With spring break upon us, all mothers are asking the same question: What am I going to do with the children for a whole week? Although not all mothers have the choice of being at home or taking vacations with our littles (or now maybe big kids) during this time of year, we all want our children to have a great spring break filled with making memories. These memories do not have to include extravagant places, but rather just unique experiences. I have included a few ideas for you that can be used at any time, not just spring break, but may add a little interest to the upcoming week.
Home Dance Party
Making a great memory can include something simple like a dance party. Stop by the dollar store and pick up some glow sticks, glow necklaces, and glow toys. If you really want to go all out, pick up a few black lights to substitute out your regular lights in your lamps. Order or fix your family’s favorite fun meal, whether that is pizza, breakfast for supper, simple snack trays, or a fruit and cheese platter. Dress everyone in white, turn down the lights, turn up the music, and relive those dance party days. Your children will love to see you cut free, and maybe you can even teach them a move or two!
Pick a Direction and Drive
Load your children into the car, pick a direction, and drive. Then at every stop light or red light, let your children pick the next direction. For those of you who fear being lost, don’t be afraid. In the day of the GPS, you can always find your way back home. As you travel, let each child select one stop. You never know what you will find. This activity is about the travel, not the destination.
Make a Date with Your Child
Take time over the week of spring break to make a date with each of your children. Let them pick the place and/or activity. Not only will you have fun connecting with your child, but you will be teaching them valuable planning skills for later. I let my little one tell me what food he would like to eat. Then I go and buy a gift card. He then takes me out and pays with his gift card. It makes him very grown up. If yours are a little older, have them pack a picnic and go to a special spot.
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
When was the last time you visited the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Red Mountain Park, or Sloss Furnace? With so much revitalization in downtown, there are so many new places popping up. Have you been to the Pizitz Food Hall? Many times, a new experience may just be waiting for you outside of your comfort zone. Take a walk around downtown Birmingham, Homewood, or Mountain Brook. Find a little adventure in your own backyard.
Spring break does not have to break the bank. With a little planning and exploration, you can make some great memories and try a few new things. Remember that your children have not had the experiences you have previously had. They see wonder in the simple things, like a trip to the park or to a local stream. If you have high schoolers, a good spring break may just include time to relax and unwind. They still want to be silly and have wonder, so get a movie, some pizza, and a surprise attack with some silly string! In the end, high schoolers will be happy if they get a great Snapchat or Instagram photo from the outing. Don’t over-think it. Just make memories.
