For most families in the Blue Water Area, spring break is here. For those of us not traveling to somewhere warm, we still need ways to keep these kiddos entertained. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do right here in our hometown!
Check out the entire BlueWaterParent.com Events Calendar for a full list of activities, but here is a quick overview!
Local Attractions
The YMCA of the Blue Water Area has a spring break camp running all week for K-6th grade. For $31 a day, you can send your child to enjoy swimming, crafts, gym time and snacks. If you’re looking for activities to do with your children, open swim is open most evenings (call the Y for the most recent schedule). There is no additional cost for YMCA members and $10 for nonmembers. It is a great way to get some energy out in cases of bad weather!
The St. Clair County Library System has many different events happening at all of the branches. There are the typical weekly storytimes as well as special events happening throughout the week. Some special events include Nintendo Switch Night, Origami Bunnies, Snacks from Around the World, and String Art! There is something for all ages at all of the different library branches!
Birchwood Mall
The Birchwood Mall in Fort Gratiot is also a great place to spend an afternoon. Blue Water Jump Zone, The Process, and Sophisticatz Karaoke are three great options. Jump Zone offers a 90-minute jump package for $12, or a full-day package for $15. The Process has different hands-on creative experiences for kids of all ages. For older children, Sophisticatz Karaoke is a great way for kids to hang out and belt out their favorite tunes with private karaoke rooms as well as a public stage. After all of the fun, you can check out the food court and end the day with some yummy food and a carousel ride!
At Home
If you’re looking for some fun and easy at-home activities, here are a few ideas:
Glow stick baths. As simple as it sounds- grab a package of glow sticks from the dollar store, throw them in the bathtub, and turn off the lights. Something about the glowing lights in the tub just feels magical!
Bubble Foam. You’ll need bubble bath liquid (or dish soap), water, a hand mixer and optional food coloring. In a large bowl mix two parts water to one part bubble bath liquid. Use an electric hand mixer until the foam begins to form stiff peaks. That’s it! Bubble foam is a blast to make and play with outside, but if the weather is not on your side it’s also a fun activity to do in a (dry) bathtub!
Box houses. Another easy idea. Do you have any boxes lying around? Use tape and connect the boxes to make an indoor city. If you’re able to find bigger boxes, set up your kiddos with markers, stickers, paint, etc. inside the box and let them go to town! If you happen to be fresh out of empty boxes, places like Sam’s Club will usually give you some for free.
Rainbow nature walk- if the weather is decent, this is a great way to get kids outside and a part of nature. Find a nice large park or beach that has plenty of space and plants. Our favorite is Fort Gratiot County Park because you get the beach and the woods all in one. Give your child a bag and tell them they need to find different objects with all the colors of the rainbow. For younger children go through each of the colors with them. For multiple children, you could make it a race to see who completes the rainbow first. The possibilities are endless!
Movie Marathon
Sometimes at the end of the day, you just need a break. There is nothing wrong with some screen time to get through the week. Cut yourself some slack and let a movie marathon happen if it needs to! You can always make it feel special with a special snack tray and cozy blankets too.
Story by Alyssa Dock for BlueWaterParent.com
