Don’t struggle with finding something to do when the kids are on spring break! If you’re staying home, we challenge you to have some fun and do as many things as you can with your kids while they’re out of school. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Build Flower Bombs
Grab a shovel, flower seeds, a bowl and water then head outside! Toss some dirt in your bowl, pour in a package of flower seeds and start adding water a little at a time and mixing it up with your hands. Think of it like making cookies. Once you get a thick batter, start rolling little balls that are about one to two inches in diameter. After you’ve rolled all the “batter,” place it out in the sun to dry. When you’re ready, you can plant them wherever your heart desires. Or, you can give them as gifts.
Got a little gardener on your hands? Encourage the love of planting even further with Riverbend Nurseries Kids Club. “We believe it’s very important to introduce children to gardening because it teaches them so many valuable lessons,” says Rebekah Davenport of Riverbend Nurseries. The Kids Club meets every third Saturday of the month for $5 per child.
Artistic Endeavors
Curious little Picassos, listen up — there’s fun to be had at Cheekwood. After exploring the world of nature outdoors (or even in the museums), take your tot over to the Learning Center’s studio for the Tuesday’s for Tots program.
“When kids come out to Cheekwood for Tuesdays for Tots, they’re getting a fun and unique art experience centered around STEM education,” says Nathalie Lavine, director of education and programs at Cheekwood. “No two crafts are the same, so each week features a new art project designed to stimulate motor skills and allow kids to express their creativity in his or her own way. This spring, we’re looking forward to getting outdoors as we incorporate the gardens into our weekly activity.” This program takes place now through May from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and is free with regular admission ($16 adults, $9 ages 3 – 17). Drop-in activities change weekly, too.
Friendly Athletic Competitions
Invite friends and family over for a day of friendly competition. Once you have your full roster, divide everyone up and pick some games to play. You can do anything from flag football, kick ball, dodge ball, Frisbee, etc. Whatever you have the equipment for is good enough. If you have enough players, pit one family against another and winner takes on the next family. See how far your family can go before getting eliminated! Don’t forget to have fun snacks and plenty of water around.
Outdoor Adventures
Tennessee is lush with trails and Greenway systems. Instead of taking the same old walk in your area, consider driving to another city or county to explore its walking trails. You’ll be able to discover new things with your child. Make it a little more interesting by taking a camera with you and documenting your findings.
Done with walking? Go fishing for the day, but don’t forget to get your license! Most county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, boat docks and all TWRA offices have them. You can also sign up online at Go Outdoors Tennessee. You can get a three-day, 10-day or annual permit.
End the day by setting up camp … in the backyard! Sleeping out under the stars at home is a great way to introduce your child to camping. Plus, if she gets scared, just head indoors.
Chore Change-Up
Culinary Fun
If it just happens to rain and you need something fun to do indoors, get crafty in the kitchen! Break out an old cookbook and let your child select what you’ll make for the day. Better yet, think of something off the top of your head that you can create together … making up the instructions and ingredients along the way.
