With spring break right around the corner, it’s natural to start brainstorming fun activities for you and your family. Planning spring break for children and adults can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! This year keep it simple and plan a spring break staycation here in Indiana.
Spring break does not have to be an extravagant vacation that breaks the bank. Instead, plan something in Indiana that is enjoyable and affordable. These top five spring break staycation ideas can give you a plan or spark other exciting and unique ideas!
Top spring break staycation ideas
Camping inside or outside your home – Camping is not only budget-friendly but is also a good learning experience for all ages. Take a trip this spring break to your backyard, living room or a local campground in Indiana. If the weather is inclement or you lack camping gear, set up a campground in your living room with forts, a pretend firepit and even microwavable s’mores. If you can camp outside, set up the tent in your backyard or find a nearby campsite. Tell scary stories around the campfire and enjoy a break from electronics with the ones you love.
Experience nature in beautiful Indiana – We all know Indiana winters can be cold, but Indiana springs are full of sunshine and usually warmer weather. Spring break is the perfect opportunity to find local trails and hikes in Indiana to explore. There are also local playgrounds and dog parks that are a fantastic opportunity to get fresh air and be active throughout the day. Are your children feeling entrepreneurial? Have them create a lemonade stand, or instead of just selling lemonade have them create an additional DIY project to sell at the stand like bracelets, dog treats or cookies. They can spend their afternoons outside and make a few dollars.
A week of themes – Make every day or every other day of spring break a themed adventure. Like spirit week at school, plan a specific theme for each day or every other day of the week. If you can stick with it, have mornings and evenings at home dedicated to that theme. Make dinner, play a game or watch a movie centered around your theme of choice. An example could be a Marvel theme. Have your kids dress up in the costume or colors of their favorite Marvel superhero. In the evening, you could make Hulk hamburgers for dinner and Captain American apple pie for dessert. Then watch your favorite Marvel movie. This is a great way to get everyone engaged and have a fun experience while on break! Working parents may not be able to take time off for their children’s spring break. If that’s the case, suggest this idea to a babysitter, daycare or childcare provider to make spring break an experience they will never forget.
Family staycation at home – Contact family members from out of town or family friends nearby that may have the same spring break as you. If you all decide to stay home this spring break, host an at-home staycation. This is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with family and friends away from the chaos of the holidays. Make family recipes, play games all night and just enjoy each other’s company during the break.
Take a day trip to Indianapolis – As the capital of Indiana, Indianapolis is a hot spot for an exciting day trip. There is so much happening in Indianapolis, and spring break may be the perfect excuse for a day trip! The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which was ranked No. 1 on the 2023 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Children's Museum, is located near downtown. The museum features all sorts of exhibits. Indoor exhibits include the Dinosphere®, an immersive world of dinosaurs, Fireworks of Glass, featuring more than 3,200 pieces of Chihuly, Beyond Spaceship Earth, an International Space Station, the Lilly Theater and the famous Carousel of Wishes and Dreams. If the museum does not entice you, walk the canal, visit Monument Circle, grab a bite on Massachusetts Ave., visit the NCAA museum or take a bike ride on the Cultural or Monon Trail.
Working on a better you this spring?
Maybe you’re feeling motivated this spring and feel like spring break could be the perfect chance for you and your family to work on yourselves. That could be for mental health, physical health or overall well-being. Whether you are planning a staycation or a trip somewhere else, don’t forget to take care of yourself while having fun. Here are three tips that can help you work on yourself this spring break.
Mental health tips include reading at least 30 minutes a day, turning off your phone after 8 p.m., trying a new hobby or simply calling an old friend or family member.
Physical health tips include exercising every day for at least 15-30 minutes or taking a walk outside. You could try a new workout, like yoga or barre, or try a new recipe and introduce more vegetables into your lunch and dinner each day.
A few overall well-being tips include writing in a gratitude journal, exploring your own faith and learning something new about a topic you are interested in.
If productivity is also on the top of your list this spring break staycation, it may be a good time to spring clean! Although the thought of spring cleaning may not sound very exciting, make it an experience this year by incorporating these 10 top spring-cleaning and home maintenance tips into your staycation agenda. Don’t forget that you can throw a spring-cleaning party! Who doesn’t love the idea of your favorite pizza and music mixed with scrubbing windows and dusting your house?
Regardless of what your plans are this spring break, make it about coming together and enjoying the small moments to create lifelong memories with family and friends.