As March break rolls around you may be disappointed that the weather isn’t
nicer. As children have been confined indoors over the winter, they may
be just as disappointed as you that their March break will be mostly an
indoor affair. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! The secret
to a happy and successful holiday is having lots of March break activities
for your children to do.
Field trip
Museums, art galleries, zoos and aquariums usually have specials over holidays
that make field trips more affordable for families. Check websites for
free days or family pricing. This is a great way to spend a day learning
and exploring and it’s an activity that gets you out of the house.
Holiday cooking class
This is a great time to teach your children the basics of cooking. Whether
you are cooking dinner, baking cookies or making ginger bread mansions,
learning to cook is a very valuable educational experience. Get them to
read the recipe; not only are they reading, but they are practicing following
instructions and reading each step before completing a task which is great
practice for future exams and science experiments. Cooking also encourages
precision, measurement and experimentation.
Bedroom Makeover
This doesn’t have to cost a fortune; you can get kids to paint murals
or stencils on the walls or create art for their room. They can make new
crafts, furniture, curtains and
lampshades for their rooms.
Make your own Toys!
There are so many fun ideas for making your own toys. These projects are
great because kids have to design their own toys, build them and then
they get to play with them. They learn new skills and are entertained
for hours. Here is a great
guide to seven easy toy DIYs.
Volunteering
Local shelters, environmental groups, soup kitchen and other NGOs could
always use a helping hand. Get your child to volunteer at a charity that
resonates with them. It’s a great way to spend your time and a wonderful
learning experience.
Blanket Fort City
Blanket forts are great go-to. You can up the ante with packing boxes which
can be tuned into castles, ships, spacecraft and whole villages.
Mad Scientist
From making their own slime to rock candy, the
Science Bob website has great at-home experiments for aspiring scientists. These are fun and messy!
Play Acting
Have budding thespians in the house? March break is the perfect time to
direct a play replete with set-making sessions, make up and dress up.
Rope in some playmates and other mums so that you can take turns hosting
rehearsals.
If you have the time, enroll your children in day camps where they can
learn new things and meet new people.
Pic by Tim Pierce