Spring Break Activities for the Family: On a Budget!

Thanks to Angie Freel of the Saline County Cooperative Extension for sharing this great spring break ideas.

·         Have a camp out in the yard.  Pitch a tent and barbecue outside.

·         Plan an afternoon at a local park. Take a picnic lunch, kites, and balls & bats for a softball game. Let the kids invite several buddies and you’ve got a memorable spring day.

·         For a Spring learning adventure, take a hike in a nature area and learn to identify birds, trees, plants, and flowers. Spring is a natural time for kids to explore science and nature.  The library offers lots of books to help! State Parks have great Spring Break programs!

·         Have a board game day. Fun to set up a board game table outside too!

·         PJ parties still rock! Get ready for popcorn, DVDs and pillow fights. No matter what age sleepovers are always a hit!

·         Do nothing.  Yes, that’s right. In today’s time of over-scheduled kids and parents, a day or two of totally unscheduled time, when your kids can sleep late, play creatively, or work on a hobby, and generally relax, may be just what the doctor ordered.

·         Museum Day – many museums offer Spring Break specials. Check their websites for details. Trucks Galore Saturday, March 16 10am - 2pm. At Mid America Science Museum’s 4th annual ‘Keep On Truckin'. Children of all ages have a chance to explore full-size fire trucks, police cars, construction equipment, and a variety of other vehicles in a family festival atmosphere. Enjoy hands-on activities in a safe environment, while supporting the Museum. $5 per person (all ages), and the first 100 kids will receive a free event t-shirt. Admission to Keep on Truckin' also entitles you to a discounted admission to the Museum (good for that Saturday only).

·         Movie Day – movie theaters usually offer movies during spring break at discounted rates during the day

·         Downtown LR Day – trolley, presidential library, Razorback, great food, Museum of Discovery, Old State House, The Department of Arkansas Heritage, Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum – USS Razorback and more! $6 adults $4 children

·         Scavenger Hunt – Easy – use photos for smaller children

·         Library – Always something going on and usually FREE

·         Help out Community – serve your community – Meals on Wheels, Maintaining flower beds, yard work for elderly, etc.

·         Spring Break Skatearama - Each day of Spring Break, the Arkansas Skatium hosts special events and themed skates for youngsters. From noon-1 p.m. on Mon. and Fri., children ages 5 and up are invited to a free skating or hockey class. Dress up in western wear on Texas Tuesday or beachy duds on Tropical

·         Thursday for free skate rentals. And on Winter Wednesday, snow will come down inside the ice arena, and kids can build a snowman.

·         Geocache – Great family treasure hunting activity that can be done right in your home town. Using a smart phone or GPS unit, you will search for hidden treasures that are hidden everywhere! See www.geocaching.com.