Outdoor Fun for March Break Kids Will Love

Looking for outdoor fun for March Break? This year March Break has been postponed until April (in Ontario anyway), upsetting educators, families and students, but there are ways to enjoy the spring break regardless of which month it falls in. I know a lot of parents and kids will be stuck inside because of the pandemic, and while we have all been creative in keeping ourselves and kids busy and engaged indoors during this past year (yes, it’s been a whole freaking year) I know how important it is for kids to be outdoors. And let’s face it, the last thing they need is more screen time. And hopefully by April, the weather will be a tad warmer and it’ll be drier out to so kids can play outside longer and have more options when it comes to the activities they engage in. Let’s hope anyway. Canadian winters and springs, after all.

Get out the Wheels

I think it’s time to break out the bikes, roller blades/skates, scooters and skateboards and get those kids moving. They can play out on the street like we used to do back in the 80s and 90s. You can supervise. Or, make it a family event and take the kids to the local trials and parks. It’s relatively safe to be outside, and you can always bring masks in case you are directly in the path of others. What better outdoor fun for the March Break is there than racing around on a bike or skates? Plus, this can be fun for kids of all ages.

Get Creative with Old School Games

Outdoor fun for the March Break should include games! There are lots of games kids can play outside. They can play hide and go seek in the yard with an object like a spoon or ball and take turns hiding and searching for that item for instance. This might be easier than seeking each other, depending on how much space they have available. They can even take a game like Twister outside and get those core muscles engaged. With a little creativity, many old school games can be modified to be played with less people, or to be played in a confined space like your back yard.

Sensory Games

Kids are great at entertaining themselves, and might enjoy the old school games with little encouragement or supervision, but some kids need a little more structure and encouragement. Sensory games are very engaging and can include things like playing with bubbles, a chalk or toy obstacle course, or even a simple game of catch with a ball or hola hoop. You could play with water balloons even, or set up a water table or sand table. Or, paint the snow! Hopefully we won’t have any in April, but…it’s always an option.

Nature Walks and Hikes

Kids are far more interested the outdoors than we might think! So outdoor fun for March Break this year can include nature walks and hikes. You could engage in a little bird watching, or bring along a book or app to help you identify certain plants and trees. Investigate any insects you might see, and engage in both fun outdoors, and a bit of learning as most kids will likely ask a lot of questions and make observations that you can later Google together.

Monkey Bar Fun

Kids love the park, and what better way to get your child out of doors than bringing them to a park with swings, climbers and monkey bars? I know many teachers and parents often set limitations on what children can play on/with at the park, but playing on climbers and such really builds gross motor and problem solving skills. So give your child some freedom and let them a bit of a monkey. I’ve seen four year olds devise their way out some sticky spots on the monkey bars when I thought I’d surely have to lift them down. Outdoor fun for March Break ought include a bit of adventure after all.

Final Thoughts

This March Break can be a lot of fun for kids and families, even if we are still stuck indoors and wearing masks and social distancing. And kids can safely play outside and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and bodily movement the outdoors offers. I honestly think these activities would be a big hit with kids because they often don’t get to play outside due to weather, lack of adult supervision and more lately, Covid since many schools closed and went remote, or restricted recess breaks. The great outdoors reduces anxiety and stress for adults, and kids should have some access to playing outdoors this spring. It does a lot for their gross motor skills, for their cognitive development and for their physical and mental health. Plus, it’s great fun!

What do your March Break or spring break plans include? Share in the comments below.