It’s Spring Break time, and if you’re heading out of town, you may have activities, events and a great itinerary already planned.  But, if you’re not hitting the road or jumping on an airplane you’ll need to create the fun at home.

We feel your need to please and keep everyone happy.  Here are ten ideas to make everyone a “happy camper!”

1. Go online for a host of activities that build knowledge but are also fun.  
Whatever your feelings about technology and it taking over the world, there is a wealth of information, ideas and suggestions to enhance our time with the kids. Type in the search bar specifically what you’re looking for, and you’ll find a ton of ideas popping up. Here are some ideas we have, and we found them online.

2.  Build a cardboard airplane and decide on the fun destination for your pretend flight. The airplanes are so simple to make; everyone will want their cardboard airplane and head off to their favorite destination. Make it super fun by adding destinations where you may have been already and share what made the vacation or destination memorable or explore new cities. If you have a globe or world map, include that to pinpoint destinations around the world. Need a little help making the airplanes? Check out www.pbs.org and search cardboard airplane

3.  Learn a little bit about Japan and make paper cranes.  They are fun and crafty.  And, easy too.  Most of us would probably need a little help with creating these unique shapes and designs out of paper. You’ll find directions at  www.origamiway.com . They are fun and a great way to open discussion about what is art and how it is expressed in different cultures. Start with easy origami and advance as everyone’s skill improves.

4.  Make printable word search worksheets and fill it with names of countries and their capital cities. Create a little competition and a lot of learning with word search games. Create them yourself by using countries and their capitals or take it a step further and add iconic landmarks, waterways, and geography. If you’re not sure how to get started, check out this website www.puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com provides creative options for your word game.

5.  Watch movies with an international theme.  Choose the film depending on the age of the children.
Animated films are an excellent idea, and there are some international or foreign films which can add a twist to movie night. Website www. screenrant.com has a list to choose one, two or maybe three. And, website, www.scholastic.com has a list of the top 100 film for kids.  Netflix, VUDU, and iTunes offer rental options.
Watching foreign films help raise globally aware kids and promotes cultural understanding and tolerance.
The site www.commonsensemedia.org offers assistance with the latest movies, providing info on ratings, and other media interest, such as apps, games, and social media

6.  Head down to the World of Coca-Cola – It’s fun, tasty and educational.  Kids will learn a lot about other countries and what type soft drinks are popular there. Who doesn’t love a building filled with sodas from around the world? Even if you are a non-soda drinker, you’ll be fascinated to learn how taste is cultural and Coca-Cola has sorted out a way to combine cultural preferences with “what taste delicious” and created a drink.  Advertisements and brand packaging from the start of the company to present day, are on display. Be prepared for kids to want samples of all the flavors. It’s a fun day, Check out their website: www.worldofcoca-cola.com

7.  Choose one of our fantastic Georgia State Parks and go for a hike. 
You can spend your entire spring break going from park to park. With the variety and diversity of our State Parks, the sky is the limit. Go to their website: www.gastateparks.org and search for the best choice for your park adventure. You can narrow your search by choosing amenities and activities you are interested in and areas of the state you would like to visit. Plan your trip around exactly what you and the kids would like to experience, and all the details will be there for you the plan a great day or a couple of days at one of our fabulous state parks.

8.  Check out the Alliance Theatre and the Cinderella and Fella production
This story never gets old and to find a new twist is refreshing. Time is limited –  the play is around until the 9th of April. Visit the www.alliancetheatre.org website for more information and tickets.

9.  Spring Break 2017 at Lanier Islands 
There is no shortage of things to do at Lake Lanier. And, Spring Break is a great time to visit for the first time or the 20th time. Choose activities on the lake, enjoy arts, and crafts or discover trails; you can spend the whole day exploring and having fun with the kids. It’s close by and you’re supporting one of our local attractions – it’s an easy staycation. For more information visit their website:  www.discoverlakelanier.com

10.    Zoo Atlanta Day Camp – You’ll find daily camps that connect kids and animals with hands-on learning and discovery. For young children, middle-aged and older kids, everyone loves the zoo. The Spring Break Safari Day Camps are for kindergarten – 5th grade, but while they’re at camp, everyone else can discover other parts of the zoo. Check out their website for more details: www.zooatlanta.org