Can’t travel this Spring Break? No problem! Discover 10 free (or cheap) Spring Break staycation ideas that spark creativity, encourage reading, strengthen relationships, and get you outdoors for some nature-filled fun.
Affordable (or Free) Spring Break Staycation Ideas
1. Go on a picnic (and have your own storytime)!
Pack a lunch and then visit a park, the arboretum, or even your own backyard for a family picnic. We love to do this! Sometimes I choose to bring books for the kids to read on their own. Other times, I like to pack a surprise storytime with read-alouds and maybe even a coordinating craft. There’s no need for it to be fancy- just grab a few books and print a coordinating activity and you’re all set!
2. Create a Spring Bucket List
Think of 5-10 activities that you would like to do this Spring as a family and try to make it happen. We enjoy making a bucket list for every season. A few things we like to include for spring are go on a bike ride, visit the zoo, and take a trip to the arboretum. You can even add ideas from this staycation list to get you started!
Get my FREE Spring Break Staycation Printable Pack! This pack is perfect for your Spring Break Staycation! The pack includes a Spring Bucket List Template, Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt, Time Capsule Questionnaire, and Spring Break Reading Challenge!
3. Go on a Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt
Get out in nature and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. You can walk through your neighborhood or pick a nice trail nearby. Before you head out print the Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt included in my FREE Spring Break Staycation Printable Pack. My kids also love to bring binoculars, a hand microscope, a nature notebook, and their camera when we go on a nature walk.
4. Have a Movie Marathon
My kids love movie marathons! We pop a bag of popcorn, grab a few of our favorite snacks, and just sit back and enjoy the day together. We really enjoy The Chronicles or Narnia movies, but if you need more ideas you can check out this list of family movies.
5. Build a Fort (and then play board games in it)!
Gather pillows, blankets, chairs, and maybe even an air mattress to create your very own fort! This is a great activity to encourage teamwork and creativity. If you can make it large enough, you can all squeeze inside once you are done for a day of board game fun. My kids really love to play Katamino Family and Guess Who.
6. Rock Painting
This one is so simple! Walk around your neighborhood (or into your backyard) and gather a few rocks. Rinse the rocks off, gather your art supplies, and then start creating. In the past, we have created a Pikachu rock, a ladybug, a strawberry, and a donut. What can you create?
If you would like to purchase smooth rocks that are great for painting, then I recommend this set on Amazon.
7. Cupcake Decorating Contest
Bake a box of cupcakes or whip some up from scratch, then set up your very own cupcake decorating contest. My kids had fun using paint palettes as their cupcake decorating stations. You can have a family vote to choose the winner or parents can post on social media and let others decide who is the cupcake master!
8. Make a Time Capsule
Time capsules are such a fun way to save memories! All you have to do is find a box and load it with your memories. Don’t forget to include the questionnaire you can find in my Spring Break printable pack. A few other things I recommend adding to your time capsule are news headlines from this year, handprints from each kiddo, photos, and a small toy. This is a fun project the whole family can enjoy.
9. Open a Lemonade Stand
Opening a lemonade stand can be as simple or as complex as you would like. Over the years, we have done quite a few lemonade stands. We like to choose a place to donate all of our proceeds when we are done. You can choose to do the same or save the money for a fun family outing. All you need to get started is a pitcher of lemonade, a few plastic cups, and a sign. Don’t forget to have fun and get to know your neighbors!
10. Spring Break Reading Challenge
Grab my FREE Spring Break Printable Pack and join the reading challenge! This reading Bingo card can be a fun activity for the entire family. Parents, you can also choose to motivate your reader with a prize once they get a complete Bingo. If you need a good place to start check out my reading lists. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy what you read this Spring Break.
Sign up for my FREE Spring Break Staycation Printable Pack to get a Spring Bucket List Template, Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt, Time Capsule Questionnaire, and Spring Break Reading Challenge!
Leave a comment and let me know what you did this Spring Break. I would love to hear all about it!