Spring Break Activities For Families That Won’t Break the Budget

SDBargain Mama | 03/25/2011 | 0 Comments

This guest post is sponsored by IWantFreeFood.com and is written by Michelle, founder of MuffinTinMom.com (bio below). Check her out representing Team SDBM on Monday morning on San Diego Living (Ch. 6, 9-10am).

Spring Break in San Diego is here! Schools around San Diego will be on vacation over the next several weeks. Many families are choosing to trade week-long vacations away for local family-friendly fun. With a little planning, families can save money and spend quality time together locally.

A few tips to keep in mind:

1. Keep it simple. To avoid activity burn out, don’t overschedule. Kids get enough of that during school. I like to plan one “fun thing” a day whether it’s visiting the park, baking cookies at home, or having friends over.

2. Plan ahead. This is most important if you are going out and about. If you are attending a local event, calling ahead to your location can save you precious time and gas money and double check the next day’s weather conditions to know how to dress for the day.

Here are some fun ideas for whether you are getting out of the house and staying in:

3. Cut down on gas and take the Coaster or Sprinter. It’s a great outing and you will have more cash in your pockets!

Getting Out

· Fly a kite at a local park with wide open space or at the beach

· Visit a local fire station (some give tours to kids with advance notice).

· Take a trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields (click link for savings). It’s also a great photo opportunity (photo from theflowerfields.com).

· Consider checking out the Rueben H. Fleet Center. The Center has some options for spring break, including IMAX movies for older kids.

. Have a picnic at Mission Bay Park.

· For Star Wars lovers: Star Wars Miniland at LEGOLAND is now open!

Weather conditions may change and you may have to spend more time in doors or at home…

Stay In and Spend Time Together

· Movie/Book Marathon: Get comfy with pillows and blankets; make popcorn or a favorite treat to share.

· Family Game Day: Playing board games are an inexpensive way to have fun. Or hold a Wii or X-box “family tournament,” complete with prizes.

· Make your own marshmallow shooters and target and hold a contest to see who can shoot it farthest!

· In the kitchen: Make a batch of “Cookies from Cake mix with this simple recipe.

For Younger Kids:

· Keep an “Art Box” filled with scrap paper, crayons, markers, and other crafty materials handy for kids who love to create. Keep it out during the week for always available “anytime” fun –especially that 4-6pm time just before dinner.

· Make an indoor speedway for beloved matchbox cars by placing painter’s tape down on carpet.

· Stuffed Animal “Hide and Seek”: Parent and child take turns hiding a stuffed animal around the home and the other has to go hunting for it.

Michelle is a former preschool teacher and stay-at-home-mom who loves finding fun and free things to make and do with her family. Her family’s favorite San Diego hang outs include The Mission Bay Parks, The Oceanside Pier, and Legoland. She is married to a High School Cross Country coach, has two children, ages 4 and 5, and lives in the North County town of Vista. You can also find Michelle at her blogs, Muffin Tin Mom.