The Self-Care Mom

Planning a last-minute spring break family vacation can be stressful. These inexpensive spring break ideas for families will help guide you with things to do during March break.

You don’t need to travel far to get the most out of an at-home family vacation. Simpy discussing ideas with the kids can be helpful when planning for family-friendly spring break trips.

With plans to visit family and friends next month, I’ve been thinking of ways to get the most out of an affordable spring break. 

Budgeting yourself is important with multiple kids. Cheap spring break options are available, however, you need to do research in your area to know what’s going on during that week. 

How To Travel Cheap With My Family

Finding the best deals when traveling with family will require some digging. You can create the perfect spring break right in your own town for cheap. 

If you search on Facebook Events, you’ll be able to get a handful of ideas on what to do with the kids. You can also filter your search based on things happening that week or the following. 

Traveling to places in your city is always the cheapest option when you’re looking to save money. You can check out what other locals are doing in your area by asking around. 

If you’re planning to travel outside of your city, then I recommend having a budget that includes emergency money as well. 

Family vacations can be exciting, but you want to plan ahead in case anything happens while traveling with kids. 

Other things to keep in mind when thinking of spring break ideas for families: 

1. Choose your destinations ahead of time.
2. Compare options based on cost.
3. Look for free ideas for spring break vacations.
4. Think of transportation options.
5. Stay away from popular areas.

When you choose your destinations ahead of time, you make it easier for you and your family to know what to expect. If you’re looking into an area you’ve never been, then I recommend doing research well in advance. 

You can compare options based on cost to help narrow down your spring break ideas for kids. Look for options that include a place to stay with activities for your family to enjoy together. 

One of my favorite places to stay when traveling to Orlando is the Balmoral Resort. The kids enjoy their stay as well because it has a lot of families to do aside from comfortable vacation homes. 

You can look for free ideas for spring break vacations on city newspapers. There are a variety of events that take place when schools are closed.

Now more than ever, it’s best to save money instead of overspending during week-long vacations.

Plan ahead and think of transportation options that can help you budget your trip. It’s recommended that you take public transportation over tourist options.

Not only is it a budget-friendly but they will help you see more of the actual location.

When you stay away from popular areas, you’re giving yourself a better chance to enjoy the time off with your family. This way, you don’t need to worry about potential dangers as well.

Best Spring Break Destinations In The US

There are a variety of places you can visit with your family within the United States. According to Momma Wanderlust, these places are worth penciling into your spring break ideas for families in 2021: 

1. Washington, DC
2. Charleston, SC
3. San Diego, CA
4. Helen, GA
5. Orlando, FL
6. Boulder, CO
7. Hilton Head, SC
8. Tempe, AZ
9. Galvenston, TX
10. Outer Banks, NC
11. Palm Springs, CA
12. Zion National Park, UT
13. Thomasville, GA
14. Philadeplia, PA
15. The Florida Keys, FL
16. Sedona, AZ
17. St. Louis, MI
18. New York City, NY

Picking a destination from the list above is easy. All you need to do is think of the following: 

• What city would make the best spring break trip for my family? 
• Are any of these places local to my area? 
• Is it worth traveling right now? 
• Which town would help me save money with kids? 

Sometimes when planning for a trip out of state, you find yourself thinking of all the possibilities. Booking a last-minute spring break family vacation might be worth it if it’s something you’ve been wanting to do for a long time. 

If you’re still confused about where to go for spring break, then I recommend planning one in your own area with the kids. This way you save yourself the headache of trying to cram everything into one week or overspending when you don’t need to. 

What Are The Best Cheap Family Vacations

Planning a trip with the kids can get pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. With everything going on, a lot of places are excited to be open. 

Places like Disney World in Orlando, FL are offering discounts for those interested in visiting the theme parks. Right now, Florida residents pay $109 per day, per ticket. 

For those looking to book a 3-day ticket, the price drops to less than $60 a day. You can visit one park or book for others as well. Epcot in Orlando is perfect for families to explore. 

You can travel to one of the cheapest beaches to visit in the US

• Myrtle Beach, SC
• South Padre Island, TX
• Florida Panhandle, FL
• Cannon Beach, OR
• Virginia Beach, VA

These beaches are known to be inexpensive for travelers and make the best option for the best spring break ideas for families on a budget. 

March Break Things To Do In Your Town

Finding budget-friendly options starts by exploring your own area. When searching for options available online, it’s best to ask family and friends about their favorite things to do together. 

When spring break destinations aren’t in the picture, you can also opt for March break things to do in your city. There are a variety of at-home spring break ideas for you to try with the kids. Most are things you can do in the comfort of your own home. 

You can create a Yes Day for the kids during their break from school to help them get the most out of the time off. All you need are fun mom ideas in hand. 

Below is a list of things to do over spring break at home:

1. Head to a local park
2. Make plans with their friends’ parents
3. Try something new
4. Take long walks with the family
5. Plan a game night
6. Focus on something everyone enjoys
7. Create a slumber party 
8. Plan a scavenger hunt
9. Get a dance party going
10. Set up an obstacle course for the kids
11. Learn a new skill
12. Check in on someone nearby
13. Make a list of things you’d like to do as a family
14. Create themed days for everyone
15. Schedule a no-chores day
16. Spend the day exploring a nearby city
17. Visit the beach
18. Search for things people do in your area, and try them
19. Start a family garden
20. Bake something delicious
21. Stop by the local library and pick out books
22. Work on a family scrapbook
23. Make a calendar for summer activities to try
24. Take a family member out to lunch
25. Head over to a museum
26. Have a swim day
27. Book yourselves an art day 
28. Start a fun project together

Head to a local park

The weather has been quite breezy here in South Florida. Most mornings are chilly and require sweats and a sweater to get through the morning walks with our pups. Since the afternoons are a lot warmer on most days, I recommend filling up those bellies and heading out to a local park. Choose one they already love. This will get them excited about the day.

Make plans with their friends’ parents

You’re not the only one who doesn’t know what to do with their kids, so ring up one of your favorite parents from the morning drop-off and come up with plans for one of the days. 

It can be a pool day at your local YMCA or community pool, or head over to an arcade center. Whatever you do, make sure you tie in some time for yourself.

Try something new

One of our favorite things to do when we’re all home is to pack the car with snacks and head out on the road. Most of the time we think of a place we’ve been wanting to try but have yet to see. Always go for the inexpensive ones in case you don’t like the place.

Take a long walk with friends

I don’t know what it is about a long walk, but it’s always been one of my favorite things to do. Thankfully, our kids enjoy it as well. No matter where we go — a local park, our community or an outdoor mall — the boys are always excited to just be outdoors with us. It’s really a blessing to see their smiles when we head out to explore.

Plan a Game Night

Grab a couple of snacks from your favorite grocery store and dust off those board games. I recently introduced Chess and Checkers to the kids and they are loving it.

It also helps with getting the kids to be more strategic in their thinking. 

Create a Slumber Party

A slumber party is a fun way to let the kids sleep in a little later and go to sleep late at night. One day is a good idea, but don’t make it a habit so they don’t get used to it. 

You can try and stay up watching movies or binge-watching a family comedy series. These are fun for everyone and worth staying up late to watch. 

Plan a scavenger hunt

Whether you’re planning to take the scavenger hunt outdoors or inside the house, it’s important to have an awesome prize at the end. 

The kids have a list of ideas on what they’d like the prize to be, so ask away and start planning your family scavenger hunt. 

Host an escape room event

You can either go to a place or create one at home. Have the kids stuck in a room filled with clues and tricks to getting themselves out. 

Bonus: This works as a me-time event as well. 

Get a dance party going

There’s nothing more exciting than getting up and shaking it down. Make time for a dance party using your kids’ favorite music. 

They’ll appreciate being silly with you. 

Set up an obstacle course for the kids

This spring break idea is perfect to do at a local park or on the playground. Invite friends and family members to join in and make it a family affair. 

It’s great to get everyone outside and enjoying time together. 

Learn a new skill

Learning something new will come in handy for future events. Focusing on things the kids have been wanting to try is a great start on the type of skills they’re like to try. 

Make sure it’s something you can work on with them as well. This will come in handy in building their confidence. 

Check in on someone nearby

Whether you’re thinking of visiting friends or family, it’s important to check in on them to see how they’re feeling. Now more than ever, it’s nice to spread a little kindness. 

Your kind gesture could help someone who might be having a bad day.

Make a list of things you’d like to do as a family

Kids have an idea of how they’d like to spend their spring break. Simply asking around the dinner table at night is a great way to get the kids involved with planning events. 

Bonus: It takes off the planning part from your plate. 

Create themed days for everyone

Themed days can be fun. Ask your family what they’re like to wear or do during the break and start implementing them the first day. 

You could even make it part of your spring break trip.

Schedule a no-chores day

This will come in handy for the kids since they could use a break from kids house chores as well. Even parents deserve a day off, so make this week one to remember with the family. 

Spend the day exploring a nearby city

Maybe you don’t have anything in your town that you’d like to try. Check out nearby cities and see what’s there to try with the kids. 

There are activities for kids during spring break happening right now that you can use as part of your planning. 

Visit the beach

The beach is always a great idea for the family. It’s relaxing and can be a morning activity or an all-day one. It just depends on what your family is looking to do. 

When you visit the beach, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to relax. Just keep an eye on the kids and make sure the currents aren’t too strong.

Search for things people do in your area, and try them

A simple Google search will help you come up with a variety of spring break ideas for the family to enjoy together. 

Type in “family fun” and your town next to it and see what’s available nearby. This can help narrow down your search for suggestions. 

Start a family garden

Head over to your local farm or grocery store and pick out plants that you’d like to include in your garden. 

There are seeds you can find at any store to get started on your garden. It’s a great excuse for the kids to play with dirt as well. 

Bake something delicious

Baking for the family is a great option for the kids to try. It teaches them something new and they get a treat from it. 

Be sure to throw in this activity before hosting a slumber party or camping out. This treat is perfect for everyone to enjoy together. 

Stop by the local library and pick out books

This is a free option for kids who love a good adventure. You can also get the kids and yourself to act out the scenes in the books they read. 

Work on a family scrapbook

If your family has accumulated several photos over the years, then a scrapbook would be great as a family project. The kids can pick out the images they’d like to use per page. 

Make a calendar for summer activities to try

Maybe a week isn’t enough for your family to enjoy a vacation together. If this is the case, then you’ll need to start planning for the summer. 

Also, you can use a summer calendar to help work in family activities everyone enjoyed the most. This idea of planning ahead will make summer fun a breeze for you and the family. 

Take a family member out to lunch

If there’s someone you haven’t seen in a while, then you may want to invite them out. A quick lunch date is perfect for the family to get in some laughs. 

You can have it be a spur of the moment event or plan it ahead. Reach out to loved ones and let them know about the possibility of getting together during the week of spring break. 

Head over to a museum

Museums are a great place for kids to learn something new. Use a trip to a local museum to get the kids excited about exploring different adventures. 

Make sure to see if there are any discount days, and book those for you and the kids. 

Have a swim day

Getting outdoors is fun, but you’ll work up a sweat. Plan a swim day for the kids to make use of the community pool. You can also head over to your local swim school and find out if they have any community swim days. 

Book yourselves an art day 

Getting creative can be fun for the kids, and works as a destressor for parents. Use the time to make cards for someone you love or plan to visit soon. 

This will come in handy for upcoming holidays as well.

Start a fun project together

Whether you’re thinking of reworking the inside of your home or simply organizing a space in one of the bedrooms, it’s important to get the kids involved. 

The best way to get the kids involved in your project is to make it about them. If you’re planning to organize their bedroom or homework space, then you’ll want to get their feedback first. 

How To Survive Spring Break With Kids

Spring break means warm weather and some much-needed family time. You’re probably thinking all of the things mentioned above sound great, but how can you survive another week with the kids at home. 

Aside from keeping your kids entertained, you’ll need to keep some things in mind. 

For some, the pandemic has not stopped their plans for spring break with their family. For those staying indoors, spending quality time with their family is enough. 

So, how do you survive that week your kids are off from school? These tips should do the trick:

1. Relax

No matter where you go or what you’re doing, it’s enough to give yourself and your family a break. Make sure you’re in a family-friendly environment. 

2. Drive

Driving around instead of flying helps you appreciate the scenery more. Make sure you plan enough time for driving to and from your destination(s). 

3. Unplug

Consider leaving tablets and laptops at home. Unplugging from social media and/or work can be a great breather for you and your family. This will encourage you to be more present as well.

4. Stay

At-home spring break ideas are safer than traveling outside of your comfort zone. It can also help you avoid potential dangers. 

5. Get creative

The more time you invest in researching what to do, the more fun you’ll have together as a family. Spring break is one week, you can also plan as you go. 

6. Budget

Stick to a budget and don’t go a dollar more! This will help you enjoy yourself stress-free when the bill comes in. 

7. With Kids

Create a travel kit for everyone on the road. It’s perfect for smaller children and will help you when the kids are “bored” in between events.

8. Pack food

Packing your own snacks will help you save money while traveling with kids. This way, you’re not tempted to overspend. 

9. Splurge (within reason) 

If you planned ahead, you can sit back and enjoy the time you have with the family. A little splurging helps with little ones (just not too much). 

10. Have a daily routine

With a daily routine, you’re giving the kids an idea of what to expect every day. You’ll want to keep it similar to your weekly routine while they’re in school.

By doing this, you’re making the transition back to school easy. 

11. Divide time throughout the day

You might not be able to take time out of your daily schedule during spring break. This is why it’s important to keep time blocks throughout the day to accomplish the necessary tasks. 

Whether you’re working from home or not, it’ll be helpful for you to set time for yourself and your needs as well.

12. Make it a priority to book individual time

Once you’ve set aside for the things you need to get accomplished, it’ll help to set time for each kid, your spouse, and yourself. 

Everyone will need attention, and the easier you make it for yourself to do so, the better off you’ll be. 

13. Add quiet time

Downtime is important for parents — especially during spring break with multiple kids. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the kids entertain themselves for a couple of minutes to a half-hour while you finish something around the house. 

Final Thoughts On Spring Break Ideas

When planning family-friendly activities on a budget, you’ll want to think of what to do with everyone at home. The kids will help in coming up with ideas.

Be sure to add surprises here and there for the kids. It’ll help with spicing things up during the week.

The more you plan ahead the better off you’ll be. Sometimes it’s not easy to get a head start when you have other pressing things weighing on your mind. If you make it into a game and include the kids, you’ll have a better chance of your spring break being a success.

Whether you decide to explore locally or venture out of the state, know that just being together is enough. Create those memories and make them worth looking back on.

These are years you’ll never get back, and they’re worth making the best out of the time you have with the kids.