Staying home over spring break can often feel discouraging because perhaps many of your peers are traveling. It can be easy to compare your spring break plans to theirs, but it is also possible to have just as much fun while at home.
How high school and college students can make staying at home over spring break fun. (Twenty20 @tatyanagladskikh)
17 spring break ideas for teens and college students
1. Redecorate your room by thrifting
Thrifting for clothes is always fun, but have you ever tried thrifting for furniture and decor? You can find tons of antique and one-of-a-kind things by shopping secondhand. Some of the things to keep your eye out for are wall hangings, lights, pottery, and chairs. Your room will have a new look to it and this can be done relatively cheaply.
2. Volunteer
Give back to your local community by volunteering your time! Some great places to volunteer are your local senior center, food bank, or animal shelter. This is a rewarding activity and can also be a way to meet new people.
3. Help out elderly neighbors
Elderly people can often have difficulty doing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or taking care of their yards. One way to alleviate this stress from them is to make dinner, bake cookies, or mow the lawn for them. They will be so grateful to have your help!
4. Go to a new museum
Whether it’s history, art, technology, science, music, or something else, you are sure to learn something new by visiting a museum! Another bonus, museums are typically inexpensive and most offer student discounts.
5. Hike a new trail
Being outdoors is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Check out a new hiking trail for a day filled with exercise and fresh air. You might even see a cool viewpoint from the top!
6. Binge watch a series
Are there any shows you have been meaning to watch but haven’t had time to? Spend a day binge-watching that series you have been meaning to watch and make sure you have blankets, popcorn, and snacks!
7. Spend time with your family and hometown friends
Reach out to old friends from high school. Although it may feel like everyone is traveling during spring break, tons of students end up going home, so see if your friends’ breaks are the same dates as yours. This is a great way to reconnect.
8. Go to a beach or lake
Laying on the beach as the sun shimmers down and you feel the pristine warmth on your skin while hearing the splashing water in the background is so peaceful. Or, take a refreshing swim in the cool water. Nothing beats lake or beach days. Head to your nearest lake or beach and make sure to pack sunscreen and towels.
9. Camp in the backyard
Spend the night under the stars or relax in a tent in the backyard! Grab sleeping bags, warm jackets, and extra blankets and enjoy an outdoor sleepover with your siblings or friends. Maybe even build a bonfire and make s’mores.
10. Have an at-home spa day
Invite a friend or your mom and paint your nails, apply face masks, light a candle, and nourish your hair with a hair mask. Spa days are an ideal way to relax and decompress.
11. Be a tourist in your own city
Visit all of the local attractions that tourists would typically go to in your city! Some ideas are to try popular restaurants, go sightseeing, or take a boat ride.
12. Have a charcuterie picnic
Gather some friends or family together and head to a local park or viewpoint. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on. Then, set up a board with all your favorite cheeses, meats, and fruits.
13. Create a vision board
Self-reflection and goal-setting is an important part of growing as a person. Cut photos out of magazines and add them to the board to display all of your goals for the future! You could either make it a 10-year plan or a 5-year plan of what you want your life to look like.
14. Make a new treat from scratch
Find a recipe for a sweet treat you have been craving, gather all the ingredients, and then make it at home. Some ideas are cake pops, caramel apples, rice krispie treats, crepes, fruit tarts, or a lava cake.
15. Make a gift from a craft store
Whether you want to paint, sew, or draw, find the perfect craft for you and use it as a Mother’s or Father’s Day gift or a birthday gift.
16. Take a day trip to the nearest national or state park
Get outdoors and go to the nearest national or state park for the day. Wake up early and drive over; make sure to stop for coffee on the way! Then enjoy the crisp air and magnificent nature while walking around, hiking, or biking. At the end of the day, make sure to catch the sunset from a viewpoint.
17. Call or visit grandparents
Being home over break is the perfect time to visit your grandparents if they live close by. If they don’t live close by, call or FaceTime them. Because this is a break from school/work, you should have extra time on your hands to have a long and genuine conversation. Your grandparents will be so excited to hear from you and get any updates on your life.
More Great Reading:
Summer Vacation: 30 Ways Students Can Make the Most of Free Time
