We are traveling to Florida later this month, but will be splitting time at home in Houston and then heading to the ranch for the boys’ actual school ‘spring break’.

My sister and nephew are visiting us in Houston early next week so I want to make the most of our staycation. If you’re in the same boat as us, read my five tips below for making the most of a mini spring break staycation and successfully escaping your normal routine for a few days.

1. Break Out of Your Routine

Whether you’re miles away from home or staying put this spring break, shaking up your routine as a family will make you feel like you are truly getting away. Do your weekend mornings typically start with morning cartoons and a simple breakfast at home? It’s time to try that new brunch spot you have heard so much about!  Instead of hoping in the car, opt for a family bike ride.  Start your day with a new adventure to set the tone for the day. If you typically spend evenings winding down as a family indoors, shake it up by grilling outside and having a family game night. These may seem like small details, but they can really change the experiences and memories made as a family.

2. Go on an Adventure

I love the idea of instilling a sense of adventure into our mini spring break, even if we are just staying in Houston. With the kids’ vivid imaginations, it’s fun to create an exciting activity that encourages exploration. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt at the zoo, strawberry picking, indoor wall climbing, or trying a new park across town, suggest a family activity that the whole family will be excited about.

 

3. Have a Cultural Experience

Houston is such a culturally diverse and arts-centric city, but it can be tempting to stick to your familiar bubble. For our spring break staycation we are excited to see a play, try a new ethnic cuisine, and visit a new museum exhibition or botanical garden that isn’t in our typical rotation. I will be referencing our Houston guide for recs!

4. Connect with Each Other

When you’re at home, it’s easy for everyone to run off in different directions and to get distracted with daily responsibilities. We’re planning to put our phones away and set aside our to-do list (the laundry can wait) and to make old school memories together through outdoor activities like picnicking and indoor activities like board games and charades.

5. Try Something New Together

A vacation guarantees new experiences together; you are in a new place with all new activities! For our mini spring break staycation, we are excited to try out something new together as a family.  At the top of my list is visiting a local farm to pick strawberries or perhaps finding an adventure park with wall climbing and trampoline fun for the boys.

What are your favorite ways to spend a staycation in your hometown?