Spring break is just around the corner, so say hello to a fun respite and some quality family time. This year, plan an epic staycation with your kids at home!
Think beyond normal day-to-day activities and plan some pastimes the whole family will enjoy. Here are seven ways to have a blast with your children without leaving your hometown – or breaking the bank.
Be top chefs.
Get inspired by the popular “Top Chef” TV show and issue a challenge to your kids to create something delicious with the ingredients already in your refrigerator and pantry. Set some ground rules like how much time is allowed and how many ingredients they can use. If your children are too young to do this alone, you and your partner or older children can form teams with them. Bonus: Those forgotten items in the panty will be put to good use. Let the creativity begin!
Create fun arts and crafts.
Let your kids channel their inner Picassos by making individual masterpieces or a collective mural on butcher paper. Look to Pinterest for a myriad of ideas for kids’ crafts. Start with rock, paper and scissors! Craft these rock photo holder gems and insert a photo for grandparents or other special people in your life. The bonus rooms at Pardee homes make a great flex space to spread out for arts and crafts.
Indulge in a spa day at home.
Set up a personal luxe spa at home for an easier-on-the-pocketbook and convenient experience. Gorgeous baths in Pardee homes are already designed to make you feel like you have a personal retreat. Apply face masks and hair treatments and explore new nail colors together.
Make a movie or music video.
Plan a dance or music video or even a mini documentary. You or your children can film with a smartphone or tablet and share the movie debut with family and friends. You just might be encouraging the next Beyoncé or Steven Spielberg!
Plan a read-a-thon.
Libraries often have free, fun activities scheduled for children, especially during school breaks. Check your local library schedule and see if there is anything that interests your children. Or plan your own read-a-thon at home. Give fun prizes for chapters and books they read. Sites like Mommy Poppins offer great ideas.
Organize a campout.
Pull out the tent, camping gear and sleeping bags. Set up the tent in the backyard (or even the living room if the weather does not cooperate). Have a cookout on the grill and make s’mores over the fire pit. Play after-dark games like flashlight tag and tell ghost stories.
