Social distancing means spring break will look a little different this year. But you know what doesn’t have to change? The fun factor! Here are a few day-by-day ideas to keep your kids’ minds and bodies active while school is out. 

Make Something Monday

Sneak in some science, reading and math practice by guiding your kids through some homemade fun! Here are three recipes to fill your day with creative projects. 

Outside time! Homemade Bubble Solution

This recipe only takes five minutes and three household staples for hours of outside fun! 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups warm water

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1/2 cup blue Dawn dish soap

Check out the full recipe via The Artful Parent 

Snack time! Mini Fruit Pizzas

We love this edible project because the amount of fruit far outweighs the potential to cover the floor with sprinkles. Plus, you can buy prepared dough and icing if you need a shortcut. 

Ingredients 

For the cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons milk, whole or 2%

For the frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

  • 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature

  • 1 vanilla bean, scraped

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

To decorate the cookies:

  • Several cups sliced and whole fruit for decorating, such as berries, kiwi, grapes, or bananas 

Check out the full recipe via The Kitchn 

Play time! Homemade Sculpting Dough 

This is a customizable crowd pleaser. Whip up a batch of dough in your crafty kids’ favorite colors. 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup salt

  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar

  • 2 cups lukewarm water

  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)

  • Food coloring, optional

  • Quart sized bags

Check out the full recipe via I Heart Naptime

Taste Something New Tuesday 

We originally dubbed the second day of spring break "Take a Trip Tuesday," and highlighted fun local spring break programs. Most of those have been canceled, and we've got the latest on those details here. 

Now, we’ve decided to make Tuesday all about making delicious and nutritious food. Why not try a yummy recipe from Cooking in Bloom like this salad or these easy tostadas? 

And may we also recommend a delicious way to eat some canned goods? Meet these black bean brownies. 

Recipe via Chocolate Covered Katie

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) 

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder 

  • 1/2 cup quick oats 

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, honey or agave 

  • pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tbsp sugar 

  • 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil 

  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)

  • optional: more chips, for presentation

Wild and Free Wednesday 

No week off in the Natural State is complete without some outdoor activities! Here are a few parks across the state. Programming may be canceled, but you can still enjoy the great outdoors! 

There’s also great biking and hiking right in our area! Check out the trails at Two Rivers Park, Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area and Conner Park to name a few. 

Thinking Thursday 

While you may be done with your Alternative Methods of Instruction for the week, don’t stop challenging and engaging your little readers. You can still check out books from CALS.org! Find out all about the Overdrive and Libby apps here. 

Friendly Friday 

And finally, now more than ever, take time to share the love. We’ve included a few easy and kid-friendly volunteer opportunities to help you brainstorm a Friendly Friday project.  

  • Write a note to a postal worker.

  • Deliver a gift basket to your local fire or police department.

  • Collect donations for a local charity that helps kids and families. We love Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the CALL, Immerse and Arkansas Food Bank to name a few.

  • Send handwritten notes and original art to a local assisted living community or nursing home. 

  • Nominate your favorite doctors and specialists for our 2020 Top Docs.