Wait? It can’t be that time already. We just got the kids back to school after winter break and now you want to leave them with me for two whole weeks!? What is a mom supposed to do? Have no fear your Queen Creek Fit4mom mama support group is here with some survival ideas to help you through the break with at least some of your sanity. We have compiled a list of ideas ranging from things to do that cost money, things you can do at home with just a few art supplies, free ideas and things to do with older kids. Let’s face it: as much as we love these little monsters facing two weeks without school and structure is painful even for the best mom so let’s gear up and get it done!
Let’s get the kids up off the floor, couch, bed; where ever they are lying and trying to become one with the furniture and make some awesome memories. These first activities are FREE!!! Yep, it just requires some travel, time or creativity but it will be worth it.
· Create a bored jar- Do your kids use the “B” word A LOT during breaks like mine? A few years ago, I got tired of constantly hearing my oldest complain that he was bored and then turn down EVERY SINGLE option I provided for him so to end that madness I created the BORED Jar. It sits on our counter and you can do like I did and use popsicle sticks or pieces of paper but when your kid(s) come to you saying that they just can’t handle how bored they are and there is nothing to do bust out the jar. Inside the jar there are a range of activities that you would normally suggest such as: reading, playing outside, a kid’s workout video on YouTube, coloring, creating something, dancing, or a chore *enter screams and horrified faces here*. When they pull a stick or paper, they HAVE to do whatever activity is written on it for a minimum of 30 minutes (mine tend to do whatever for longer, unless it’s a workout or chore).
· Check out Queen Creek Library. They have toddler time and story time scheduled weekly, which is great interaction for the littles, they have a baby steps program and computer games and obviously books for kids of all ages. This is a great location for kids of any age. You can get each kid a library card and check out books, movies and music and QC library no longer has late fees on the returns.
· Parks! Even my oldest at 10 still loves going to the parks. Queen Creek has great parks with Mansel Carter, Founders and many communities have great parks as well. Pack a picnic lunch or some fun outdoor games like a scavenger hunt or eye spy and just enjoy the beautiful weather because before long it is going to be HOT! Throw the kids scooters, bikes or skateboards in the car too if you can or walk, bike or ride to the park. The best thing about this option is it usually wears them out enough that they are not as energetic when you get home.
· Build a fort. Nothing takes a parent back to being a kid like a living room fort. Grab the couch cushions, some sheets, the dining room chairs, whatever you can and build a little oasis in the middle of your house. Have a picnic, a tea party, tell each other jokes or play some board games. Even your older ones will get in on this activity and its great to have the older ones help with the build because they must think like an engineer and see what works and what will come crashing down.
· Plan an afternoon or day at the lake or river. Arizona has some amazing places to play in the water but we are not quite warm enough yet for swimming holes so plan a day to just relax and play by the water. There are several lakes that are a shortish drive including Saguaro, Canyon and Tempe or the Salt River has some great spots to hang out for the day. You can also add a cost to this if you don’t have a watercraft and rent a boat, kayaks or paddle boards.
· Go for a hike. Earlier this month we had a great post about kid friendly hiking trails and you can also turn these into a fun game too by playing things like Eye Spy, creating a scavenger hunt, Would you Rather or 2 truths and a lie (this one is fun with older kids). This is a great option for enjoying the beautiful scenery that Arizona has to offer, get your kids energy burnt off, a great work out for Mama (especially if you have to pack a little like I do) and it eliminates screen time so you can bond together.
How about getting creative and making these monkeys use their brains over the brake so they don’t turn to mush. Here are a few low to no cost (if you have the supplies on hand already) art and science activities you can do with kids’ toddler on up.
· Hidden messages or pictures- my younger two LOVE this one and all you need is white printer paper, a white crayon and watercolor paints. Take a sheet of paper and draw or write on it with the white crayon; then have your kids paint on the paper with the watercolors to reveal the hidden picture. You can even let them do some drawing too and then they feel as if they are magic when they see their drawing appear with the paints.
· Playdough- You can either find a recipe online and make it for your littles or keep some on hand (Dollar Tree has these in many colors). I like to hide little toys in them, so they have to really get into it to find it. This is a great sensory option as well just make sure the littles don’t eat it if you are letting them play with store bought. There are so many things their little imaginations can create with this and if you have the time to sit with them I bet it will take you back in time to when you were a kid playing with the stuff.
· Make kinetic sand or moon sand- this is super easy- for kinetic sand you can find the recipe that involves real sand, liquid dish soap, corn starch and water or you can also find recipes that consist of baking powder, baking soda and baby oil. You can add food coloring to any of these recipes but be warned that if you do it WILL dye your clothes, hands, table surface, anything it comes into contact with really. Moon sand is just as easy and is made with regular baking flour and baby oil. The difference between kinetic sand and moon sand is that kinetic will consistently move whereas moon sand will take form. This is an amazing sensory and science project as well.
· Elephant Toothpaste- yep its as fun as it sounds. Older kids can actually do this one with supervision and your little will love watching it! You can search for your own recipe or follow this one: ½ c hydrogen peroxide, 1 packet of dry yeast, 3 tbsp warm water, food coloring of your choice, a bottle that is at least 500mL or cylinder, 1 tbsp liquid dish soap, a funnel, a tray (or something to catch the mess *if you do this outside you can hose down the mess) Note: the higher the percentage of your peroxide the better the foam; think the cheap 40 volume hair developer from Sally’s Beauty but regular 1st aid will work it just wont foam as much. **Also due to the irritation factor that peroxide can have adults should handle this step** 1st step is to get all of your ingredients and put your bottle on a stable surface or tray if you are using one, then add the hydrogen peroxide. Step 2 add the dish soap. 3rd step is to add several drops of ONE color of food coloring, more than one and you’ll just get gray toothpaste. Add the colors in different sides of the bottle if you want the classic tooth paste stripes. 4th step is to mix your yeast with warm water for a minimum of 30 seconds and the last step causes the reaction. Welcome to step 5 add the yeast to the bottle and step back to watch the fun. DO NOT TOUCH the foam for several minutes as it is a chemical reaction and will be hot. The foam will grow from your bottle and look like a large fluff of toothpaste.
· SLIME! Are you sick of it yet? I am but my kids absolutely love the endless possibilities with this recipe. We do not use a borax formula but do your research online and go for it. We have added glitter, beads, small toys, googly eyes and so much more! If you don’t want to hunt down ingredients and a recipe you can also buy kits at places like Walmart, Target and Amazon.
Need to get out of the house and maybe splurge a little bit? We thought so. Even with the above-mentioned ideas kids (and parents) can still get a little crazy during breaks so how about some family friendly activities that do cost to get you out of the house. These are different price ranges and can be any and all budget capable so let’s get out and enjoy Arizona.
· All February and March long Arizona has the Renaissance Festival, and this is by far one of my favorite weekend activities. You can get tickets at the door, Fry’s or online. Check out the website for themed weekends and have fun dressing up! They also show different promotions and discounts available. You can check out their website here: https://arizona.renfestinfo.com/
· Queen Creek has a new trampoline park called Elevate. This is a great way to burn off that energy and as a parent you can kick back with your head phones in and catch up on that podcast while they run it off or take your little one to the toddler zone for some fun safe bouncing. They have a dedicated toddler time every week day at 10AM and a teen time on the weekends. Check out their information here: https://elevatequeencreek.com/
· Gitty Up and head over to check out the Roots and Boots festival in Queen Creek! If you get there early enough you can sign your toddler up to try out Muttin Bustin. Who doesn’t want to watch their toddler fear for their life as they race out on a furry sheep while trying to hold on for dear life! Watch the rodeo, eat, drink and have fun.
· Main Event has specials for spring break so grab the kids and head to Gilbert to get your game on! Not only is this an arcade but there is pool, bowling, food, laser tag, a gravity defying obstacle course for the older ones and a fully stocked bar for the adults. *Please do not drink and drive* You can get more details on their specials, pricing and hours of operation here: https://www.mainevent.com/location/arizona/gilbert/85295
· Kidtopia is making its annual debut March 14th, 2020 in Gilbert. They have different themed sections and things for kids of all ages to do including live music, food, rides and games. Get more information on pricing, exact location, purchase tickets and hours here: https://eventsplus.radio.com/phoenix/kalv/e/kidtopia-2020
· Spring into QC- The annual Spring into QC event is being held March 28th, 2020 at Mansel Carter Park. This is a great way to get to see local vendors, businesses and have a good time with your family and friends. Don’t forget to stop in at the Fit4Mom booth and say hi!
We hope these ideas help you survive the inevitable Spring Break and have fun too. They are only little once and while it is exhausting, thankless and difficult at times be thankful for the fun and good memories, let go of the bad and not so fun and lean on your Mama friends when it is just too much and you want to curl up with your thumb in your mouth and cry. You got this Mama! Don’t forget to tag Fit4MomQC if you survive Spring Break and have fun doing it! Facebook @F4MQueenCreek and Instagram @fit4momqueencreek, we can’t wait to see your chaos!