The following is a guest post by Linda Robinson. This post contains affiliate links.
Each year, children get extended breaks during the spring and summer to enjoy time as a family. Here are five ways to make the most of these breaks this year, whether you stay at home or explore a new place.
With the pandemic still raging on, the outdoors remains the safest way to enjoy yourself and remain COVID-free. That's why camping is an excellent way to spend your vacation. Plus, the physical and psychological benefits of your children spending time outdoors are unquestionable.
Each year, children get extended breaks during the spring and summer to enjoy time as a family. Here are five ways to make the most of these breaks this year, whether you stay at home or explore a new place.
Consider Camping
With the pandemic still raging on, the outdoors remains the safest way to enjoy yourself and remain COVID-free. That's why camping is an excellent way to spend your vacation. Plus, the physical and psychological benefits of your children spending time outdoors are unquestionable.
Keep in mind that you don't have to tent camp. You could rent a cabin, yurt, or other similar structure for a different way to get out in nature.
And as we all have experienced lately, the weather can be really unpredictable. So if your local weather is starting to turn chilly when you're planning your vacation, consider camping further south.
If you're not off work during the break, you could plan for a few day trips rather than a lengthy getaway.
First, take into consideration your budget for these day trips. Ask your local parent or homeschool groups on Facebook for ideas on free or low-budget activities and events in your area. Packing snacks and a lunch are a great way to save money. And always look/ask for special events for homeschoolers, which may offer admission at a discount.
If you can't take off work, you could opt to stay at home. Turn your backyard into a play area by getting a bouncy house or trampoline. Pitch a tent in the backyard and build a fire. Create an obstacle course out of items you already have in your home and have the whole family race.
You can avoid traveling on public transportation by planning a road trip. Have the family discuss places they'd like to visit and plan to see a few of those and possibly others along the way. Think of beaches, mountains, and outdoor landmarks. Research those places first so you can provide your children with plenty of interesting information about the sites.
Make sure you bring a camera, snacks, and ideas to keep everyone entertained, such as sing-along songs and road trip games. Consider taking journals for your kids to document the adventure. And when you come home, sit down as a family and make a scrapbook of everything you did along the way.
As you plan your family vacation, make safety a priority, whether you're at home or away. This way, you can make the most of this getaway together!
And as we all have experienced lately, the weather can be really unpredictable. So if your local weather is starting to turn chilly when you're planning your vacation, consider camping further south.
Plan a Day Trip or Two
If you're not off work during the break, you could plan for a few day trips rather than a lengthy getaway.
First, take into consideration your budget for these day trips. Ask your local parent or homeschool groups on Facebook for ideas on free or low-budget activities and events in your area. Packing snacks and a lunch are a great way to save money. And always look/ask for special events for homeschoolers, which may offer admission at a discount.
Additionally, think about your children's interests and plan something everyone will enjoy. You may need to plan more than one trip to accommodate everyone's interests. Even if finding things everyone likes isn't an issue, plan more than one activity to make sure your children get unique opportunities.
Choose to Stay at Home
If you can't take off work, you could opt to stay at home. Turn your backyard into a play area by getting a bouncy house or trampoline. Pitch a tent in the backyard and build a fire. Create an obstacle course out of items you already have in your home and have the whole family race.
Check out the MommyMaestra Pinterest board on Outdoor Fun for ideas on easy ways to make your backyard into an activity center your family will love!
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| @mahlkornel |
Plan a Road Trip
You can avoid traveling on public transportation by planning a road trip. Have the family discuss places they'd like to visit and plan to see a few of those and possibly others along the way. Think of beaches, mountains, and outdoor landmarks. Research those places first so you can provide your children with plenty of interesting information about the sites.
Make sure you bring a camera, snacks, and ideas to keep everyone entertained, such as sing-along songs and road trip games. Consider taking journals for your kids to document the adventure. And when you come home, sit down as a family and make a scrapbook of everything you did along the way.
Plan for Safe Fun
As you plan your family vacation, make safety a priority, whether you're at home or away. This way, you can make the most of this getaway together!
Road-Tripping Resources for Kids
If your family is embarking on a road trip, help boost your kids' English or Spanish vocabulary along the way with this bilingual packet of 10 travel-related games. From Red Car, Blue Car to the License Plate Game, your kids can do each activity sheet alone, or with other kids. Just print and go.
Other (English) travel journals you may enjoy...
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Top image credit: evgenyatamanenko
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