In theory, March Break sounds like a splendid idea. A full week for kids to relax and recharge, and in some cases, a chance for parents to take a week off and lay low at home. But in reality, what every parent fears is being constantly followed around the house and haunted by the dreaded words, “I’m bored.”
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It doesn’t have to be that way, says Shannon Kelly, managing editor of Help! We’ve Got Kids, an online resource for families and kids. With a little bit of forethought and planning, you can enjoy a week with your kids without worrying about their entertainment or your sanity.
#1 Prep your home like a camp
It’s remarkable how your kids can go off to camp for a day or weeks on end and never be bored, but it’s not really an impossible task.
“Start by stocking up on fun snacks for the week,” Kelly says. Whether that means dosing out treats or making some healthy snacks ahead of time, like kale or apple chips, giving kids an enjoyable and delicious snack adds to the feeling of being on a fun vacation.
“I also like to do things with my daughter like go through a science experiment book or art activity book and flag the things we want to try,” she says.
Do that in the week leading up to March Break and stock up on the supplies needed. This way, at the first sign of boredom, you can propose the activity and you won’t have to scramble to get organized.
#2 Plan to take a trip to your local library
“Libraries plan tons of activities during March Break, from science shows and puppet shows to screening movies. And the best part is that they’re all free,” Kelly says.
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You can usually walk to your closest library — you can even throw in an impromptu stop at the park on the way there or on the way back — and if you need some me-time, you can go lose yourself in the stacks while your kids are being entertained.
#3 Tick off some items from your winter bucket list
Depending on the weather conditions, now is a good time to hit up the local skating rink, take in an outdoor art exhibit or build a snowman.
“It’s great to plan some of these activities before it’s too late,” and it’s also a great way to spend some quality time outdoors with your kids. You’ll all get some exercise, and with any luck, you’ll tire them out.
#4 Arrange for one big outing during the week
“Obviously, you can’t plan a big trip every day, but it can also be stressful to stick close to home the whole week,” Kelly says.
This is also a great opportunity to build some excitement and anticipation over the week.
Consider hitting up a museum, a major art gallery or a science centre. They have loads of activities and events scheduled for kids throughout the week that will keep them engaged. As an added bonus, a lot of these places also have cafes where you can go and unwind for a few minutes.
#5 Stock up on baking supplies
It’s a great idea to get kids interested in cooking or baking early on. They’ll get to learn about nutrition as well as develop important life skills.
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To that end, stock up on baking supplies ahead of March Break and plan to spend an afternoon making cookies or a cake. Even little ones can get in on the fun by cracking eggs or getting to decorate their own treat.
The best part is that you all get to enjoy the fruits (or cookies) of your labour at the end of it all.
#6 Get some tips from your local childcare centre
Places like this are teeming with great ideas for keeping your kids entertained at home — and hopefully away from a digital screen.
This is where kids go every day to be stimulated and have fun, so they’re bound to have some great ideas for games and educational activities. Stop into your local centre ahead of the week and ask for some tips or for some suggestions on resources.
And if all else fails, “there are also March Break camps that you can put your kids in for a half or full day,” Kelly says. “It’s a great way to give yourself a break, too.”
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