Healthy Kids
How to Plan a Memorable March Break Staycation
02 March 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
While March Break is a popular time for families to escape the hustle and bustle of their regular routine, the reality is that a vacation during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year is not always possible.
Transportation, accommodation and activity costs can add up quickly - especially when you are paying for 3, 4 or more people. Sometimes work schedules and other commitments may prevent families from getting out of town.
Other benefits of a March Break staycation are:
If you are looking for tips on how to plan a memorable March Break staycation, read on.
The key to a successful and happy March Break at home with the kids is to plan your week in advance. Having a plan means you minimize the “I’m bored! What can I do now?” conversations with your kids.
Set a realistic budget for activities and meals out and plan activities you know your kids will enjoy. Or better yet, get their input during the planning process.
Check out a local attraction that you haven’t visited in a while, make dinner reservations at a restaurant that you’ve never been to before, go to a local sporting event or show, sign up for a class the whole family can take together, or head outdoors to enjoy what’s left of winter.
A staycation is not the time to catch up on housework or errands - forget about finishing the laundry and cleaning the family room.
If you really want your staycation to feel like a vacation, clean the house before March Break starts so there’s no piles of clutter to distract you during the week.
This is easier said than done, but the key to having a memorable March Break staycation is to be present with your family. Turn your phones and tech devices off and commit to an unplugged and undistracted week (or a few days) with the family.
March Break is a good time to play tourist and do some exploring. Find out what there’s to do in a neighbouring town or city and make a day of it. Or if your budget allows it, plan a short getaway at a hotel with an indoor water park or pool.
If you’re unable to take time off during March Break and want keep your child active, meet new people and develop new skills, consider YMCA’s March Break Day Camp.
Kids can go to camp during the day and in the evening, you can plan different themed nights to keep the fun going – movie night, bowling, and game night for example.
Will your family be planning a March Break staycation this year? If so, what’s on the agenda?
Transportation, accommodation and activity costs can add up quickly - especially when you are paying for 3, 4 or more people. Sometimes work schedules and other commitments may prevent families from getting out of town.
Other benefits of a March Break staycation are:
- Staying in town gives your family a chance to explore your neighbourhood and meet new people in your community
- It is less stressful to stay at home – you don’t have to deal with packing, line ups at the airport or figure out ways to keep kids entertained while travelling to your destination
If you are looking for tips on how to plan a memorable March Break staycation, read on.
Have a Game Plan
The key to a successful and happy March Break at home with the kids is to plan your week in advance. Having a plan means you minimize the “I’m bored! What can I do now?” conversations with your kids.
Set a realistic budget for activities and meals out and plan activities you know your kids will enjoy. Or better yet, get their input during the planning process.
Check out a local attraction that you haven’t visited in a while, make dinner reservations at a restaurant that you’ve never been to before, go to a local sporting event or show, sign up for a class the whole family can take together, or head outdoors to enjoy what’s left of winter.
Finish the Housework Before Your March Break Staycation
A staycation is not the time to catch up on housework or errands - forget about finishing the laundry and cleaning the family room.
If you really want your staycation to feel like a vacation, clean the house before March Break starts so there’s no piles of clutter to distract you during the week.
Unplug and Relax
This is easier said than done, but the key to having a memorable March Break staycation is to be present with your family. Turn your phones and tech devices off and commit to an unplugged and undistracted week (or a few days) with the family.
Play Tourist and Plan Some Day Trips
March Break is a good time to play tourist and do some exploring. Find out what there’s to do in a neighbouring town or city and make a day of it. Or if your budget allows it, plan a short getaway at a hotel with an indoor water park or pool.
Consider March Break Day Camps and Themed Nights
If you’re unable to take time off during March Break and want keep your child active, meet new people and develop new skills, consider YMCA’s March Break Day Camp.
Kids can go to camp during the day and in the evening, you can plan different themed nights to keep the fun going – movie night, bowling, and game night for example.
Will your family be planning a March Break staycation this year? If so, what’s on the agenda?
