With spring break coming up, here’s a week’s worth of ideas to keep your family bonding inspiring, affordable and fun … including some family styling time with haircuts for all at KidSnips.
We all know how important it is to spend time doing things together as a family. That’s the stuff that keeps us connected and happy! But “life” and all the boxes we need to check off each day, work, bills, laundry, deadlines–and that doesn’t even include our kids’ schedules of sports and school work– too often seems to get in the way. That said, the importance of family time on our kids’ mental health and behavior (which means ours too!) is well documented. So…. with spring break coming up in Chicago, we did the research for you and put together this handy list. Go ahead and print it out and put it on your fridge! Of course, you can do most of these activities any day of the week. Just pick and choose and make it work with your schedule!
Monday: Family interviews.
I remember interviewing my grandmother when I was 7 using a gigantic tape recorder that had actual tape. Today’s technology definitely makes things easier! Encourage kids to ask an occasionally silly question. “What is the naughtiest thing you ever did but didn’t get caught doing?” is a great ice-breaker. Here are a few more ideas for creating meaningful family moments.
Tuesday: Puppy love.
Old blankets, towels, and love are something animal shelters always need. Why not go through your linen closet together and find the ones that are a little worn, fill a bag and head to your local shelter. Doing volunteer or service work as a family is one of the most powerful ways to bond.
Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels
Wednesday: Sunset (or sunrise!) at the lake.
Speaking of blankets, put some in your car and head to the lake. Add a thermos of hot chocolate and a couple of lawn chairs (there’s no rule that says you can only take them out when it’s above 70 degrees) and you’ll discover that doing a summer activity when it’s still a little chilly can have a special kind of magic all its own.
Thursday: Let-someone-else-do-the-cooking tour.
Cooking together is a great family activity. But so is NOT cooking! Especially served up in some of the most delicious kid-friendly restaurants. I think it’s only fair to warn you that there is a donut tour on this food list.
Friday: Gotta get out? Try an Escape Room
Work together as a family to escape from a room with lots of fun clues? With a guide that you can ask questions of anytime? And you can pick your theme? My son and I did this together with some friends for his birthday and I don’t know who had more fun – the kids or the grown ups! Here’s one escape room in Chicago, but there’s quite a few in the area so do an online tour to see which one fits your family best.
Saturday: Family Style
Getting fancy as a family is always a fun way to spend time with each other. A fresh cut, a new updo, a special buzz fade…. KidSnips isn’t just for kids! So put a trip to your closest KidSnips for a family haircut at the top of your list any day of the week. Started by two moms who wanted a great experience for their families, KidSnips keeps everyone looking and feeling good! Take a look at our Stylebook as well, it’s full of up-to-date hairstyles and inspiration.
Sunday: Family Magic Show
Now you see it, now you don’t…sometimes, finding the right activity for the whole family feels like you need to be a magician yourself! But here’s a way to spend time together where fun is anything but an illusion. The Chicago Magic Lounge has special Sunday matinees that are just for families. There’s snacks, drinks, and lots of reasons to oooohhh and ahhhhh. What more could you ask for?
