Waaay OT! School "staycation" ideas! - YouLookFab Forum

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Waaay OT! School "staycation" ideas!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Sorry to post such an OT request, but I'd love ideas for filling our days next week (school vacation) without hitting schoolkid-mobbed kid museums, etc. In past snowdays/last school vacation, I did Pirate Treasure hunts, sewing projects, etc. I'm always looking for new ideas though. Any cool mom blog suggestions are welcome. (You know, the "every day is a perfect crafty fantasy" blog that usually makes you roll your eyes...that blog.)

Thanks!

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Mamapicklejuice, I am also looking for ideas for March Break. So far, I've got IMAX theatre, a maple sugar shack, and the shoe museum in T.O. on my list. Ha!

Here's an excellent link to the Top 50 Craft Mom blogs for lots of arty ideas: http://www.babble.com/mom/beau.....logs-2011/

kellygirl

Veteran

We usually spend one day doing some kind of craft project. Making glycerin soap using molds, handmade cards which we catalog for upcoming birthdays and various holidays, baking goodies that can be frozen for lunch--these are some of the things we've done in the past. I taught DD#1 to knit one day--I think the unfinished project is still around here somewhere. These days, they would much rather go to the movies or the mall. Like you, I generally try to avoid the museums because of the crowds. I'll be watching this thread for more ideas.

Jjsloane

Veteran

My kids love an indoor campout. We have play tents or just throw sleeping bags on the floor and get out flashlights. As a kid we'd build elaborate forts with blankets and tablecloths over all the furniture (as the mom now I understand why my mom didn't love this idea all the time)
I'm thinking themes are needed. Game day? Movie Day? Everyone gets a pick day? Pajama day? Eat dinner for breakfast and vice versa? I'm all for crafts and food preparation things. Always be ready with crafty things, playdough (which you can make at home),

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Have you looked at Pioneer Woman's blog for ideas? I don't read her blog, but I've been watching her show recently and she has some fun ideas (and not just about food).
I love me a movie or TV marathon- complete with gourmet treats, sleepovers or playdates with friends, and things like bowling, roller or ice skating, ect if it's not warm enough for outside activities.

Isabel

Veteran

I have been planning ours today...though it includes some museums.

Swimming at the local YMCA ( we are members, but it only costs a few bucks if you are not...some have rock climbing walls too )

Some stuff at the small local library - sketching animals

One small museum by our home is doing a Presidents' day party with cake, then a movie.

The small local zoo is offering a hike in the woods looking for winter animal tracks - Are you close to the Stone Zoo or have one closer that might offer something ? Or you could do this on your own..buy an animal tracking guide or borrow one from the library. Or even taking binoculars and driving somewhere to look for birds or animals.

Any community theaters where you live ?

I am sure that there are small places around where you live that will be offering stuff like that. Or do your own Presidents' day celebration.
It is also Black History month, so maybe something to do with that.

Our museum keeps a list of fun things for vacations, you could check yours out.

Freckles

Veteran

Up here it was always skating, pond hockey, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross country skiiing, outdoor camping (never want to sleep in an igloo type thing again thank you), movie fest, really long involved boardgames. How old are your kids?

Queen Mum

Veteran

I would have them clean out closets, drawers, empty my kitchen cupboards and wipe down the shelves, scrub grout with toothbrushes.... or you can put them on a plane to me and I will be happy to keep them for the week

I haven't figured out why I never get nominated for Mother of the Year......

Isabel

Veteran

QM ! I just added to more "events" for my kids : closet clean up and toy /book purge.

What a fabulous idea ! Thank you .

Queen Mum

Veteran

oh, and cleaning under the beds.....

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Whoops - forgot to mention the kids ages - although I think you some of you have seen the kidlets in a picture a year ago...the older one is 6 (kindergarten), the younger is 3 (home with me). I think cleaning out closets is a bit beyond them. *sigh*

ETA Neither girl has ever gone to pre-school, so I'm used to having kids home, but I'd like to make the vacation more special than our normal days at home. Love the iea of theme days. Just enough structure to keep the older one interested (baking day, science projects, library visits, craft projects) and still obviously a lot of free time to just hang out and chill (with no traveling, etc).

rachylou

Veteran

I love the idea of indoor camping! My girl and I would do girly things - spa days, altered clothing, cake baking. But that's all very girly and leaves the boys out. I'd also do craft parties for all my god children.

Frankly, my god children were my excuse to do tons of Martha Stewart projects / children's theme parties. I am so bummed they are now all too old and I still have a Martha Stewart *monkey party* to do... the dog better watch out.

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm taking notes. Cleaning day sounds productive : )

Jjsloane

Veteran

Mine are 3.5 and 7 so I know what you mean about cleaning being out. I can still get them jazzed to use the dustbuster and we have sock sorting competitions but that's about it. Definitely no toy tossing or organization.

Dress up is also a big deal with both my kids. We made swords and shields from cardboard and duct tape during the major snow a couple years ago. Wore knight and princess costumes. We built a boat out of a big cardboard box. With girls you could do play makeup and or face painting. Take photos or make a video (it's really for you, but they love to see themselves on computer)

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

QM, you are the Mom of the Year in my eyes! I bet you that you strategy also makes them want to get back to school!