Family Friendly Spring Break Ideas On a Budget

Spring break is just around the corner, and if you're like me, you're looking for ways to entertain the kiddos on a budget. I like to keep an eye out for free things to do with my kids during spring break, but there are also lots of cheap ideas that can be done that don't have to be expensive! Here are some fun spring break activities you can enjoy!

-Going to the beach is one! The beach is a fun place to go during spring break, especially if you live near the ocean. There's so much to do at the beach: build sandcastles, play in the water, and even swim. If you live inland though, don't worry - there are still plenty of other things you can do at the beach without having to spend a lot of money!

-Visit a local park. Local parks are free (or cheap) and they offer lots of opportunities for fun. Look up your local parks online or ask the library for brochures and maps showing where they are located.

-Pack a picnic lunch, go hiking/ walking/ biking/ swimming/ playing...the possibilities are endless! This will give you and the kiddos exercise and is also a great cheap experience!

-The library is a great place to spend time with your kids. They can check out books and movies, play games, do crafts or just hang out at tables and read quietly. It's also free! If you have younger children, consider signing up for story time at the library as well — it's free and happens often at most libraries.

-Make homemade ice cream in a bag. You need a gallon-size zip lock bag, ice, sea salt, and vanilla (or other flavors). Put 1 cup of half and half into the bag, then fill the rest with ice and rock salt. Put some vanilla on top and seal the bag. Shake it up until it freezes -- about 10 minutes or so. Open the bag and eat as is or add toppings like sprinkles or candies. Here is a link to a similar recipe also! This is great fun for kids because they get to help make it themselves!

-A fun way to stay entertained with your kids is by hosting a family game night. There are tons of great games out there that are inexpensive and easy to find at any big box store. You can buy new games or use ones you already have at home. Either way, this is a great way to spend quality time together and have fun!

-Plan a movie night. Rent some DVDs or use the video-on-demand feature on your cable or satellite box. Make your own popcorn and ice cream sundaes for dessert!

-Play outside in a hose with a sprinkler. This is a great way to cool off and have fun on a hot summer day! Hide and seek in the sprinkler are always a hit. You can also have races or make-up games like "Splash It" where everyone stands in a circle and takes turns throwing water at someone else. If you've got multiple kids, this is also a great way to get them all involved in the same activity. You'll love that they're playing outside in the fresh air and getting exercise instead of sitting around inside all day.

-Have a slumber party in the family room. When your kids are younger, they may not be able to stay up late enough for sleepovers at friends' houses. With this activity, though, everyone can get together for fun! You'll need pillows and blankets for each guest (including yourself), plus snacks and drinks for everyone (including yourself).

Whether you want to stay at home and explore local community parks, or if you want to travel and see new sites, there are plenty of cheap spring break activities you can do with your kids over spring break. From taking a hike in a park to spending time at the lake, your spring break experience doesn't have to be expensive—it just needs to be memorable!

As you know, I work from home full time so I decided to take some time off so the kiddos aren't bored at home!