It’s been a year since COVID-19 hit the U.S., and for most of us, we haven’t stepped into an airport just as long. The pandemic certainly has changed how we celebrate, how we gather, how we travel, and how we unwind.
So, while Spring Break will look very different (again) this year, now more than ever, we need this break from virtual learning and Zoom meetings.
Here are a few ways you can safely survive your week off while making some great family memories together!
RV Rental
The staycation is the new vacation. You don’t have to venture far to find adventure. Book an Airstream or RV and take a road trip! Driving 1–2 hours outside the city changes up the scenery and can be a very recharging experience for everyone. Outdoorsy is the Airbnb of motor homes.
Glamping
We also recommend you try Glamping! Where nature meets the fun stuff that comes with camping meets modern luxury accommodations. So, bring on the s’mores and leave the flimsy air mattresses at home.
Geocaching
Geocaching can be a fun, kid-friendly way to explore outdoor spaces. Whether you are hiking a trail in a national park or taking a walk in your neighborhood, you’ll be amazed at the number of caches waiting to be found!
Get Outdoors
After a year of being sequestered in our homes and parked in front of a screen, Spring Break is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and wide-open spaces. Most of the National Parks are now open to day visitors and many are now open for camping. Whether you are traveling to Yosemite National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or Zion National Park, spring is a perfect time to see America’s wildflowers in all of their splendor.
Did you know that 4th graders and their families have free access to over 2,000 federal lands across the U.S.? The National Park Service’s Every Kid Outdoors program aims to get children ages 9 to 11 years old outside and enjoy America’s wilderness, wildlife, and historical landmarks. The program will be extended to 5th graders in August 2021.
If you decide to cancel spring break and stay at home, that is perfectly okay as well!
STEM
Setup a STEM camp and try out these 25 creative crafts beyond slime! (because we know you don’t need any more of that in your house)
Virtual Tours
Plan an Artist’s Retreat and visit these 12 famous museums around the world from your couch.
Virtual Classes
Check out Flexable’s engaging, online classes. From acting to dance, and from circle time to clay, they offer fun, virtual experiences for kids ages 3 to 10 years old.
Volunteer
Volunteer to do some spring cleaning in your neighborhood and local parks. It gets everyone outside, teaches kids to be responsible, caring citizens, and the whole family will feel great afterward for doing good in your community. A trip to the ice cream or frozen yogurt shop makes a delicious reward after a day of hard work.
Whatever you chose to do, remember to check with airlines, hotels, and the CDC website for the latest travel updates and quarantine regulations. Parents.com also put together a great guide on how families can travel safely during the pandemic.
So, ditch the screens, sleep in and stay up late, make a playlist for those road trips, pack plenty of masks and hand sanitizer, and have a wonderful spring break!