Simplify Life: Fun Ideas for Spring Break in the Silicon Valley

Monday, March 15, 2010

Fun Ideas for Spring Break in the Silicon Valley

What can you do this Spring Break that will be fun and memorable for your family? If you don't feel like standing in line for hours at Disneyland or dealing with crowds, consider a staycation. There are so many wonderful things to do and explore close to home here in the Silicon Valley. Here are a few ideas.

Places to Visit

· Parks are always fun for kids but don’t forget gardens. There are a number of children’s gardens you could visit, and then when you get home, your kids can plant seeds or plants from a nursery in a pot or in your yard. This provides ongoing fun – all summer they can watch it grow.

· Zoos, wildlife areas, aquariums or whale watching make an enjoyable day outing. Kids love animals. Just be sure to pack clothing for the possibility of changing weather, a stroller for little legs that get tired, and of course snacks and drinks.

· Museums are wonderful places for children to visit and learn. There are so many in our area that you can choose one that will be appropriate for the age and attention span of your kids.

· Libraries offer a great experience for children, and if you don’t limit yourself to the one closest to you, you’ll find different activities offered, like pajama story time.

· Children’s theaters or going to the movies are great for an afternoon outing, especially if it’s raining.

Things to Do

· Swimming and splashing in the water are fun ways to spend your time on a warm day. And keep in mind that pools aren’t the only places to go. Why not find a clean creek or stream to explore and then you’d be able to enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time?

· Learning a new skill would make Spring Break really memorable. It could be skating, swimming, horseback riding, cooking, sewing, etc.

· Taking a favorite story and turning it into a puppet show—whether finger puppets or hand puppets this is a great project. You’ll want to remember to video it because their performance will be something you’re going to want to keep and share with grandparents and friends.

· Spending the day in the kitchen baking cookies and making dinner can be fun. Try a recipe from a different type of food than you usually eat—Mexican, Chinese, and so on.

· Planning a sports day will be a big hit. It could be watching a game, going for a bike ride, or skiing.

Remember, you don’t have to schedule events for every minute of Spring Break. In fact, too many scheduled activities can become stressful. What kids want most of all is just to have the time and attention of their parents. So the important thing is to be there for them as much as possible.

If you can’t be on vacation because you have to work through the break, in the evenings and weekend when you’re home, plan on making it a special time for your kids by devoting time to them. It doesn’t have to be really involved. Simple things like reading a book to them, playing games with them, going for walks, or bike rides, or just planning special fun dinners for the week will let them know that they are special to you.