Spring Break Staycation: Fun Crafts and Games to Keep Your Family Entertained

Spring break is upon us, and while a tropical getaway might be tempting, a home staycation can be just as memorable – and significantly less stressful on the wallet. The key to a successful stay-at-home spring break with the kids is thoughtful planning. Forget endless screen time and embrace quality time together with engaging activities.

Transforming your home into a hub of creativity and laughter is easier than you think. Simple crafts and classic board games offer a fantastic way to connect with your kids, foster their imagination, and create lasting memories. This article offers ten ideas to keep your family busy, entertained, and off their devices this spring break.

Sparking Conversations and Laughter:

1. Would You Rather? Family Card Game: Break the ice and ignite hilarious conversations with this engaging card game. "Would You Rather?" poses intriguing and often silly scenarios, prompting kids (and adults!) to think critically, express their opinions, and learn more about each other. With 200 questions, you’re guaranteed hours of laughter and surprising revelations. Perfect for family game nights or even road trips, this game promotes communication and strengthens family bonds. Available at Walmart for $14.69.

Revving Up the Excitement:

2. Heat: Pedal to the Metal: For families with a competitive spirit and a love for speed, "Heat: Pedal to the Metal" offers an adrenaline-pumping racing experience. Players take on the roles of race car drivers, strategizing and managing their car’s speed to avoid overheating. The gameplay involves strategically using cards to navigate the track, overtake opponents, and ultimately cross the finish line first. The game’s immersive mechanics and strategic depth make it an excellent choice for families who enjoy thinking critically and working together (or against each other!) to achieve victory. Suitable for older children and adults, a single game lasts around one hour.

Navigating the Unexpected:

3. Labyrinth: Embark on a treasure-hunting adventure with "Labyrinth," a family board game that combines strategy and luck. The constantly shifting maze board ensures that no two games are ever the same, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement. Players race to find treasures hidden within the labyrinth, strategically moving walls to create pathways and block their opponents. "Labyrinth" is a fantastic option for families with varying ages and skill levels. Its simple rules and engaging gameplay make it accessible to younger children while still offering enough strategic depth to keep older players entertained.

Traveling Without Leaving Home:

4. Ticket to Ride London: Escape to the bustling streets of 1970s London with "Ticket to Ride London." This fast-paced board game challenges players to claim bus lines and complete destination tickets, all while navigating the iconic landmarks of the city. "Ticket to Ride London" is an excellent choice for families who enjoy strategic thinking, route planning, and a touch of historical charm. Its relatively short playtime and easy-to-learn rules make it a perfect addition to any family game night. Buy the game for $23.97 on Amazon.

Sequencing to Success:

5. Sequence: Combine card-playing and board-game strategy with "Sequence." The objective is simple: be the first to create lines of five matching chips on the board. However, the strategic element lies in choosing the right cards to play and blocking your opponents’ attempts to form their own sequences. "Sequence" is a versatile game that appeals to a wide range of ages. Its combination of luck and strategy makes it engaging for both children and adults, fostering strategic thinking and friendly competition. Buy this game on Amazon for $14.97.

Creative Crafting for All Ages:

6. Woobles Knitting Kit: Introduce your family to the relaxing and rewarding world of knitting with a Woobles crafting gift box. Designed for beginners, this kit provides everything you need to learn the basics of amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed creatures. Each kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, high-quality yarn, and all the necessary tools to create your first adorable Wooble. Knitting is a fantastic way to relieve stress, develop fine motor skills, and foster creativity. The Woobles kit encourages family members to learn a new skill together, creating lasting memories and adorable handmade treasures.

7. Fake Cake Decorating Kit: Indulge in the art of cake decorating without the calories with a fake cake kit. These kits provide all the materials needed to build and decorate a realistic-looking fake cake, perfect for practicing decorating techniques or creating unique decorative pieces. The included items often consist of foam cake layers, frosting tips, piping bags, and various decorative elements. This cake kit, $34 on Amazon, has everything you need to create two frosted fake cake storage boxes. This craft is a fun and creative way to develop artistic skills and experiment with different decorating styles.

8. Family Handprint Kit: Capture a precious moment in time with a thoughtful family handprint kit. These kits allow each family member to create a lasting impression of their handprints on acrylic sheets, which can then be displayed in a beautiful wooden frame. This craft is a sentimental and meaningful way to commemorate a special occasion or simply celebrate the bonds of family. The kit typically includes multiple acrylic sheets, paints, and a wooden frame. Creating this artsy keepsake at Walmart for $41 will be something everyone will treasure for years.

9. Soy Candle Making Kit: Learn the art of candle making with a SoftOwl Premium Soy Candle Making Kit. This comprehensive kit includes everything you need to create your own custom-scented soy candles, including soy wax, candle jars, fragrance oils, dye blocks, wicks, and more. Candle making is a fun and rewarding craft that allows you to experiment with different scents and colors, creating unique and personalized candles. You can buy a similar candle-making kit at Walmart for around $44. The process of melting the wax, adding fragrance, and pouring the candles can be a therapeutic and relaxing activity for the whole family.

10. Culinary Herb Kit: Cultivate your green thumbs and start a mini herb garden with a culinary herb kit. These kits provide everything you need to grow your own fresh herbs indoors, adding flavor and fragrance to your cooking. The kit typically includes trays, a humidity dome, seed label sticks, soil pucks, and an assortment of culinary herb seeds. Try this window garden kit, $34.99 at Walmart, for a kit that comes with all the pieces you need to start your indoor herb garden. Growing your own herbs is a rewarding experience that teaches kids about plant life, sustainability, and the importance of fresh ingredients. It’s also a great way to encourage healthy eating habits and get kids involved in the kitchen.

With a little planning and creativity, your spring break staycation can be a resounding success. Ditch the screens, embrace the crafts, and gather around the game board for an unforgettable week of family fun.