Spring break is a great time for families to come together and enjoy new experiences. There are so many fun activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family, from outdoor adventures to indoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for something to keep the kids busy or just a way to spend quality time with your loved ones, this list of 10 fun things to do as a family over spring break will help inspire you.
Have a movie marathon or movie night
Gather your family members in the living room and pick out some of your favorite movies to watch together. This is a great way to bond, laugh, and create memories.
Not in for the long haul? Hosting a movie night can provide just as much fun. Pop some popcorn and gather around the TV or projector and pick out a favorite classic that everyone can enjoy. You can even make it themed by having snacks to match the movie’s setting, dressing up in costumes, or hosting a trivia game after the film ends.
Maybe your children or more into books. This is a great week to browse books in your library and bring them home for a reading marathon.
Visit a Theme Park or Fun Center
A fun day at the theme park is always an exciting family outing! Whether it’s roller coasters or exciting water slides that your family loves, a theme park can offer a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Theme parks in North Texas include Six Flags, Legoland, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, and Great Wolf Lodge. Fun centers like Andretti Indoor Karting and Games offer entertaining options like Laser Tag, Go-Karts, and arcade games for the whole family.
Go Camping
Enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors. Pack up your tent and sleeping bags and go on an adventure together! Roast marshmallows, tell stories, or just spend time bonding with nature. You don’t have to drive to the wilds of Colorado or New Mexico for great camping. See what camping options our Lone Star State has to offer here.
Have a Picnic
Take advantage of the nice weather and have a picnic in the park. Pack some sandwiches, fruits, and drinks, and have a fun outdoor meal together. What makes a great picnic? Make sure to spend the time TOGETHER and plan for some activities after lunch. Invite some other families along. The more, the merrier!
Go for a Hike
Explore nature by taking a hike together as a family. Take in all the beautiful sights of trails, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Hiking not your thing, or if not able to get out of the city? Go for a leisurely stroll in the park or woods and take in the wonders of nature around you. Stop to admire wildflowers and birds, listen to the sound of running streams, and just enjoy the outdoors.
Play Board Games
Spend some time playing board games together as a family. Gather around the dining table or living room floor for an evening of playing fun games like charades, Pictionary, and other board games. Have fun, joke around, and make sure the game is fun and possible for everyone playing to have a chance at winning. Play some music in the background, have some snacks, and keep it light-hearted. This is a great way to bond and to have some friendly competition as well!
Go on a Road Trip
Pack some snacks and hit the road. Visit new places, explore different cities, or parts of Texas you may not know well (e.g., a drive through the Hill Country), and make fun memories together.
With Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston all within driving distance from Dallas, you can make a fun intra-state vacation while never leaving the state of Texas!
Visit a museum or Zoo
Explore the world of science, history, and culture by visiting local museums. Check out the Dallas Museum of Art, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn more about art, science, and history. Or if you’re looking for something a little bit different, try out Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Grand Prairie.
Or, enjoy a fun day at the zoo with your family! Learn about different animals, watch shows and feedings, and take pictures with your favorite animals. The Dallas Zoo is home to a variety of creatures, from rhinos and giraffes to elephants and gorillas. The Fort Worth Zoo provides another great option!
Go stargazing
Head outside after dark and spend some time looking up at the stars. It’s a great way to bond with your family and appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Apps on your phone or iPad make it easier to identify stars and constellations and gain a road map of the cosmos. Set up a tent in the backyard or on the trampoline and create a stargazing environment. Make it space-themed if you want! Show your children videos of the moon landing or Mars Rover and let their imaginations soar as they peer up at the universe.
Have a Karaoke Night
Put on some music, grab a few microphones, and have a fun family karaoke night. Make sure to pick out songs that everyone can sing and have a blast. Enjoy some individual performances, some duets, and even a group sing-a-long.
Dress up, play with the lighting, and create an atmosphere for everyone to put on a show. Sing your hearts out and make some memories!
Spring break can provide a gift to families who want to reconnect and take advantage of a pause in the routine.
Remember, the idea is to connect with each other and have your children feel the investment of your time and attention.
If you know of something not on this list that will help accomplish that, what would you add?
© 127 Pediatrics; March 2023
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
