5 Spring Break Staycation Ideas

Spring break is just around the corner! Even if you don’t have a weeklong beach vacation or a European excursion planned, you can still create great memories with your family, while staying close to home.

Maybe a big vacation isn’t in the budget this year. Or you can’t take a whole week off work. Don’t gaze enviously at social media while your friends share photos of their epic spring break trips.

Get out and make some fabulous family memories of your own with these staycation ideas!

Preparing for your Staycation

First, determine how much time you can devote to “getting away” with your family.

Maybe you can swing a long weekend trip. Or are you limited to a few evenings after work? Either way, you can find staycation options that will work.

Next, consider your budget. Staycations can be accomplished for next to nothing, or you can opt to splurge.

After each staycation idea below you will see dollar symbols indicating the typical price range for that particular staycation.

$ = Practically free
$$ = Less than $100
$$$ = Between $100 and $500

Of course, each family is a little different when it comes to spending habits and size. If your clan fills a minivan, you can anticipate spending a bit more on a staycation than a family of four.

No matter the size of your staycation budget, there are plenty of options to create Instagram worthy spring break memories.

Another critical thing to remember…a staycation is all about your mindset.

Ditch the regular routine. Get creative. And set aside dedicated time for your staycation.

Just because you are staying close to home doesn’t mean you can’t have a vacation attitude!

5 Staycation Ideas

Select 1 or all 5 of these staycation ideas to spice up your Spring Break! And if you live in the Indianapolis area, Traveling Tanya’s Picks offer specific staycation destinations.

1. Check Out a Local Museum ($$)

Chances are there are some stellar museums just a short car trip away. Ask your kids what topics are most interesting to them. Art? Racing? Music? History?

Then find a local museum built around that theme. Tag on a visit to a local ice cream shop, and you have a pretty sweet family outing!

Traveling Tanya’s Picks: If you haven’t been to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum lately, then now is the perfect time to check out this world-renowned museum.

Other great options in downtown Indianapolis include the Indiana State Museum, Indiana History Center, Eiteljorg, and Rhythm Discovery Center.

2. Get Outside ($)

After being cooped up all winter, everyone could use some fresh air! Spring break weather in the Midwest varies greatly, but as long as everyone dresses for the current temperature, there are tons of opportunities to get back in touch with nature.

Check out a local park. Enjoy a picnic. Do some backyard camping. Take a family bike ride. Go hiking at a state park.

You can even take your 4-legged family members on some of these staycations!

Traveling Tanya’s Picks: Head to Williams Park in Brownsburg and let your kids run free in the wide-open spaces or explore Blast Off playground.

Venture to downtown Indianapolis and stroll along the picturesque canal or rent a paddleboat. Walk or bike on the Monon or B & O trails and notice the first signs of spring.

3. Try a New Cuisine ($$)

Skip the usual fast food joints and standard chain restaurants. Introduce your family to a whole new cuisine.

For extra fun, ditch the ‘no electronics at the dinner table’ rule. Instead, create a virtual scavenger hunt.

See who can be the first to figure out how to say Happy Birthday in Italian, discover the primary language spoken in Switzerland, or reveal the population of Thailand.

With a little creativity, trying new food can be fun, even for your pickiest eaters. And you may discover a new favorite restaurant.

Traveling Tanya’s Picks: Dine at Thai Basil in Brownsburg and be sure to order the Crab Rangoon! Feast on your favorite Italian dishes at Mama Carolla’s in Broadripple. Or take your time and enjoy all the fondue options at The Melting Pot.

 

4. Take a Weekend Getaway ($$$)

Just a night or two at a themed hotel or in a kid-friendly town can be just the break from the daily grind your family needs.

If you can get away during the week, you will likely get a an even better rate.

Most kids love playing in the water, so make sure your accommodations include an indoor pool. Preferably with a hot tub for the adults to enjoy!

Traveling Tanya’s Picks: Rent a cabin at Brown County State, and enjoy the water park inside Abe Martin Lodge. Another fabulous water infused playground can be found in Sandusky, Ohio at Kalahari Resorts. Or check out Amish Country in Shipshewana, Indiana.

5. Be Sporty ($$)

Go see a hockey match, basketball game, or whatever sporting event gets your family cheering. Take in a college game, check out a professional sports team, or support your local youth sports.

Sporting options are plentiful for all types of fans and budgets. Tack on some tailgating for even more family fun.

Your family can also get in on the action and get some exercise too. Try ice skating or roller skating. Go bowling or find out who in your family is a master at mini-golf.

Traveling Tanya’s Picks: A family bowling tournament at Brownsburg Bowl West with pizza from The Doghouse could be your next spring break tradition. Strap on roller skates at Hot Skates in Avon, creating a bit of nostalgia for the grown-ups and tons of fun for the kiddos. And I hear that Indy Fuel hockey games are great family fun.

I’m adding that one to my family’s spring break staycation plans!

Bonus Idea!

Spring break is a great time for your children to connect with other relatives they don’t get to see during the busy school year. So why not take a short trip to grandma and grandpa’s house or spend the day with your cool aunt or kooky uncle!

Make this a family outing…or ship your kids off for some intergenerational bonding, while you enjoy a little relaxation!

I hope these staycation ideas have you planning your next family adventure.

However you choose to spend spring break this year, I hope you make some magical family memories!

Comment below to share your staycation plans or spring break travels with me! And if you are looking for more great ideas for a spring break to remember, check out the Best of the Best Spring Break Ideas on plannningaway.com!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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