March {Break} Madness

Have you heard of March Madness? It’s a huge college basketball event that takes place every March, and often causes eyeballs to be glued to the television (and butts to the sofa) for extended periods of time. However, for many Moms that phrase takes on a completely different meaning…

The school break is almost here, and the kids will need to be occupied for an entire week. (Eek!!) If you’re in part of the country that’s still covered in snow and experiencing extremely frigid temps, this is even more daunting because you can’t just send the kids outside for the day!

We know you'll be looking for fun activities to keep the kids busy, so we’ve come up with a few cool ideas…

• Canadian Family has rounded up 17 projects we love. Our favourites are the cardboard tube race cars and the page corner bookmarks (shown below) – too cute!

Image: Natalia Heilke / Tally's Treasury

Keep the Kids Busy - Spring Break Activities for Every Age

Spring Break is one of those times of the year that kids love and parents fear. Don’t get me wrong - it’s wonderful to spend time with the kids. But if you’re ill prepared, the week can quickly spiral into boredom oblivion, no matter how many toys your kids have.

We’ve compiled some fabulously fun activities from the web to keep kids of all ages entertained and inspired.

And, if you’re lucky enough to be heading somewhere warm for Spring Break (I’m jealous!), some of these will even work as travel activities.

Family Time & 101 Things to Do With Your Toddler

Yesterday was a glorious day – one filled with family fun and adventure.

Here in Ontario (and in some other provinces), it was Family Day; in the U.S., it was President’s Day. And let me tell you, we made the most of it!

The sun was shining, there was a chill in the air and we enjoyed a wonderful day in the outdoors, exploring our neighborhood. When we got home our cheeks were rosy, we were completely tired out and we all agreed we had a great time.

There’s nothing like a day off, spent with the kids, to remind me of how precious family time is. As my children get older, there will be fewer opportunities to enjoy an uninterrupted day together, so I’m enjoying each and every chance I get when they are little to connect with them and enjoy their company.

School Break Boredom Busters

Kids these days have so much – from toys and technology to art supplies and sports equipment – that there is no shortage of activities to do. So why is it that during school breaks, before the week has barely begun, most children will announce to their parents “I’m bored”?

We all love our kids and enjoy spending time with them – that goes without saying. But, at some point, we have to cut the apron strings and let them learn to occupy themselves, if only for an hour. J

The irony about spring break though (for many of us), is that it’s not really spring – the weather certainly isn’t spring-like! So, what’s a parent to do when junior says he’s bored? I scoured the web for some of the best crafts and came up with the following list. I’m sure there are lots more amazingly creative ideas out there, so if you have one, share it with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. You’ll be helping out fellow parents and maybe, just maybe, preventing at least one of them from hearing those two dreaded words (“I’m bored”)!

Have a wonderful school break!

1. Paint Prints – thanks to Amanda, an Oliver’s Labels Agent, for submitting this fun activity. Please check out her blog, Multi-Testing Mommy, for more amazing craft ideas!

Photo credit: Multitestingmommy.com

2. "Owly" Bowling Pins – this craft does double-duty…as a painting project and then as a game!

Photo credit: canadianfamily.ca

3. Popsicle Stick Bracelets – for the budding fashionista in your family!

Photo credit: ctv.ca

4. Homemade Sidewalk Chalk – make it now and look forward to using it when the weather is *actually* nice! ;)

Photo credit: familyeducation.com