This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Ten TV Free Spring Break Activities

Looking for something to keep the kids busy next week, screen-free. Here's some suggestions.

 

Spring break is already upon us. Not sure how to occupy the kids or your visiting family for the week? Resist the temptation to stay at home. For parents, spring break can be a great vacation, filled with new fun spots – or a week of wondering how to entertain your kids. (Hint: Don't let this be you.)  

Here are a few ideas that will make everyone happy, from the bookworms to the bundles of energy.

#10. Hit a Farmers Market

 We are so fortunate in Sonoma County that in the middle of winter we can find a Farmer’s Market almost any day of the week. Take advantage of the local markets, or a market just a little over 30 minutes away in neighboring towns like Santa Rosa and Marin. They always have something new to try this time of year. You can't go wrong

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Sonoma Valley Friday Farmers' Market; Local flowers, seafood, cheese, baked goods and vegetables. Year round at the Arnold Field parking lot at First Street West. 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m every Friday. (Phone Number: (707) 538.7023)
  • Marin Civic Center Farmer’s Market; A wide variety of offerings from cheese to meats to seafood to fresh produce to handcrafted items. Vendors are friendly, providing great samples for the asking. Live music is a bonus too. Bring a reusable, large shopping bag, since you'll most likely fill it up! Year ‘round Thursday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
  • Original Santa Rosa Farmer’s Market; You'll find food and cooking products, fresh seafood, baked goods, cheese, honey, flowers, plants, and arts & crafts all from local farmers and artisans. Santa Rosa Veteran's Building East Parking Lot, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa  Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m and Saturday 8:30-1:00  Phone Number: (707) 538.7023


Here’s a list of all the farmers market’s in Sonoma County.

#9. Have an Art Show
Do your kids love to draw, paint and create? Then plan a spring break art show. Give your kids all the supplies they need to make collages, paintings or sculptures and set them to work. At the end of the week, invite friends and family over to view their creations. You can find canvases and art supplies at Fine Line Art Supply.

#8. Start the Gardening
It might not be warm enough to start planting tomatoes, but it's certainly warm enough to plant cool weather vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and radish. If you garden with your kids, spring break is also a great time to plan your summer garden. Have the kids help by plotting this year's garden on paper, making lists of supplies you need (compost, mulch, seeds, plants, etc.) and picking the vegetables you want to plant. You may be surprised with what they come up with.  

#7. Inside Fun
Only 20 minutes from Sonoma, we have a wonderful children’s museum hosting a one day spring break camp on Friday, March 23rd from 9:00-1:00. Parent’s-this means you get a break! The cost is $30 for the half day or $45 for full day. Also in Napa you can find  indoor rock climbing and an indoor sports center with batting cages, jumpy house and mini-golf.  Pack up some snacks and head over the hill. You are sure to exhaust the kids!

#6. Play 18 Holes
Maxwell Fun Center is offering $1.00 Dollar Golf Day per person/per round every Tuesday in March! What an awesome deal! Play 18 holes and then head inside to overdose on skee-ball and video games. They even have a snack bar and ice cream.

#5. Think Retro
Slap on a pair of roller skates and cruise. Cal Skate is about 25 minutes from Sonoma and is offering Spring Break sessions Monday through Friday from 12:00-4:00, $6.00 per skate session.

#4. Catch a Flick
Go and catch one of the latest movies. Spring break is a great time to head to the theater and catch a cheap matinee. Sonoma Cinemas offers daily matinee price of $6.00 for all shows before 6:00pm.

#3. Go to the Farm
Eldridge Farm is just perfect for some one on one animal and bird time during spring break with out leaving Sonoma. It is located at the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) and welcome to all visitors. There our over 100 animals including llamas, horses donkeys and several varieties of exotic birds. Open from 8:00-4:30pm everyday.

#2. Hit the Library
All year long, kids have to read school-assigned books. Over spring break, let them read whatever they want. Take them to the library and let them choose a book or books to entertain them while they are off from school. The Sonoma Valley Regional Library will reopen in its refurbished quarters at 755 West Napa Street in Sonoma on Tuesday, March 20, at 10:00 a.m.

#1. Go on a Picnic
Cornerstone Gardens is a local gem that is worthy of at least one spring break visit. 2000 daffodil bulbs were planted and are popping up now through the end of March. Bring a picnic and enjoy the several different landscapes. Gardens are open daily from 10:00-4:00pm and are always free.

So whether you decide to try just one or even challenge yourself to make this your spring break check off list, just get outside and have fun with your kids.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?