20 Spring Break Staycation Ideas For Families
Spring break is just around the corner! If you’re trying to live a frugal lifestyle and can’t spend a fortune on a vacation (or you just don’t want to), here are fun and unique ideas for a Spring Break staycation!
Embrace Spring Break activities at home
Spring break is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with your family, because you don’t need a lot of money for family members to have so much fun together.
While a vacation may not be in the cards this year, a staycation can be just as exciting and memorable. In this blog post, I’m sharing fantastic ideas to help you make the most of your Spring Break staycation. From game nights to outdoor adventures, there’s something here for every family.
Unique Spring Break Staycations your family will love
1. Go to a stream
In need of some Spring Break activities to keep the kids busy? If you don’t live somewhere near any national parks or near a river or stream in your backyard, then your children are going to love spending the day at one!
Wading, tadpoles, and exploring the great outdoors and nature are all part of the magic of rushing water. If you’re feeling brave, you could even go to a river and try fishing with the kids which will certainly give you all a break from the household chores and Spring cleaning!
2. Go to the beach
If you live somewhere with an ocean nearby (or even a few hours away), then you should head to the beach! Depending on the weather and where the beach is located (a warmer climate like Florida or a cooler climate like Oregon), you may end up swimming, playing in the sand, or exploring. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring the right toys and sunscreen!
3. Chuck E. Cheese
One place where “a kid can be a kid” is Chuck E. Cheese. If you don’t have one near you, or it’s out of your price range, then look around for an indoor playground, bounce houses, or a nickel arcade. Any place with some food and some games can lead to hours of fun! It’s a great unique Spring Break activity!
4. House swap with a buddy
Do you live in the city with friends in the country? Or maybe the reverse? See if your friends would be willing to house swap with you for a week! It would put you near activities that you may not get to do very often, and being a new place will feel like vacation for you and your kids without the cost of lodging. (If you’re worried about having a clean house for your friend to stay in, choose a family who won’t care!)
5. Groupon Activities
If you want to do something new and different without the high price tag that goes with most activities (that your kids may not even end up enjoying), then check out what Groupon has to offer! You may even find out about places that you never even knew are near you!
6. Volunteer Opportunities
The best way to increase your happiness is to bring happiness to others. Do some research and see what volunteer opportunities are in your area that your children can help with. If you aren’t sure where to begin, check out the app called Just Serve. They have lists of local needs in many locations!
7. Camp in the backyard or living room
Sometimes camping is difficult, especially with younger children. And let’s face it, when you start ageing, your back just doesn’t feel the same after sleeping on the hard ground.
By setting up the tent in your own backyard (or in the living room), your kids can get the fun of a campout without the effort of actually going to a campground with the whole family. Kids love sleeping in sleeping bags, just cover the tent with fairy lights for an added magical touch at night time.
Be creative with your backyard and indoor camping efforts! You could paint rocks, tell ghost stories, have a picnic, watch movies outside, or have a little tea party together. Or add to the fun with these Indoor Camping Printable Activities.
And you can always sneak back into your bed after the kids all fall asleep! You can also add to the fun with these 40 tin foil dinner recipes and these 35 Camping Activities and Crafts for Kids.
8. One-night hotel stay
You may not be able to afford taking a big trip, but you might be able afford to take the kids to a hotel for a night. Even if all you do is watch TV and order takeout, it’s so much more fun doing it outside of your own home (for the kids, at least!).
Try to find a hotel with an indoor pool in case your kids have more energy than a hotel room can contain!
9. Get crafty with these crafts and printables
Weather in the Spring can be extremely unpredictable. You may have envisioned taking your kids on bike rides or to the park during your week off.
But what if it rains? Or worse, snows? (Yes, this does happen in some places!) If you need a backup plan, my list of crafts and printables makes for a great backup so your family can learn a new craft together!
Grab your art supplies and make paper airplanes together, paint rocks, and make Spring crafts to brighten up the home. This Printable Tulip Flower Craft is a great place to start!
10. Host a Family Game Night Extravaganza
Game nights are always a hit with families. Gather your favorite board games, card games, and puzzles for an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition which is always a big hit with older kids too. Prepare some snacks, set up a cozy space in your living room, and let the games begin! Whether it’s a classic game like Monopoly or a collaborative game like Pandemic, the fun and bonding will be unbeatable.
11. Transform Your Home into a DIY Spa Retreat
Pamper yourself and your family by turning your home into a relaxing spa retreat. OK so you might not have multiple hot tubs in the backyard, but it can be done!
Create homemade face masks using natural ingredients like avocado and honey, prepare soothing foot baths with Epsom salts and essential oils, and give each other massages using aromatic lotions. Dim the lights, play soft music, and let the stress melt away as you indulge in a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
12. Plan a Movie Marathon with a Theme
Take movie nights up a notch by planning a movie marathon with a specific theme at your home. Choose a favorite film series like Harry Potter or Star Wars, or explore a genre you’ve never delved into before, such as classic Westerns or animated films. Set up a cozy viewing area with blankets, pillows, and snacks, and get ready for hours of cinematic enjoyment. Don’t forget to have some discussion breaks between movies to share your thoughts and favorite moments! You could even through a quiz at the end of the movie and include small prizes for fun!
13. Have a Picnic in Your Living Room or Backyard
Turn an ordinary meal into a special occasion by having a picnic indoors or in your backyard. Spread out a picnic blanket, prepare delicious sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and enjoy quality time together while basking in the beauty of nature or the coziness of your home.
Encourage everyone to share stories or play games while enjoying the scrumptious picnic spread. Don’t forget the picnic essentials like checkered blankets and a basket filled with tasty treats even the younger kids will love!
14. Discover New Recipes with a Family Cooking Challenge
Need more Spring Break activities to keep the kids entertained? Challenge your family’s culinary skills by planning a cooking challenge. Assign each family member a specific dish or cuisine to prepare, and then come together to enjoy a delicious feast. It’s a great way to bond, explore new flavors, and encourage teamwork in the kitchen.
You can have a themed cooking challenge like “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Party,” or assign a bunch of different courses to each family member for a complete and satisfying meal. Make sure to document your creations and recipes so you can recreate the dishes in the future.
15. Plan a Virtual Museum Tour or Art Appreciation Day
Take advantage of art making the digital age by embarking on a virtual museum tour or dedicating a day to art appreciation. Explore famous museums from around the world through online platforms that offer virtual tours and exhibits.
16. Plan a Virtual Concert or Music Jam Session
Bring the magic of live music into your home by organizing a virtual concert or music jam session. Find live-streamed concerts or performances online and create a concert-like atmosphere with dimmed lights and comfy seating. Alternatively, gather your family’s musical instruments and have a fun jam session where everyone can showcase their musical talents.
17. Create a DIY Home Science Lab
Spark your family’s curiosity by creating a DIY home science lab. Gather basic supplies such as baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and balloons to conduct exciting experiments. Explore chemical reactions, build volcanoes, or make homemade slime. It’s a hands-on and educational activity that will ignite a love for science in your children, then if you have a science museum nearby, take them there afterwards to continue the fun!
18. Have a Cultural Exploration Day
Take a virtual road trip all around the world by dedicating a day to cultural exploration. Choose a country or region and immerse yourselves in its traditions, cuisine, and music. Cook a traditional meal together, learn a few phrases in the language, and engage in cultural activities such as dancing or crafting. It’s a great way to broaden your family’s horizons and appreciate the diversity of our world.
19. Engage in Outdoor Adventures
Make the most of your local surroundings by engaging in outdoor adventures at nearby National Parks and anywhere in the Great Outdoors. Explore nearby hiking trails, go biking, or have a family picnic in a scenic park. If you live near a beach or lake, plan a day of swimming, sandcastle building, and beach games. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the invigorating feeling of being active outdoors.
20. Start a family book club
A family book club is a fantastic staycation idea for Spring because it combines the joy of reading with quality family time. It provides an opportunity for everyone in the family to come together, explore new literary worlds, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Reading books together not only cultivates a love for reading but also sparks conversations, encourages critical thinking, and strengthens family bonds. By choosing engaging reads that appeal to different age groups, everyone can participate and share their thoughts and emotions about the story.
It’s a chance to create shared experiences, broaden perspectives on life, and foster a lifelong appreciation for literature. Plus, cozying up with a good book is the perfect way to relax and unwind during your staycation. So grab your favorite novels, gather in a comfortable space, and let the adventures begin!
More Spring Break activities and ideas!
Make sure you check out our other spring posts for more Spring Break activities!
- Spring Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 11 Cute Spring Wreaths
- Kid-Friendly Spring Break Destinations Outside the United States
- 29 Spring Crafts and Activities for Kids
- Spring Break Destinations Inside the US that are Kid-Friendly
- 6 Ways to Keep Your Lawn and Garden Free From Harmful Insects
- Free Spring Printables for Kids
- 25 Earth Day Crafts and Activities for Kids
- 25 free printable spring cleaning checklists.
Pin These Unique Spring Break Staycation Ideas
Whether you do any (or all) of these unique spring break staycation ideas, having a plan is the key! Have fun and making the most of spring break with your kids home from school!
