Spring break is right around the corner, and I have been looking for all the last-minute fun and CHEAP ways to make it memorable for my kids. I feel like the majority of us are on a budget this year, so I hope this list helps us all have a great time with our families while still sticking to our budgets.
20 Spring Break Activities That Won’t Break The Bank
1. Visit The Park: Nothing says “Hello Spring” like taking it outdoors. Chattanooga is filled with so many wonderful parks, nature trails, and outdoor activities, so take the family outside and try a hiking trail or nature walk. This guide is an amazing introduction to some popular parks and activities they have going on this spring.
2. Free Activities: They had me at the word free. These are some awesome family activities Hamilton County Parks & Recreation is offering during the week of Hamilton County Spring Break.
3. Picnic at the Playground: My kids love this activity. I keep it simple by packing sandwiches, fruit, chips, and their water bottles in my cooler bag. Carry a blanket and lay it out by the play ground. Simple family fun.
4. Visit The Local Library: Hamilton County has some amazing local libraries in each community. Most are also doing free spring activities for the kids and parents. Check out the full list of local libraries in Hamilton County here.
5. Board Game Night: Nothing brings a family together more than a little competition. Grab your family’s favorite game and give it a go.
6. Backyard Campout: So this one is a little adventurous, but it really is so much fun. If you have a fire pit, include making s’mores. The best part: you are only steps from home if the little campers do not make it through the night.
7. Plant Something New: This is my favorite spring activity. We love picking out some seed packs from the local store and watching them grow through the summer.
8. Rock Painting: I thought this activity sounded a little boring until we tried it. Now my kids want to do this with every rock they find. Let them get creative or help them make markers for your garden.
9. Craft Time: Crafts are my rainy day go-to with the kids inside. Wind chimes, sun catchers, and DIY bird feeders are all great spring crafts to make together.
10. Learn To Fly A Kite: You can pick up cheap kites at almost any local store this time of year. It is a great learning experience for the kids. Bonus: you can store them for future use throughout the season.
11. Skate Into Spring: Skating is a new adventure at our house. I am excited to take advantage of our local skate place this spring break to teach the boys one of my favorite activities from when I was a kid. Hamilton Skate Place in Chattanooga has special hours and deals going on during Hamilton County’s spring break.
12. Make Your Own Movie: Another great rainy day activity. Have your kids plan out a movie, help them with some homemade costumes, then film their production. We do this, then play it on our TV like a movie premier.
13. Scavenger Hunt: This activity can be done inside or outside. Make a list of items for your kids to find, then set them out on the hunt. I have linked a pre-made list that I plan on using with my kids here.
14. Make Your Own Pizza Night: This is always a win at our house. Grab the ingredients from your local store and have the kids make their own personal pizza. It always turns into “who made the best pizza” at our house.
15. Go Fishing: This spring break activity just got added to our list. My boys have been talking about going fishing all winter, and we are going to make it happen this month. For information on what you need and where to go, click here.
16. Spring At Home Science Experiments: There are so many educational experiments you can do with the kids with items you already have on hand at home. Linked here is a great guide to over 20 experiments.
17. Writing Letters: My four-year-old is currently obsessed with the mail. This is the perfect activity to brush up on writing skills. I let him write and draw pictures to send to loved ones, help me address the envelope, place the stamp, then put it in the mailbox.
18. Driveway Chalk Obstacle Course or Art Gallery: Let the kids get creative or help them make an obstacle course. Linked here are some great obstacle courses with chalk ideas to use.
19. Backyard Olympics: Set up a series of games and competitions. Think sack races, egg and spoon races, and tug-of-war.
20. Day Trip: If you can’t take a week long vacation this spring break, try a day trip instead. Chattanooga is located perfectly with so many options for a fun day trip. Check out our guide for ideas and tips: Family-Friendly Day Trips From Chattanooga
I hope your family has a fantastic spring break! Let me know if you try any of these activities or if you have some to add that we can try.
