As we quickly approach the time of the year when public and private schools anticipate Spring Break, with summer vacation soon to follow, many homeschoolers are also planning their breaks. While some families plan road trips or visits to amusement parks, others prefer a low-key agenda that includes natural learning opportunities our their children. 

Or, maybe you or your kiddos are feeling a bit burned out with the normal day-to-day homeschool routine and just need something new and different while taking time away from school books and worksheets.

Whatever your reason for taking time off from planned school work, if you’re looking for ideas on keeping your kids occupied, you’re in luck! Just keep reading.

Give those new recipes a try! 

If you’re like me, there’s a collection of new recipes in my saved pins or recipe tear-outs in the drawer that I’ve wanted to try with the kiddos.  Well, a school break is the perfect time to do just that!  Not only will your kids love spending time in the kitchen with you- it’s an ideal chance to practice their measurements.  And if the weather is cooperating, you can plan a picnic that includes some of your goodies! Spending time baking with your kids and getting them outside- sounds like a win! 

Try these ideas with your kids over spring break if you need recipe inspiration. 

Start a garden! 

You’re probably wondering how much time I think you have right now.  But hear me out!  Starting a garden with just a few vegetables probably only takes an afternoon once everything is ready.  Typically, the easiest option is a raised bed you can build yourself (hello: carpentry lessons) or buy at your local garden store. Then, add some soil, get your seeds, and you’re ready!   Your kids will love getting their hands dirty, and they’ll be learning new skills.  You can also learn which vegetables grow best in what area and what plants to include to germinate.

If you need some inspiration, here is a great YouTube video on how to get a simple garden going.   

Scavenger hunts galore! 

What kid doesn’t love scavenger hunts?  The excitement of using clues to find a surprise at the end is enough to excite us adults.  Some ideas for scavenger hunts include: 

• Color-themed: Since you’ll enjoy a scavenger hunt during the early Spring season, you can pick a color your kids can find in the yard or at the park.  
• Location-themed: Similar to a color-themed hunt, a location-specific scavenger hunt can include items you’d find at a particular park or other location your kids are familiar with. 
• Alphabet-themed: This kind of scavenger hunt can be done anywhere you choose and with items from the alphabet. 

And, of course, you can build learning into any of these ideas. For example, if you’ve got little ones learning colors or ABCs, a color and alphabet-themed hunt would be perfect for reviewing them. A location-themed scavenger hunt would be an excellent way to learn about things in their community. 

If you are looking for other ideas, check out these different scavenger hunt ideas for kids! 

Camp out under the stars!

Pull out that camping gear you’ve been waiting to use for this next idea.  In many places across the country, the weather starts warming up in March to April, so set up a tent in the backyard with a few sleeping bags and enjoy a night out under the stars.  

Depending on the ages of your littles, you can incorporate some learning by printing a map of the stars and having fun trying to find them all!  And you can elevate your night if you have a fire pit by starting your night out with roasted marshmallows over the fire!  Your kids will be in camp-out heaven! 

Here are some other family-friendly backyard camping ideas you can enjoy with your kids- number nine is just for the parents! 

Get crafty! 

Like scavenger hunts, most kids jump for joy over the opportunity to get crafty!  And there are plenty of options! Some crafty projects include:

• Homemade slime: This recipe only requires two to three ingredients to make a basic slime, or your kids can make a puffy slime if that’s what they like. This craft is a perfect chance to learn about chemical reactions and how the ingredients interact to create the slime.  Note: since this recipe calls for borax, this craft project is better suited for older kids, as they’ll understand that they can’t eat the slime! 
• DIY bird feeders: What to do with those plastic jugs leftover from water and milk? Well, save them for this project! Your kids will enjoy using recycled plastic jugs to make their bird feeders. Once up, your kids will see and learn about all the birds that venture into your yard.  
• Build a bug hotel: Another DIY project you can do using recycled materials mixed with some nature is a bug hotel.  Little kids will love the silliness of building a hotel for bugs, all while learning about the different bugs that might want to stay there! 

So, there you have it!  A list of five spring break boredom busters that homeschool parents and kids will love!  We hope you enjoy trying this out! And if you have any other ideas for keeping the kids busy through their vacation, comment below! 

*For more from our Amazing Homeschool Milspouse, check out Crystal’s Author Page.