The words “spring break”, usually inspire thoughts of college kids partying on the beach come to mind.  But the spring break isn’t just for college students.  It’s a great time for family vacations as well.

Spring break isn’t just about going to the beach, either.  That’s an option, but if the kids’ spring break falls at the same time as the colleges’, the beach will probably be quite crowded and chaotic.  There are many other, less stressful options for families.  Here are a few ideas:

Amusement Parks- My all time favorite

Spring break is a great time to hit the amusement parks.  It’s not as hot as it is in the summer, and it probably won’t be nearly as crowded.  Most amusement parks have fun activities for kids of all ages as well as adults, so it will be an experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Some amusement parks have different hours during the spring than in the summer, so be sure to check ahead of time.  You might also be able to find coupons that will save you money since it’s not traditionally a busy time of year.

Going Camping

Taking a trip to the wilderness is a fun spring break activity.  While it may still be a bit too chilly at night to “rough it” in a tent, you could take a camper or RV.  Renting a cabin is also an option in many parks.

Planning activities in advance will help prevent boredom for the kids.  It’s also nice to touch base with civilization a time or two during your trip.  Going out to eat or to a movie mid-week will provide a nice change of pace.

Historical Destinations

Taking a trip to an historical destination is an educational spring break option.  This could entail anything from a day trip to some nearby historical places to a week-long stay in city that is rich with history, such as Washington, D.C.

If you’re planning a long trip, it’s wise to make sure that the place where you’re going has plenty of things to keep your family occupied.  If you’re concerned about running out of things to do and see, consider visiting two or three different places.  The kids won’t mind if you have to stop by an amusement park along the way.

Cruises-My Second Favorite

Cruises allow vacationers to visit several destinations on one trip, usually at an affordable price.  There are lots of kid-friendly cruise options for families on spring break.  Some cruise packages are geared toward families with children in specific age ranges, but there are also lots of cruises that offer something for everyone.

Most ships offer a variety of onboard and excursion activities.  Many also offer babysitting for younger children while Mom and Dad participate in adult activities.  Some of the newer ships offer family suites.

Spring break is a great time for family vacations.  But there’s no rule saying that you have to go to the beach.  There are lots of other places that make great spring break destinations for families.
 

Product Name: Fisher-Price Digital Arts & Crafts Studio
Rating: 8
Where to buy: Fisher-Price Digital Arts & Crafts Studio 

Designed for children ages 4 to 9 this arts and craft studio plugs right into your home computer and gives your children hours and hours of fun art and craft activities to do all on their own. 

 Being a mom of 3 very lively children I wanted to find something they could do that would occupy their time, but would also help them learn to use their creativity.  Knowing Fisher Price I felt I could find just that with them.  I found this great studio and it keeps the kids occupied for hours.

This wonderful invention plugs right into my home computer.  It has 85 different projects that my children can tackle with very little struggle.  It’s easy to understand for all of them and they have fun making and creating all different types of arts and crafts.

Included in this studio is the base that the kids can see their creations come to life on.  It also includes CD software and a USB cable making it easy to set up and use.  The software includes over 250 different colors, 300 stampers and over 70 scene starters.  There is no end to what the kids can make and do.

The stylus is capable of being used as a pencil, a stamper and even more.  With things such as connect the dots, party hats and greeting cards, my children can make things that amaze them and all our family and friends.  It’s so easy for them to use, which makes it fun. 

There are things such as coloring pages, flying airplanes and leaping frogs they can play, color and create.  The software that comes with this studio is just filled full of all types of different activities.  You can also purchase other software that can take their creations to new levels.  Their imagination can run wild.

They also can save and print their creations with no problems.  Best of all you have parental controls so nothing on your computer can be jeopardized by those inquisitive little minds and fingers.  They have total control of their own table and pencil while you have control of the PC.

Children need to be able to let their imaginations go and to use that imagination to create their own ideas.  This studio allows them to do that.  I no longer hear “I’m bored.” or “Why can’t we watch TV or play video games?”  For hours and hours of fun, try this arts and craft studio.  Your children will be glad you did. 

Ingredients:

2 pkgs. (10 oz.) frozen broccoli spears, slightly thawed.
6 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
½ C. butter or margarine
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
½ C. mayonnaise

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. place broccoli in a 9 x 13 inch casserole. Arrange chicken on broccoli. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Melt butter or margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour over chicken. Bake 35 minutes until bubbly and broccoli is tender crisp.