Spring Break Staycation Ideas

For whatever reasons, spring break may not be the best time for you and the family to head out of town. We are one of those families. Fortunately, there are so many things happening in Kansas City that it’s never been a problem to keep busy and have fun during our spring break staycation!

To make it feel like a staycation, I like to plan ahead. I talk to the kids, giving them some ideas about what we might do together during the week. We do this together so everyone gets to share their ideas. The one hard and fast rule: each kiddo gets to pick at least one favorite activity – with no complaining from their siblings. Devise your own spring break staycation plan with these easy ideas:

• Get Active: When everyone is bouncing off the walls by 9am on Monday morning, I know it’s time to head to the nearest playzone. A new favorite in our household is Urban Air’s new Lenexa location, and the renovated location in Overland Park. If you want to take it outside, explore one of KC’s many parks and playgrounds – there really is something for everyone!
• Appreciate the Arts: One of my favorite things about KC is the arts scene. It’s thriving and accessible at the same time. Visit The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art,  The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or  The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, or get hands on at one of the many local spaces that offer art and crafting classes for kids.
• Get Cooking: Sign your budding chef up for cooking classes (with or without an adult), and create kid-friendly creations…without the messy cleanup in your kitchen!
• Act Like an Animal: Or at least visit your favorite animals at the  Kansas City Zoo, Fleming Park’s Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure, or Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory (Cedar Cove open weekends only)
• Take in a Show: Watch Puffs at The Coterie (through March 22), or learn more about puppets at the Puppetry Arts Institute
• Keep It Budget Friendly: I always sneak in a “free” day, where we do a day of free – or almost free – activities. Crown Center area is a hotbed of free activities, or visit your nearest nature center for some indoor education, or a hike in the surrounding area, depending on the weather.

While we’re talking about budget, I also take advantage of our Pogo Passes during spring break. For just $39.98/person, we get to visit a variety of fun spots – and find new favorites – in and around KC. Remember to use discount code KCKIDSFUN to get $10 off of each pass!

If you are staying home for spring break because of work, check out this Spring Break Camps listing. Many of the camps still have availability if you’re in a crunch with the kids.