Parents, if you are on a tight budget, like so many of us, you may be thinking that spring break is a lost cause. You can’t very well do anything exciting if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. Or can you? Here’s an idea. Why not make spring break a learning adventure? A learning adventure can happen any time and any place, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It will, however, take some planning and preparation.
First, you need to research the attractions in your area, and be prepared to dig beyond the surface. For instance, you may find that there is a botanical garden in a nearby city that offers free admission one day a week. “Big deal,” you may think at first, “it couldn’t possibly interest my kids.” But don’t be so quick to skip over a seemingly boring attraction. If you dig a little deeper you may find that it has a butterfly habitat with hundreds of species of exotic insects, or a rainforest building with carnivorous plants that can digest a mouse! Maybe it even has a fantastic playground complete with tree houses, rope bridges, and mysterious hidden tunnels.
Next, you should light a spark of interest. If you decide that the 150th anniversary historic reenactment at a nearby Civil War battlefield might be just the action-packed adventure your family would love, then prepare them by reading up on the local history or watching a film or documentary about the war. Spend a little time studying together beforehand and you will all be looking forward to your field trip with enthusiasm.
Finally, plan to splurge just a little on a surprise that will keep the adventure going when you get back home. Maybe you visited a science museum and your kids were fascinated by the real dinosaur bones. Don’t let that flame die out. Order some nice quality toy dinosaurs for your little ones, or a junior paleontology kit for older kids. These items are often less expensive ordered online than purchased at a gift shop, but even a few borrowed library books waiting for you at home could help keep a newfound interest burning.
Remember, a learning adventure can happen no matter where you are. School kids are lucky if they get to take even one field trip a year these days, but as parents you can make sure that your kids get an exciting educational experience outside the classroom and it doesn’t have to break the bank.