Fun and Safe Spring Break Activities for the Family

Spring break activities for families can be some of the most fun that yours has all year long. Generally, it’s a time when Mother Nature is at her best, and there’s so much to look forward to.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite activities to consider along with some safety tips and information. Check them out, and start planning your next big adventure with a healthy dose of peace of mind! 

Sleeping Under the Stars

Some fun family activities for Spring Break include sleeping under the stars. You can either go camping or just sleep outside in your backyard. This is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy nature. To make it safer and more comfortable, however, take the following initiatives:

• Choose a site that is flat and clear of debris
• If you are camping, set up your tent in an area that is away from trees or other potential hazards
• Bring bug spray and sunblock
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand in case of emergency

Go On a Nature Hike

Of the most fun family activities for spring break to consider are nature hikes. Plan one for the day, a few days, or the whole week. Some tips for making these fun and safe include:

• Make sure everyone in the family is wearing sturdy shoes and sunscreen
• Bring along plenty of water and snacks
• Stick to trails that are well-marked and avoid steep or difficult terrain
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay together

You may also want to invest in solar charging devices and ration how you use available phone batteries or electricity.

Picnic

One of the tried and true family activities for spring break is the picnic. Picnics are great for enjoying nature, bonding with one another, and breaking free from the hectic ways of daily life.

If a picnic is in your spring break future, here are some ways you can make the most of it:

• Choose a shady spot
• Avoid bringing perishable food items
• Pack cold food in a cooler with ice packs
• Keep hot food items in a thermos
• Use clean plates and utensils
• Throw away any leftovers

Remember, always leave nature the way you found it!

Texas Barbeque

Something you could combine with your picnic or just do at the house is to have a good old-fashioned Texas barbeque! 

If alcohol is involved, it’s a short walk home (from your yard to the bedroom). However, you can still make it even safer by practicing cooking safety. Here are some suggestions:

• Make sure the grill is in good condition and has been cleaned properly before use
• Always supervise children near the grill
• Keep flammable materials, such as paper plates and napkins, away from the grill
• Use long-handled tongs or spatulas to avoid getting burned
• Never leave the grill unattended while it is lit
• Be sure to extinguish the fire completely before leaving the area
• Never try to move a hot grill. Wait for it to cool down before attempting to clean or move it
• Cook to proper temperatures, and keep those numbers handy

Visit An Orchard

One of the fun activities for families you may not often think about is visiting an orchard. There are many in our area, and they can provide a day, or even a week, full of fun.

Pick fruit. Go on a hayride. Some feature playgrounds for the kids and other fun activities. Be sure to check the orchard’s website or call ahead to see what is offered during the time of year you plan to visit.

Take a Road Trip

Last but not least, there’s the road trip. This is great when you just need a change of scenery. Plan on hitting the beach if you don’t mind large spring break crowds, or head to the mountains if the quiet is more your thing.

The US is one of the more geologically diverse landscapes, so there’s plenty to choose from.

• Pack an emergency kit including supplies like water, food, and first-aid items
• Have a plan in place in case of emergencies
• Let someone know your travel plans and expected arrival time
• Be aware of the weather conditions and plan your route accordingly
• Avoid driving during night hours if possible, by far the most dangerous time of day to drive

These are just a few ideas to get you started on planning your spring break activities. The most important thing is to make memories that will last a lifetime!

One Last Thing About Spring Break Activities For Families

We want whatever spring break activities for families that appeal to you to be safe and fun. But it’s also important to prepare for the unexpected.

Staying in the area this season? Know where all the quality sources of healthcare are, such as our emergency room in Bryan, TX, before you face a situation where it’s actually needed. 

Sources:

FoodSafety.gov website. “Safe minimum internal temperatures.” US National Library of Medicine, 11 March 2022, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-internal-temperatures

National Safety Council website. “Crashes by the time of day and day of the week.” 2020 Data Sets, https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/crashes-by-time-of-day-and-day-of-week/