Spring Break is fast approaching and I have to admit, I am relieved. Why you ask? Because this year, I actually know what I will be doing with my three kids. This has not always been the case. There have been many years where I had to figure something out at the very last minute. Which, as you may guess, can be stressful.
Spring Break for Seminole County this year is March 20th-24th. Five very l-o-n-g days to try to figure out something fun to do with your kids so they don’t drive you crazy complaining about being bored.
When my kids were younger, and I was working, Spring Break was easy. The kids were in daycare so they would participate in whatever the daycare was doing for that week. Once I became a stay-at-home Mom, the pressure was on. If I wanted any peace of mind, I needed to plan some type of daily activity.
Now that they are older, it isn’t necessary since they can occupy themselves. Not to mention the allure of hanging out with Mom has lost some of its appeal. Thankfully, they still love my activities, so I still try to plan something.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many locally hosted, company-driven Spring Break activities here in Sanford. Most structured programs are costly and several aren’t close. But still, if you’re thinking convenience and variety, it’s a great option.
Sometimes, though, doing your own thing is fun, so I have come up with 10 ideas to help get your creative juices flowing. If you’d prefer a week long camp, then I have put together a list of the structured camps below the Do-It-Yourself list. Hopefully, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy and provides your kids a fun Spring Break this year.
10 “Plan your own” Spring Break ideas:
1. Get out in nature:
There are tons of local parks in and around Sanford. For me, it is a necessity to get my kids out of the house. Pick one and head out. Don’t forget to pack a quick picnic lunch, bug spray and suntan lotion. Most of the parks have canoe’s you can rent. Or bring your own fishing poles and teach your kids to catch that nice big bass. Many parks have great trails you can hike on. Nothing beats getting back to nature. To find a park near you, check out this map on the Seminole County website. Nature is just a click away!
2. Try geocaching:
What is Geocaching? Geocaching is like a huge scavenger hunt. People hide geocaches, which are usually small vessels that contain one or more items. They then create a clue to lead you to it. Download the Geocaching app onto your phone and follow the GPS coordinates and hints to find the geocache. In Sanford alone, there are approximately 21 geocaches. Talk about a full day’s worth of entertainment. Add in Lake Mary, and you could easily be busy for a couple of days. Go to this website for more info and to plan your day of fun!
3. Go to the beach:
I am sure this one is pretty obvious since we live in Florida. But sometimes the most obvious thing is the stuff we overlook. it’s an easy day trip and certainly fun for the kids. We typically make the trek to New Smyrna and end the day with some Frozen Gold’s ice cream. Pack towels, a radio, and some sand toys and you’re set for a fun-filled day! Here’s a tip: Don’t forget to bring extra water. Not for drinking. For washing the sand off those little feet before they get in your car.
4. Plan mini field trips:
The caveat here is that you must like driving. If you don’t, you may want to skip this one. Planning field trips can be really fun with your kids. Consider driving out west to Tampa to see the dolphin, Winter, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Or perhaps head north to St. Augustine. Spend the day walking around the Fort and checking out the shops. Want to amaze your kids? Take them to Spook Hill in Lake Wales. The kids will be mystified when your car rolls up the hill by itself. The ideas are endless if you don’t mind driving.
5. Mini golf:
This one is always a great standby. There are so many places here that offer mini golf. In Orange City, there is Family Fun Town, which offers a variety of activities in addition to mini golf. Family Fun Town is open from 2:00pm – 9:00pm during the week. Whether you decide to go there or to Congo River in Altamonte, it’s sure to be a hit with the kids. Congo River’s hours are more flexible, being open from 10am – 11pm. For more information go to Family Fun Town’s website. Here’s the website for Congo River Golf.
6. Laser tag/Paintball:
Want a bit more adventure for your older kids? Try a game of Laser tag or Paint ball. Let’s face it. Any activity that allows your kids to run around and release all that energy, is perfect. Orlando Paintball, located on Rose Ave., offers both activities and has both indoor and outdoor options. To reserve your spot, go to their website.
7. Puzzles:
My kids love doing puzzles. So if you’re looking for a free activity, break out a jigsaw puzzle and get to work. Don’t have fun one? Try making your own out of an old picture. Glue the photo to some cardboard or posterboard and cut up the pieces by hand. Then watch as your kids have to figure out how to put the picture back together again. Try using a black and white photo to make things harder for the older kids.
8. A Scavenger Hunt:
This idea is easy and can keep your kids occupied for hours: a scavenger hunt inside your home. Make up a list of objects that your kids can find. Then make it a race to see who can collect the objects first. If the kids are older, make up clues so they have to figure out what the objects are first before figuring out where to find them.
9. Cooking:
Another easy go-to, and one that I absolutely love to do, is cooking with my kids. Whether we plan to make rice krispy treats, cupcakes, cookies or pudding, cooking with your kids always makes for memorable fun! Have them help you with making the grocery list, buying the ingredients and then finally cooking. Your kids will just love the one on one time. And no doubt everyone will love to eat the results!
10. Splash Parks:
Lastly, for the little ones, it’s always nice to take them to splash parks. There are two local ones that we frequent. The first is downtown Sanford, Fort Mellon Park. The other park is in Lake Mary at the Sports Complex. Both cost $2 per person to get in and both parks offer jungle gyms for the kids to climb on in between getting wet in the splash pad.
Structured Camps
Seminole County Police Athletic League (PAL):
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office PAL Camps offer low-cost, safe and supervised activities to youths. Campers must bring their lunch each day. The camp offers different activities for each day like bowling, roller skating and trips to Wonderworks and the Central Florida Zoo.
Cost: $90
Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm
For more information click here.
Seminole County Environmental Education Eco Camp:
This camp is held at Ed Yarborough Nature Center in Geneva. It focuses on fun and learning about the Natural World. Activities include fishing, hiking, setting traps, learning about animals, playing games, arts and crafts and more.
Cost: $132 per person.
Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information click here.
Central Florida Zoo:
The theme this year is Passport to Adventure. Discover some of history’s mysteries at the Zoo as your child sets out on an exciting expedition into the past. Who was first in space, humans or animals? Which spotted cat has been used by Pharaohs, royalty and emperors as a symbol of nobility? Your kids will get a chance to learn it all.
Cost: $170/annual pass holders; $190 for non-pass holders
Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information click here.
MyGym:
MyGym of Lake Mary is perfect for younger kids. It offers a different camp theme each day. Camp Themes include Star Wars, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Superheroes and Pajama Party. The camp is flexible and you can opt to have your child go for 1-6 days.
Cost: Each day/session costs $35/members and $40/non-members.
Hours: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
For more information click here.
Brown’s Gym:
Brown’s, located in Altamonte Springs, also offers a flexible schedule for kids ages 5-12. You may select as many days as you’d like. Each day includes daily gymnastics instruction, dancing, soccer, tumbling and more.
Cost: Members – $50-$ 175 for 1 day – 5 days; Non-members – $60-$219 for 1 day – 5 days
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm
For more information click here.
Aiguille:
Aiguille rock climbing camp, located in Longwood, offers both full and half day camps. Kids will get knot and belay instruction. They will learn to rappel and have fun with other challenging activities.
Cost: $60 for one day, $275 for full week session and $225 for half day sessions
Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm for full day sessions; 12:30pm – 6:00pm for half day sessions
For more information: click here.
Orlando MAGIC Basketball Camp:
This camp is perfect if your child loves basketball. The camp is for children ages 6-17, and is held at the RDV Sportsplex in Maitland. The camp includes: Five days of expert instruction from Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Academy coaches through the National Basketball Academy; skill development stations, group and individual instructional drills, live games and surprises; an Orlando Magic t-shirt, NBA basketball, bag and wristband; and a Free ticket to an 2016-17 Orlando Magic Home game.
Cost: $175
Hours: 9:00am – 1:00pm
For more information: click here.
Ice Skating:
The RDV Sportsplex in Maitland offers two ice skating camps: Learn to Skate Camp and Figure Skating Camp. Learn to Skate Camp includes: private ice for group class instruction, dance class, on and off-ice games, and supervised public skate time. Skaters must be at least 6 years old to participate and must bring a bag lunch each day.
Figure Skating Camp: This camp is designed for campers who are Freestyle 1 and higher, taking private lessons and skating Freestyle Sessions. The camp includes: two freestyle sessions, ballet class, conditioning class, and power skating class.
Cost (for one camp): $245/week; $60/day
Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm
For more information click here.
Orlando Science Center:
The Orlando Science Center offers a number of programs suited to your child’s age and interests.
STEM into Fairy Tales (Preschool) – How will the three Billy Goats Gruff cross the river? What will Jack need to grow a bean plant? How will the three bears put their things back together after Goldilocks comes for a visit? STEM into Fairy Tales will use science, technology, engineering and math to solve popular fairy tale challenges to get the job done.
Pint-Size Programmers (Grades K-2) – Before you invent a robot to clean your room you’ll need to know the basics of programming. Learn about coding, the language of computers, to make animations and music then build a working car that moves on your command.
Brain Busters Academy (Grades 3-6) – Do you love to wrap your mind around mazes and solve even the most puzzling problems? You’ll be right at home with the Brain Busters Academy. Put your brainpower, math skills, and critical thinking to the test as you lead your team to victory.
Cost (for each camp): Members – $55 for 1 day; $205 for 5 days; Non-members – $65 for 1 day; $235 for 5 days.
Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information click here.
Seminole Towne Center:
On March 25th, Seminole Towne Center Mall is holding a Breakfast with Bunny event. Enjoy a delicious breakfast from Chick-Fil-A in the food court and then head downstairs to get a special keepsake photo with the Easter Bunny.
Cost: $3/person
Hours: 9:00am – 10:00am
For more information click here.
Spring Break is always a time to relax and have fun. In addition to all these activities, the Seminole County Fair will be starting at the tail end of Spring Break, running from March 24th – April 1st. The Fair opens at 4:00pm daily and offers a $20 pay-one-price ride wristband for unlimited riding during the week. My kids all love the fair.
This Spring Break, I’m going way outside my comfort zone. We will be taking our kids tent camping at Disney Fort Wilderness. This is my first time camping, so I’m a little nervous. Wish me luck. No matter what you decide to do with your kids, we all here at The Bokey wish you an enjoyable and memorable Spring Break!
Sanford, Fla. 