Simple Ideas for Getting the Most Out of Your School Breaks

Guest blog post provided by Kristin Louis of parentingwithkris.com

If you’re hoping to have some special school breaks this year, you might not have to go very far. Whether you choose to stay at home or take a short trip, there are plenty of ways to enjoy family time while your kids are taking time off. And if you are homeschooling your children, you can take advantage of some of these great ideas as educational opportunities throughout the school year, too! ​

If the weather permits, try doing some outdoor activities to get the added benefit of sunshine and nature. Maybe you could create your own giant Jenga set, twister mat or chess board. You can also play the classic game of bean bag toss or arrange a backyard movie night; grab some blankets, pillows and a big bowl of hot popcorn for an outdoor showing of a classic film. 

​If you want something with a little more physical activity, set up a volleyball net and invite neighbors over for a tournament. Or, organize a kickball or handball game with awards of your choosing for the winner. 
Another option is to encourage learning more about the outdoors. Younger children might enjoy taking on an art or science project inspired by the scenery outside.
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If you plan to spend time in your backyard during school breaks or as part of your homeschooling curriculum this year, you need to ensure it is safe, especially if you have younger children running around. If your property does not have a fence, find a reputable fence company to get the job done quickly. Just make sure that any candidate you consider is licensed and insured.

If it’s too cold outside or something else is making your family want to stay in, there are plenty of fun activities you can do at home with kids of all ages.

For instance, you can research a new recipe online and cook or bake together. You could arrange a marathon of your favorite movie series and lounge around.

​Or, you could make a family game night that showcases one of the many classic or new family-friendly board games. 

​​Some examples to consider include:

• What Do You Meme?
• Forbidden Island
• Spontaneous 
• Settlers of Catan
• Codenames

You can also find great homeschool resources online that you can adapt for fun break times, too. Check out these free resources and additional activities featured here on The Teacher Treasury!​

If the fam is itching to get out of the house, no worries. You don’t need to go very far to have a special school break together. Consider exploring your own town and treating it like a vacation. For example, maybe you could list out restaurants, beaches or hiking trails you’ve always wanted to check out. Or maybe there is a local museum with a new exhibit that could keep everyone in the family entertained. Also, consider any camping or historic sites nearby, both of which can be great with your homeschooling curriculum.

Whether you are staying inside or heading out with the kids, make sure you are comfortable. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, a stylish maternity black dress can help you feel comfortable and confident while also easily nursing your child on the go.

If there is simply nothing that your family wants to do in town, research vacation destinations in your region. To get the most from your time together, try sticking with a place that is within a few hours’ drive. Look online for well-known mountain, beach and lake locations, and research the nearby attractions of each place to get an idea of what your family can do. Then, find a vacation rental in your destination of choice. Along with providing your family with more privacy and comfort, staying in a vacation rental can prove more cost-effective than staying in a hotel.

You don’t have to go very far to make the upcoming school breaks with your family special. Consider the ideas for having fun at home, try something new in your hometown and consider destinations to which you could take a road trip. In no time, you will be relaxing and having a blast with your loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

What do you think about this post? 
What do you and your family enjoy doing during school breaks?
​Please leave a comment and share your thoughts below. ​

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