5 Things To Do This Spring Break

During a normal year at The Oaks Academy, students would still be arriving at one of our campus locations during spring break to participate in our week-long Camp Oaks. This is an experience that students (and parents) might be missing in this not-normal year, so we wanted to share a few things that our families could do if they’re staying in Indianapolis this spring break.

Take a Virtual Trip

While it may not be as fun as actually traveling to a spring break spot, you can take a virtual trip to dozens of different locations across the country. Taking The Kids, a family travel resource site, compiled a list of over 50 virtual trips and activities that can all be done from the comfort of your home! From art activities and tours to zoos with live animal cameras and learning series, this site is sure to have something for everyone. If there’s too many options to choose from, parents can even design their own virtual vacation by following these steps from Connecticut Children’s health system.

Explore Local Parks

Indianapolis Parks and Recreation has a robust directory of local parks and trails to explore on their website. Students at The Oaks begin exploring and studying nature starting in Pre-Kindergarten and may even have some suggestions of their own about where to go! You can also use the Activity Search to find local and upcoming program events and activities to join. Depending on location and activity, there may be a small fee required to participate or enter the park.

Participate in a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts can be both fun and educational, and can be tailored to any family! If you don’t want to leave your house but need to engage your kids in an activity, hide some objects around the house or give them a list of clues and riddles to collect common, everyday items to bring back to you. Looking for free ways to explore and learn about Indianapolis? Try this scavenger hunt of the downtown canal from Indy with Kids or download the Otocast App to participate in your choice of adventures like Indy Art & Seek. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging for your family, you can also purchase various scavenger hunts through Operation City Quest and Urban Adventure Quest.

Visit Local Museums or the Zoo

The Children’s Museum is always a family favorite, and rightly so as it tops the list of USA Today 10 Best children’s museums, but make sure to plan ahead as they have limited capacity. You can buy tickets ahead of time on their website and use their calendar of events to find the best day to go. If you can’t make it to The Children’s Museum, check out these other local museums within 20 miles of downtown. The Indianapolis Zoo is another family favorite, made even better by the Spring xZooberance Festival happening until April 11th. On event day, activities run from 10am – 4pm and include live music and dancing, crafting, and encounters with animals, of course! Check out the daily schedule of events and activities here, and plan your visit ahead of time as the zoo has limited capacity as well.

Start a Garden

Our friends at Indy’sChild recently shared a great list of reasons why starting a garden or including your kids in the gardening process is a good way to engage and educate your kids. Even if you don’t have an area to garden of your own, this article highlights local community gardens where you can reserve a plot! And while you’re there, make sure to head over to Indy’sChild calendar of free things to do in order to find other fun events for your family – like this one at IKEA in Fishers that provides a take and make craft kit for decorating a spring plant pot!