This week is spring break for our family. We don’t typically plan any big trips or do anything elaborate over spring break. But, we do like to try and have as much fun as we possibly can! I’ve been working hard to gather some stay at home spring break ideas to keep us entertained. I thought I’d share the results of all my brainstorming with you!

Spring break doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be an absolute blast. You can have a great time without leaving the house or spending any money. And, you can create some really special memories without a ton of effort or planning at all!

Here are twelve really simple ideas for spring break if you’re staying at home. In our house, we’ll be choosing one thing a day over the break. Some days will be bigger (like a day trip) and some will be smaller (like doing a craft). But, no matter how big or small the activities are, what makes it special is taking the time to be intentional with your kids!

Also, before we dive into the ideas, I want to make a quick note. Spring break can be incredibly special even if you don’t plan anything extra. Kids are great at creating magic on their own. If you don’t have the time or capacity to make plans for them outside of just letting them free-range play, don’t feel guilty about that. This is a no-pressure zone. Whatever works best for your family is what you should do!

graphic with a family around a campfire with text overlay - 12 at home. spring break activities

12 Easy {Stay-at-Home} Spring Break Ideas

Here’s a rundown of some of the small ways I plan to make our spring break feel special, without taking a big trip!

  • Take a day trip. We’re spending on day at the zoo that’s about an hour and a half from our house. We’ll make a day of it with lunch, maybe a bit of shopping, and taking as much time as we want. Any fun destination within an hour or two of your house is a great day trip option. Zoos, amusement parks, museums, or even just a fresh new town are all fun!
  • Make a special snack. When my oldest was in preschool, during the summer we would always take one day a week to make a special snack. Things like apple “donuts” with peanut butter and Nutella, cookies, etc. Then we’d go grab Sonic drinks and watch a movie together. It’s been four years and he still talks about how much he loved doing it! Spring break is the perfect time to try it out.
  • Have a craft day. Spend a full morning or afternoon crafting with the kids! You can grab some craft kits affordably on Amazon (see my favorites here!), and you can also find some really awesome free options on Teachers Pay Teachers. Pick out a bunch of fun options, spread ’em all out on the table, and let the kids go to town! Bonus points if you toss in a new coloring book or some markers.
  • Have a board game day. Kids can start playing board games with you younger than you think! We’ve played game with our oldest since he was two years old. You can see a bunch of our favorites to play together right here – there are options for all ages included!
  • Have a reading party. Start by getting everyone in their pajamas – no matter what time it is! Then, make a cozy pallet or fort that everyone can climb into. Pull out a bunch of books, and have everyone. spend some time reading together. Bonus points if you turn off all the lights and make it a flashlight reading party!
  • Go camping. Can’t afford a big trip but want to get away a bit? Look at local campgrounds to see what’s available. If you don’t have a tent, many places have small cabins you can rent. We booked two nights in a cabin at our favorite campground for about $120 total, so we’ll get a full weekend away on a major budget! Don’t even want to leave for that? Set up a tent in the backyard, or a big fort in the living room!
  • Do some gardening. One of our favorite spring and summer activities is to take the kids to a local nursery and let them pick out a new plant. Then, we bring it home and do a bit of gardening! You can create raised beds in your backyard or just add them to planters for inside.
  • Tour local playgrounds. Look for some playgrounds near you that you’ve never visited and commit to visiting a new one every day of spring break! Pack a lunch and make a day of it if you really want to pass some extra time.
  • Have a movie marathon. Pick a theme (Harry Potter, superhero movies, princess movies, etc.) and plan some fun snacks around it. Then, you can print out some coloring pages for the kids to do while they watch, grab a ton of blankets, and get started! Even a lazy movie day can feel really special if you call it a marathon and add a few thematic snacks!
  • Make an outdoor masterpiece. Sidewalk chalk is a really fun way to spend an afternoon! Grab a fresh set and let the kids go to town on the driveway. You should join in too – you might be surprised at how much fun you have! You can also use spray chalk to decorate the fence or just about anything else outside.
  • Bake something together. One of our very favorite family activities is to bake together. Our specialty is chocolate chip cookies, but we also love to try new recipes together. Pull up some ideas on Pinterest (I’ve got a ton right here!) and let the kids choose one! If you really want to make a day of it, bring them to the store with you to pick up supplies, too!
  • Let the kids get creative. Pull out all of the delivery boxes you’ve received lately, toss out some markers and other craft supplies, and let the kids go to town! Encourage them to build a maze, a robot, a fort, or anything else they can dream up.

If you have any other fun, affordable, at-home spring break ideas, drop them in the comments below!

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