Keeping Kids Occupied During School Vacation
Contact: Kate Yerxa, (207) 581-3109 or kate.yerxa@maine.edu
ORONO — With area school vacations starting next week, some parents and guardians may be wondering how to keep kids engaged and active during the time off.
Kate Yerxa, University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s statewide educator for nutrition and physical activity, is available to discuss some tips.
Family time does not have to be expensive, she says. “February and April vacation weeks are here, and to avoid hearing ‘I’m bored!’ there are many free or inexpensive family activities that can fill your days with fun.
Outside:
– Play in the snow. Take the whole family outside to go sledding, build a snowman, build a snow fort or just go for a walk and enjoy being outside.
– Interested in outdoor sports? Now is the time to try snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country or downhill skiing. If you don’t have equipment and are willing to rent, check with a local recreation department, school or ski resort for prices and availability.
– Or, ask friends and family if they have older equipment you and your kids could borrow.
– It may not look like you could plant a garden right now, but you can start planning for this summer, nonetheless. Have kids be a part of planning the garden layout and the vegetables you would like to plant. Children can draw their garden plan and check out seed catalogs for new vegetables for planting this summer.
– No room for a full garden? Try container gardening and kids can decide what they would like to plant in each container – or try a pizza garden or a salad garden.
In the community:
– Visit the library – check out the events that they are offering.
– Check out the local town or school recreation programs and get involved in activities happening during vacation.
– Look for open gym opportunities in your community.
– And look for special admission rates at local museums.
In the house:
– Get kids cooking! Now is the time to teach your children cooking basics. Pick out new recipes that may include a new food and help children prepare the item.
– For younger children, dress up and have a parade in the house.
– Start a book club with your older children and their friends.
Keep a list of free or inexpensive activities in your local area, so when you are looking for something to do you have everything at your fingertips, Yerxa advises.
Yerxa can be reached in her UMaine office in Orono at (207) 581-3109 or kate.yerxa@maine.edu.