6 Eco-Friendly Spring Break Ideas for the Kids
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Okay, parents, it’s almost spring break — I’ve got your back! I know that lots of you are probably thinking about how you’re going to entertain your kids for the week, and many of you are busy parents with minimal bandwidth. This pandemic has hit you extra hard, and I want to open by giving you a HUGE shout-out. You are doing the most, and I just hope I can help someone by providing simple ideas to save you brainpower.
I get it, you have 2.6 seconds to read this blog, so I’m going to get straight to the point and dive right into 6 fun, achievable, eco-friendly and affordable ideas for spring break with the kids!
1. Host an egg carton picnic
This is such a cute way to carry snacks for a picnic in the park! Repurpose an old egg carton or, if you happen to be near Victoria, BC, you can also pick up a reusable egg carton by Millstone Farm and Organics. Fill the slots with snacks like berries, crackers and cheese, chocolate, cheerios, carrot and cucumber sticks, raisins, pickles, nuts — you name it! Bring that along with a blanket and you’re off to a sunny start.
2. Be nature detectives and artists
There is no better teacher than Mother Nature. One of the most refreshing and educational ways you can spend spring break together is exploring, learning and playing outdoors! Visit a forest, a lake or the ocean and talk about animals, ecosystems and habitats. Play I spy. Make or look for fairy houses. For older kids, bring a journal or sketchbook so they can write about things they see or make art out of things they gather. Just make a rule to only pick up what’s already fallen!
3. Get them in the garden
Kids can be super helpful with gardening, and getting them involved will help spark their curiosity about the natural environment. Teach them about planting and growing veggies, and use this opportunity to share what you know about different species and sustainable gardening/farming (here’s a resource!). So much learning can happen in the garden, and your children will carry those lessons with them all their lives. Plus it teaches patience and helps them appreciate the food that they eat.
4. Make DIY smoothie popsicles
These are such a hit with my son! Spring always makes me want to bust out the reusable popsicle molds. This is your sign to pick up some if you don’t already have them on hand. All I do is make a smoothie out of strawberries, banana, lemon, and oat milk, before filling the molds and freezing! Popsicles are so easy to make, you know the ingredients and your kids will be thrilled. There’s just something about enjoying them outside together with a spring breeze.
Here’s my smoothie popsicle recipe:
1. Add the following ingredients to a blender:
5 strawberries
1 banana
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup unsweetened vanilla oat milk
Ice (depends how large your moulds are, if you need extra liquid)
2. Blend until smooth and pour into popsicle moulds (mine are by Kinderville!)
3. Freeze for at least two hours
Enjoy!
5. Go for a hike
Bring your kiddos along for a nature walk or hike! If you don’t know where to go, I suggest checking out the AllTrails app. Bring lots of water, snacks and sunscreen, and your pup if you have one. Take pictures en route and at the top — your kids will love the views! Another great way to spend time together, perhaps on the way to or from your hike, is to stop by a nature education centre near you.
6. Stop by the library
Let us not forget the wonders of the library. Libraries really do so much for our youth! If you haven’t brought your little reader to sign up for their own card yet, spring break is a wonderful time to do so. Bring some books home to dive into over the week! You can also walk around your neighbourhood in search of Little Free Libraries — leave a book, take a book — or make one yourself outside your home if that’s in the cards for you!
I hope that this spring break is a special and stress-free (as much as possible) time for you and your family. If these ideas are helpful for you or if you have any thoughts to spare, I’d love to hear from you in the comments or on Instagram! I also hope that you get some parent TLC time soon, too. You deserve it.
