Spring break is right around the corner, and this weeklong (seven actual school days) vacation for students often leaves parents in a bind, trying to figure out how to keep their kids entertained every day. Below are some ideas for Downey Unified parents for this year’s spring break from March 28 through April 5.
Create an indoor fort
Young siblings can have a blast with one another using pillows and blankets to make a fort that they can play in all day. This activity allows kids to be creative and imaginative while also working together and honing their teamwork skills.
Put on a fashion show
Students can enjoy playing dress-up and practicing “strutting their stuff” down their makeshift runway. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to capture memorable moments through pictures and videos, and store memories in their hearts to last a lifetime.
Complete arts-and-crafts activities
With so many options available, students can be as creative and innovative as they want. Whether it’s painting, making cards for friends and loved ones, making friendship bracelets, making popsicle-stick picture frames, or a variety of other crafty activities, kids can have fun while also creating works of art that make them proud and excited to keep for themselves or gift to others.
Write stories or thank-you notes
This activity can be for students of all ages and helps keep them engaged all while improving their writing skills outside of the classroom. Kids can be asked to write stories and read them to the family at the end of the day, or they can write thank-you notes to friends, family members, teachers, USPS workers, firefighters, police officers, and other individuals in the community. It helps students understand the importance of communication as well as showing gratitude to the people in their lives.
Create an obstacle course or family Olympics games
These activities can be done inside or outside, depending on the weather and what is best for the family.. If adults are able to participate, it can add to the level of fun and excitement for their kids. This can also be enjoyable for students of all ages and allows young kids and teenagers alike to be active and creative all while spending time together as a family.
Develop or improve a skill or interest
Having a week off from school gives students extra time they wouldn’t normally have to pursue their hobbies and interests. Students who love music can practice their instruments or vocal talents more, students who are athletes can spend more time training, students who want to learn another language can use available technology to help them do so, and students who enjoy cooking or baking can practice perfecting more recipes (with adult supervision, of course). The list of possibilities goes on, but whatever it is that your child has a passion for, can have more time dedicated to that hobby.
Spend time together as a family
If it’s possible for parents/guardians to take time off (even if just for one day), spring break can be a time for families to bond with each other and grow together as a family. Whether it’s an outing to a museum, park, movie or simply having a picnic lunch on the living room floor, time outside of school is a great chance to make memories with one another. If it is not possible to take time off during the day, enjoying a family movie night together is another way to relax and be entertained while also taking advantage of quality time as a family, especially when you don’t have to wake up quite as early the next morning.