Warm sunshine, extended days, and exciting road trips are on the horizon! Spring break is an exciting time for families to take a break from their daily grind. However, just because school is out doesn’t mean you should take a break from eating better and being more active. Spring break is actually the perfect opportunity to make healthy choices while spending quality time together as a family.

Whether it’s a getaway or a staycation, there are plenty of ways to keep your family healthy, active, and smiling. Here is your comprehensive guide to ensure your family’s spring break is filled with energy and good health.

Physical Activities for the Whole Family

1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt!

A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to get your family moving and explore your neighborhood. Create questions based on local landmarks and points of interest to make your walking or biking adventure even more exciting. Here are some sample questions to get you started:

• “Firefighters hook their hoses to me to find water when there is a fire. (A fire hydrant)“
• “I am tall with green leaves and roots that grow deep into the ground. (A tree)“
• “I am red with eight sides, and I tell you to stop when you’re driving in your car. (A stop sign)“
• “I am soft and green, and cows and horses like to eat me. (Grass)“

2. Sign Up for a Sports Camp or Fitness Classes

Keep your kids engaged by enrolling them in a sports camp or fitness class. It’s a great way to teach them new skills while staying active.

3. Create a “What to Do if You’re Bored” Jar

To help beat the boredom blues, create a jar full of physical activity ideas. Write down fun and active things to do on Popsicle sticks or pieces of paper, and whenever someone says they’re bored, they can pick an idea from the jar. Here are some activity ideas to get you started:

• Write a story. Make it challenging and have each family member create a sentence; see where the story takes you!
• Go for a scooter race or take a bike ride. Don’t forget your helmets!
• Jump rope outside.
• Have a water balloon contest.
• Cook something together, and then enjoy a picnic at a local park or in your backyard!

Traveling? Keep the Fun Going with These Activities

Whether stopping for a quick break on a long road trip or enjoying a local outing, these fun ideas will keep your family active and engaged during pit stops.

1. Sidewalk Chalk Hopscotch – Grab some sidewalk chalk and draw a hopscotch board for a quick, fun game during a rest stop.
2. Build an Obstacle Course – Use your surroundings to create a fun and interactive obstacle course. Jump over sticks, step up and over benches, and maneuver between signs. It’s a great way to burn off some energy.
3. Full-Body Rock Paper Scissors – Take the classic game to the next level using your whole body! For “rock,” crouch down into a ball. For “scissors,” stand with your arms in a Y shape. For “paper,” stand tall with your feet together. Best of three wins!
4. Dance Party – Don’t forget about the fun factor! Blast a favorite song and have a family dance party during a rest stop. You’ll get the whole family moving and laughing in no time.

Healthy Snacks on the Go

Whether on a road trip or enjoying a picnic, having easy, healthy snacks is key to energizing and satisfying everyone.

1. Healthy Food Art – Turn snack time into an art project! Use fruits and veggies to create fun and colorful masterpieces that are good enough to eat.
2. Stock a Small Cooler – Pack a cooler with ice packs and easy-to-grab snacks. Think string cheese, chopped fruits and veggies, yogurt, and applesauce in squeezable pouches—perfect for the whole family.
3. Granola Bars – Granola bars are a convenient snack for road trips. Look for low-sugar, high-fiber options that can keep you full. Pair them with yogurt or fruit for a complete snack or breakfast.
4. DIY “O-Cereal” Necklaces – Make snack time even more fun by letting your kids create their own “O-cereal” necklaces! Thread some yarn through a low-sugar O-shaped cereal and let the kids munch on them while they wear them.
5. Edamame – Steam a batch of frozen edamame in the shell and sprinkle them with sea salt. These are fun to eat and packed with protein—perfect for sharing during a family outing.
6. Whole-Wheat Wraps – Wrap up some healthy protein, veggies, and hummus in a whole-wheat wrap. These are perfect for a nutritious lunch or snack that’s easy to pack and take on the go.

Helpful Tips for a Healthy and Fun Spring Break

1. Keep Activities Simple and Safe – When planning physical activities, look for spaces with minimal foot traffic and avoid areas with moving vehicles. Safety first, then fun!
2. Make it Fun and Challenge Yourself – Turn activities into friendly competitions. Challenge your family to beat their records, whether it’s how many jumping jacks they can do or how quickly they can complete an obstacle course.
3. Keep Snacks Simple and Convenient – Pack snacks with minimal packaging and resealable lids for easy access. On-the-go snacks are perfect for car rides, bike trips, or a quick picnic in the park.
4. Pay Attention to Serving Sizes – What’s appropriate for a kindergartener may not be the right portion for an older family member, so plan accordingly.
5. Offer a Variety of Healthy Snacks – Make snack time exciting by offering a colorful variety of healthy options. A mix of textures and flavors will keep everyone interested and satisfied.
6. Model Healthy Eating – Your kids are more likely to make healthy choices when they see you making the same choices. Lead by example and reinforce healthy snack options for the whole family.
7. Be Prepared When Traveling – Pack a reusable water bottle for each family member and refill at rest stops. Keep wet naps, paper towels, and trash bags on hand for quick clean-up so you can focus on having fun.

Spring break is the perfect time to prioritize family health and well-being. With these simple physical activities, tasty and healthy snacks, and fun tips for making the most of your time together, your family will surely have a memorable and active spring break. Whether on a road trip or at home, keeping everyone healthy, active, and happy has never been easier. So, let’s get moving, munching, and enjoying the sunshine together!

Source

www.actionforhealthykids.org