Tip to Make the Most of Spring Break with Kids: Activities & Time Together
We can all agree our children are ecstatic to take a hiatus from the classroom — Spring Break!
But…
Just because your kids get a few days off, doesn’t mean it’s always possible for us to take off from work or find funds for family vacations. Be sure to check out our 153 Ideas for Spring Break too!
Whether you’re heading on a Spring Break vaca, staying home, or maintaining your regular work schedule, every family wants to make the most of Spring Break.
Check out tips from early education experts at The Family Conservancy to help you plan & make memories. And you can find even more parenting resources at The Family Conservancy; a KC organization that empowers families so your children can have bright futures!
Our Spring Break Resources for KC:
We’ve gathered some helpful tips for you…
How to Make the Most of Spring Break with Kids:
> Explore
You don’t have to travel far to expose children to adventure. Kansas City has tons of exploring:
If you’re sticking around the area, consider dedicating a day to exploring our community. You can use the or Downtown Staycation Guide to plan an adventure in your own city…
You can even involve them in planning Spring Break activities & do a little research before your adventure. Head to your local library to find books about what you can expect.
For example, if you plan a trip to the zoo, look for books about animals you might see and where they come from. If you’re heading to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, look for books about art and history.
Your adventure is likely going to spark lots of questions, and you probably won’t have all the answers. Be mindful of the value of these questions and encourage their curiosity with questions of your own.
Don’t forget, things you’ve seen a hundred times may be new and exciting for your child. The questions they ask offer great insight into what interests them.
> Spend Time Outdoors
The weather doesn’t always make it easy, but frequent outdoor play is essential.
Studies show that today’s children are spending far less time outdoors than previous generations. Studies also show that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, and have fewer attention-related problems.
You can check out:
- Fishing Spots in KC
- Places to Camp Near You
- Explore the Best Parks & Trails around town
- Unique playgrounds in KC
…there are so many things to do outside in Kansas City!
Here are just a few of the many benefits of spending time outdoors:
- Nature stimulates all of the senses. For young children, this can trigger important thoughts.
- Nature reduces stress.
- Outdoor play offers children the space they need to run, jump, throw, catch and practice other motor skills.
Even if it’s a little chilly, dress appropriately and get outside.
A simple trip to your closest neighborhood park can provide a great break from the indoors. For a more in-depth outdoor experience, consider camping or hiking.
Limit the use of Technology
The constant stream of content that is available to us and our children can distract from meaningful interaction and opportunities to get to know one another.
While there is much debate about the “right” and “wrong” ways to parent with technology, one thing is clear – phones and video games cannot replace the meaningful interactions you can provide as your child’s parent.
Furthermore, we’re beginning to see some frightening tech-related issues arise. Recent studies have concluded that excessive exposure to technology can harm our physical, social, and mental health.
Try these tips to limit tech use so you can make the most of your time.
- Schedule tech-free time around regular activities like meals. Once you’ve set boundaries, maintain them.
- The next time your child asks you something you don’t have the answer to resist the urge to Google it. Each of you makes three guesses as to the answer.
- When you’re spending time at attractions or on vacation, ask questions of staff and pick up printed guides and information, so you don’t have to rely on your phone for directions and information.
- Read these tips to limit screen time for your kiddos. (& recommended screen time by age)
Your child will have plenty of opportunities to learn and interact with technology, but they can never have too much time playing, talking, bonding with, and learning from you.
Time with family > time with technology
Make Memories
The most important thing you can do this Spring Break is to take advantage of opportunities to spend extra time with your children.
Not everyone is able to take time off work or afford a family vacation, but you don’t need a lot of extra time or a big budget to make memories. Connect and bond with your children during your extra time together – however much that may be.
Any extra time is great!
Have other ideas on how to make the most of Spring Break? Drop your Spring Break ideas in the comments…
We hope your family gets to spend a little extra time together over Spring Break!
From our family to yours,
iFamilyKC
Brought to you by The Family Conservancy
Helping Children & Strengthening Families since 1880.
If you are interested in traveling for Spring Break we’re providing some great tips from some of our colleagues in other areas! You’ll love what they have to share:
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