Spring break—the much-anticipated week of freedom for kids and a whirlwind of chaos for parents. If your house is anything like mine, the first day starts off strong with excitement and adventure… and by mid-morning, the “I’m bored” and “Can I have a snack?” chorus begins on repeat.
Without school to keep them occupied, kids suddenly need something to do every second of the day. And if they don’t have something engaging? Well, you might as well set up a permanent snack buffet because they’ll be raiding the kitchen every 10 minutes.
So how do you keep them entertained (and your snack stash intact)? Here are some tried-and-true Spring Break boredom busters that will keep little hands busy, minds engaged, and snack cravings at bay—featuring a few fun finds to make your life even easier!
1. Get Creative with an At-Home Art Studio 🎨
Kids love to create, and setting up a designated art zone is a great way to keep them busy for hours. Stock up on markers, crayons, stickers, and coloring books. Looking for something extra special? Check out OOLY’s vibrant art supplies—washable markers, paint sets, and sticker books are lifesavers for mess-free fun!
💡 Bonus Idea: Give them a theme, like "Under the Sea" or "Space Adventure," and let them create a masterpiece!
2. Build an Epic Indoor Fort 🏕️
Who says you need to go outside for adventure? Grab some pillows, blankets, and fairy lights to create the ultimate fort. Once it’s built, add in a Warmies plush friend for a cozy touch. These lavender-scented, microwavable plushies make snuggle time even sweeter!
💡 Pro Tip: Give them a flashlight and let them read books or tell stories inside their cozy hideaway.
3. Backyard Scavenger Hunt 🌿🔎
Turn the backyard (or even inside the house) into a full-on adventure with a scavenger hunt! Make a simple checklist:
✔️ A flower 🌸
✔️ A rock shaped like a heart 💕
✔️ Something blue 🔵
✔️ A butterfly 🦋
To make it extra fun, grab a nature-inspired outfit like Kickee Pants’ Fresh Air Campground or Natural Lake Life prints—perfect for little explorers on the move!
4. Bake & Decorate Treats (Without the Mess!) 🍪
Kids love helping in the kitchen, but sometimes we’re not up for the flour explosion. Instead, grab a pretend play baking playset so they can “bake” their own cookies or cupcakes without the sugar rush!
💡 Pro Tip: If you're feeling brave, let them help mix and decorate real cookies for an afternoon treat.
5. Water Play—No Pool Needed! 💦
No beach? No problem! Set up a bubble-blowing station, a water table, or even a bucket filled with toy boats and scoops for sensory fun. And don’t forget to dress them in a Kickee Pants Hoodie Tank Outfit for the ultimate breathable, quick-dry style!
💡 Extra Fun: Freeze small toys in ice cubes and let them "excavate" their treasures using warm water.
6. Movie & Pajama Day 🎬
When all else fails, embrace the lazy day. Let them pick their favorite movie, grab some popcorn, and snuggle up in bamboo pajamas for the ultimate cozy marathon.
💡 Fun Twist: Make it a themed movie day—jungle adventure, princess party, or superhero showdown!
Spring Break Sanity Saved!
Keeping kids entertained during spring break doesn’t have to mean endless snacks and constant meltdowns. With a little creativity (and some fun finds from Doodlebugs), you can turn a week of chaos into a week of fun!
What are YOUR favorite ways to keep kids busy during break?