As the end of winter draws near, anxious students count down the days until the most glorious week -- SPRING BREAK! But while the kiddos are ready for freedom, moms everywhere wonder, "What will I do with the them for a whole week?" Not to worry, Mom, we have you (and your wallet) covered with 50 spring break ideas that won't break the bank.
1) Camp it out - Create your own campground in the backyard.
2) Pamper Party - Turn your home into a spa with mini mani/pedis for all.
Organize your Pamper Party on SignUpGenius! VIEW SAMPLE
3) Feeling Crafty - Check Pinterest for project ideas galore.
4) Hit the books - See what tall tales your local library has to offer.
5) Splish Splash- Bust out the hose and turn your backyard into a splash zone.
6) Strike a pose - Grab that camera and let your mini models show off their stuff.
7) Pillow fight - Host a family slumber party in the living room.
8) The main attraction - Pop some popcorn and enjoy family movie night.
9) Get culture - Local museums often have discount programs during school vacations.
10) Catch some rays - Nothing says spring break like a trip to the beach.
11) Puzzle it - Start with the edges first and together the family can create a masterpiece.
12) Yahtzee - Dust off the board games; it's game night.
13) Gather the gang - Invite the neighborhood crew over for some play time.
Keep track of how many are coming and request snacks or a movie to share with a sign up!
14) Top it off - Make your own pizza night (tacos are fun, too).
15) Take a bow - Let your little thespians wow you with their singing/dancing/acting.
16) When life gives you lemons - Have a lemonade stand.
17) Get fresh - Check out the local farmers' market.
18) Make room for spring - Clean out those closets (not the most fun task, we know).
19) Flower power - Plant a little garden.
20) Row, row, row your boat - Rent a canoe or go tubing.
21) Meet Mother Nature - Head outside, go for a walk and explore.
22) Make a difference - Organize a community project with friends or neighbors.
Check out these great ideas for service projects!
23) Over the river and through the woods - Visit the grandparents.
24) "X" marks the spot - Send the kids on a treasure hunt.
25) Get your groove on - Turn up the music and let everyone do their thang.
26) Sharks and minnows - Pool party!
27) A place of their own - Spare sheets, pillows, a few chairs and ta-da you have a fort.
28) Sweet sensations - Grab the measuring spoons and bake something sweet.
29) See it, do it - Let your kids direct the day. If they see something fun, be ready to play.
30) Get hands on - There's a lot of learning to be found at science centers under the guise of fun.
31) Just ride - Get those gears turning and go for a family bike ride to nowhere.
32) Day opposite - It's opposite day. Turn those clothes around and eat dinner for breakfast.
33) Pick it - Visit a pick-your-own farm.
Invite friends to join you with an invitation sign up from SignUpGenius.
34) It's raining, it's pouring - Grab your galoshes and splash in some puddles.
35) Animal attraction - Hit up the local zoo. (Hint: check local flyers for coupons).
36) Reel fun - Whether you catch and release or catch for dinner, you'll have lots of time to talk.
37) Experiment - Turn your kids into mad scientists with a few fun science activities.
38) Quack, quack - That stale loaf of bread in the pantry is perfect duck food.
39) Fabulous fairs - Find rides, food, entertainment and fantastic fun at local festivals.
40) Free as a bird - Visit a playground, find a swing and soar.
41) Strike - Grab some of those fancy shoes and bowl.
42) Get a hobby - Take up a new skill like knitting or painting.
43) A Fairy or a Pirate - Dress up their imagination and let them walk the runway.
44) Soar to new heights - Take up kite flying on a breezy spring day.
45) Block party - Get the neighbors together for a BBQ.
Use SignUpGenius to coordinate your cookout or block party! VIEW SAMPLE
46) Fore - Grab a club and go play 18 holes on a mini-golf course.
47) Get lost - Play tourist in your own town and discover something new.
48) Gaze among the stars - Before heading outside, research star shapes online.
49) Play ball - Whether you bounce, hit or throw, have a ball.
50) The ants go marching - Pack up lunch, find a shady spot outside and enjoy.
Jennifer Burg is a flip-flop wearing, Gator-loving, picture-taking, deal-hunting Florida gal. As an overachieving mom of two awesome daughters, making to-do lists helps her remain calm and (somewhat) organized. When she's not planning events and party sign-ups, you can find her blogging at www.TheSuburbanMom.com.