Spring Break Boredom Busters!

Spring Break is finally here! I know some moms out there dread the week off but I love it. I feel like my kids are growing up so quickly that I can’t get enough one on one time with them. Getting to stay in my jammies and not having to see the o’ungodly wakeup time of 5:30am are just added bonuses. Nevertheless, having them home all day everyday means that I need to be on my A game. They will want to be entertained, having fun, and engaged in something at all times.

Challenge Accepted.

Despite the fact that this is SPRING break it is snowing outside and I know some of my moms in the Midwest are experiencing more snow too. So for Snow Day ideas I suggest my Snow Day Ideas for Kids. But for those of you who are enjoying nice weather I thought you might need/want some boredom busters.

1. Become Scientists (being mad is optional!) and create your own lab!

The internet is full of great ideas and simple science experiments. Here are three of our favorites:

• Create a volcano

                  All you need is baking soda, vinegar, plastic container, and food coloring (optional but it makes it look cool!) You could measure your ingredients or just wing it like my husband did. Honestly it makes for a bigger explosion and more giggles if you just combine a lot of the baking soda and vinegar!

• Tornado in a bottle

                Take 2 empty 2 liter bottles. Fill one two-thirds of the way full with water. Add food coloring if you like for extra wow. Tape the tops of the bottles together using masking tape or duct tape. Turn upside down and make circles with the bottles to create the tornado effect.

• Rainbow Carnations

                 Turn boring white carnations into the colors of the rainbow! You will need a vase for each flower. Fill with water and add 10 to 20 drops of food coloring (depending on size of vase). Place one flower in each color and let them sit for about a day. Your little ones will be amazed at the magic flowers!

2. Visit a National Park or Museum.

We are very fortunate here in the DC Metro area to be a stone’s throw from several historic sites, battlefields, and museums. The National Park Service offers a list of parks by state.

3. Organize a Spring Cleaning Party.

This doesn’t sound like a lot of fun and I’m sure your children, if old enough, will think you are tricking them. But seriously, you can make it fun, get your house decluttered and teach them about helping others in need. I put on some upbeat Disney movie songs and we dance around while we straighten up and clean out our rooms. We also pick out toys, clothes, etc that can be donated to those less fortunate than us. What kind of a party would it be without dessert? We celebrate having a clean house with the yummy Stonyfield frozen greek yogurt topped with organic sprinkles!

4. Never underestimate the power of the Playdate.

This might be a no brainer but I think sometimes we forget that it is ok to not be our child’s playmates 24/7. Chances are you have a friend who has their children home too and could use a break.

5. Create a Craft Studio in your house.

All those fun pins on Pinterest, DIY gift ideas, home decor projects, now is the time to get started! I love letting the kids dig into our craft drawers and create whatever is in their hearts. This is also perfect for any handmade gifts that need to be finished in time for Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.

6. Visit the Library for Storytimes and other programs. 

Our library offers a variety of programs for children of all ages. I would encourage you to visit your local library’s website or visit them to learn more about the programs offered. It’s educational, fun, and free!

7. Kid’s Choice. Let them pick what they want to do.

I try to remember that being structured and a planner is a good thing but that I need to also feed my children’s creativity and give them the chance to make choices for themselves. Whether it’s a Mommy Daughter date or vacation time, I always let them choose one activity all on their own. Of course if it is something crazy like going to the moon that’s not going to happen! But hey let’s visit the air and space museum and see the space ships!

I hope these ideas help you keep your troops happy and your sanity in tack this week. And as a former teacher, I am sure your child’s teacher would love to hear that you appreciate all they do and how hard they work!

Do you have anything fun planned for Spring Break?