Did
WCPSS mess up your Spring Break plans? If you’re not going anywhere, you can
still relax and unwind from the rigors and routine of school: eat, sleep, play,
and repeat. Here are some "staycation" ideas to enjoy the break
(literally) in your own back yard:
Backyard Camping Trip. Depending upon
the overnight temps, Spring Break may be the perfect time for a backyard getaway. Turn off the cell phones – then set up a tent
with sleeping bags, make s’mores over a camp fire, tell ghost stories and play flashlight
tag.
Pajama Day. Spend an entire
day at home. Make nachos, popcorn or whatever your kids enjoy; play old-fashioned
board games; and watch sports, movies or Netflix marathons. Spend quality time
with your kids doing whatever you never have time to do because of school
schedules.
Video Game Olympics. Cold weather
can force families to stay in during the Break. If this is the case, Wii offers
lots of fun sports options where everyone can take a turn, or even play tournaments
for prizes. Dress in team colors and enjoy sports drinks, protein bars and
fresh fruits and veggies to give it an authentic touch.
Be a Tourist in Your Own City. How many people
never get around to seeing the sites in their own town? Take advantage of
Spring Break and tour your local town or surrounding area; visit the zoo,
aquarium or museum. If you live in a rural area perhaps you could visit a local
farm or vineyard. If you’re a history buff, take a walking tour of buildings in
your town and discuss the architectural influences of the period in which they
were built. Then build a scrapbook of photos from your trip! Top
places to take visitors in the Triangle. Check out your local department of
tourism for more ideas in your area.
Go to a Hotel. You may not
have time or budget to get away for Spring Break, but you could rent a room at
a local hotel with an indoor pool. Take a break from cooking for the weekend
and let the kids enjoy the hotel amenities. Many hotels offer ‘staycation’
rates to make the adventure even more affordable.
Sundae and Movie Day. If your kids
love movies, choose a theme, then select some classics to binge on for a day. Create
a sundae bar with lots of ice cream flavors and toppings.
Fly Kites. Pick a morning,
pack a picnic lunch, and head to the park to fly kites. It’s a fun activity
both parents and kids can enjoy. And the fresh air and exercise will be good
for you!
Make your Backyard a Home
for Honey Bees. Honey bees pollinate the nuts, fruits and vegetables we eat, so
our food supply suffers when their population is down. Bayer
CropSciences’ North American Bee Care Center in Research Triangle Park is
giving away free seeds to grow plants that attract bees through its Feed a Bee
Campaign. The goal is to grow 50 million flowers to make it easier for honey
bees to find the food they need — pollen and nectar. Bayer has several partners
who will help plant the seeds, and is inviting the public to plant seeds in
their backyards, too. Learn how you can get your free seeds at feedabee.com.
Soak up some Triangle
History. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, a trip back in
time is no farther away than a visit to one of the area’s local historic sites,
where docents, re-enactors and historians offer an authentic look into the
past. Also check out 10
Free Kid-Friendly Destinations and Activities in the Triangle.
Try Something New. Hike in a cave,
travel on a zip-line, ski at night, or try geo-cashing. Design an adventure
that is close to home – but has the feeling of a big adventure.
Make
this time off extraordinary by putting together a schedule for each day outlining
what you plan to do … or just 'wing it' by deciding what you want to do each
morning. The precious moments together will do you and your kids some good.
Tips shared from Julie McCaffrey at PishPoshBaby and Odile Fredericks at Carolina Parent.
