Keeping Kids Busy during School Vacation Week

Local Attractions, Library Activities, Playground & Friends

Apr 20, 2009 Barb Hacker

The kids are home for a week of school vacation. What you thought would be peaceful days turn into shouting matches and sibling rivalry.

How do you make the next school vacation more fun and less fighting? Enjoyable school vacations start weeks before the last day of school. Proper planning involves internet research to find local attractions, library activities and playground availability. You can also schedule play dates with friends ahead of time and plan special meals.

Visit Local Attractions

Explore your town or visit a neighboring city to find day trips that will interest both parents and children. Museums, zoos and historical sites are all educational and interesting. If possible, try to plan a trip that will complement what your children have learned at school. For instance, children that have studied Native Americans in school may enjoy a trip to a Native American museum.

When visiting local attractions, check the website or call ahead for hours of operation, admission fees and rules. If you have young children that still ride in a stroller, find out if the place is stroller accessible. Also, inquire about picnic areas if you are bringing your own lunch or the availability of a restaurant or snack bar.

Library Activities

Many libraries have extra activities planned for children during vacation weeks. Call or visit your local library for a schedule of events a few weeks prior to vacation. Some library programs can be extremely popular, so don’t forget to register for any programs that require pre-registration.

Playground Availability

During school vacation weeks, most school playgrounds are open for play. Call the school ahead of time to be sure that your local playground is available. For a change of pace, visit the playgrounds in neighboring towns.

Play Dates with Friends

Set aside a school vacation day to get together with friends. Invite a friend over for each child on the same day. Send the kids outside to play if the weather permits and serve a special lunch or snack.

Plan Special School Vacation Meals

Planning and making a special dinner during vacation week can be a day-long project. Plan the meal with the children’s help. Spend the morning shopping for ingredients. Make dessert in the afternoon and begin meal preparations early. Remember that cooking with children can be a little more time consuming than cooking on your own.

Keeping the family busy during vacation week is the key to sibling harmony. Visit local attractions, participate in library activities and burn off some energy at the playground. Invite friends over to play and plan and prepare a special vacation meal. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures because this is a vacation the whole family will want to remember.

The copyright of the article Keeping Kids Busy during School Vacation Week in Parenting Methods is owned by Barb Hacker. Permission to republish Keeping Kids Busy during School Vacation Week in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Visit Local Attractions during School Vacations