yelp!). Focusing on local foods, I searched the Internet for places we don’t have close to home. I wrote down hours and locations and even created an itinerary of when we needed to be where to keep everyone well fed.
Whether you pack snacks from home on long car rides or simply take note of your favorite fast food stops along your route, your spring break will be much happier with full bellies.
Planning to stay home this year? You should strongly consider a specific meal plan for the week. You could even make the most of a change in schedule and prepare meals together as a family.
Serve together
When we think of spring break, we usually consider fun experiences like lounging on the beach or hitting a theme park. But if you don’t have the budget for either (or even if you do), why not consider something different this year.
Find a place where you and your family can volunteer together for a day or afternoon as a part of spring break. A task as simple as sitting at home writing thank you notes could make a world of difference in the hearts of others and perhaps in your own.
Go couch-surfing
Low on cash this year? Just because you don’t have the budget pay for a pricey hotel doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of adventure. Instead, think through friends and family who may be able to allow your family to crash at their place while you explore their city.
Whether you choose to visit with those you haven’t seen in awhile or just use their home as a base of operations as you tour local attractions, you’ll have a much more memorable experience. Bonus: you can use some of the money you save to buy your hosts dinner or a special gift.
Look for local free fun
If you’re far from home or close to home, it’s always smart to explore free fun during spring break. Check out the websites of libraries, community centers, visitors’ bureaus and television stations where you’ll be staying. Most feature community calendars with free events, movies, concerts and more.
Or, search the city’s name along with the words “free events.” Don’t forget to ask around on your social media channels, too. Most of us are quick to share our favorite free things with one another.
For not quite free, but still deeply discounted fun, look on Groupon or Living Social for more ideas.
