Spring Break is probably looking a lot different for most families this year. If you normally travel, you may be grounded. While that’s not a happy thing for most of us, we can make the best of this time off with our Grands with a little preparation. Here are five ideas for close-to-home spring break activities to help you fill and enjoy the time.
Spring Break Activities
Buy 3-5 travel books, or print materials from the internet, for places that might be realistic for a family trip one day. Bring snacks and have a meeting around a family dining room table exploring and planning for someday. Alternatively,
Bring a photo album of a trip you once enjoyed. Preferably one the whole family didn’t take. Again, sit down around the family dining table and explore the photos and memories. Share stories about your adventure. Include descriptions of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the place you visited. Maybe have older Grands look up fun facts about the places the photos depict. Help Grands to see beyond the four walls of their home and into the adventure of exploring other cultures and geographical areas of the world.Part of my own curiosity about travel was formed by my grandmother traveling to Hawaii in the 1970s. Back then it sounded so exotic and interesting when she talked about her trip that I couldn’t wait until it was my turn to explore the world! I’ve worn out many suitcases since then and had some amazing experiences.
Explore the world via cooking. With your Grands, choose one or two cultures different from your own and find recipes to try. Involve them in the shopping and cooking of a meal completely different from your usual. It’s amazing how different food spices are used around the globe. After a trip to India, I came home and made a spice mixture for Indian cooking. As they roasted together, the spices filled my home with a fragrant reminder of my trip. Encouraging young family members to try new combinations of food and spices can be fun and create lifelong interests in both cooking and culture.
Young parents have spent a lot of time at home with children in the last year. Many have struggled with remote learning situations. They’re tired. Simply giving your children a break and getting the Grands out of the house (if it’s possible in your area) may be a great spring break for all involved. Have a mini camping trip in your living room or backyard.
Let the Grands be teachers for a day. Have them teach you how to play their favorite video game. When we take an interest in what they love, we let them know how much they mean to us. Kids often love to take the lead, too. Giving them an opportunity to shine will tighten your relationship with them.
Share Your Ideas in the Comments!
Share your ideas for making Spring Break special this year. We could all use inspiration as we recover from this time of crisis.
For more activities and grandparent resources, join the GPAZ Community today!