As a young mother, spring break was a mixed bag. There were some years the stars aligned, and I was able to take the week off with my kids. Thankfully, they were in the same school district and were off the same week, even though one was in high school and one was in elementary school. Other years, spring break filled me with panic. What would I do with my kids for a week off school? As my daughter became a teenager, could I trust her to responsibly watch her little brother (who was ten years younger)?
As a grandparent who has been at the same job for almost thirty years, I can take off work when I need to. If you are also one of the lucky ones, or you are already retired, consider helping your children out with childcare over this spring break. The extra time with the grandkids is so rewarding.
The next question is what to do with those youngsters for five days in a row? If you are a grandparent watching the kids, or a parent home with the kids for spring break, read on!
PLAY TOURIST
When was the last time you visited a tourist attraction? There’s a reason why visitors from all over the world come to the central coast. This is a great time to revisit (or visit for the first time) one or more of the attractions that make our community so popular.
A few suggestions to get you started:
- Point Sur State Lighthouse. Pt. Sur lighthouse and its supporting light station buildings, now a California State Historic Park, stand atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur. Tours are scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. No reservations are accepted. It’s first-come, first served so plan on arriving early to avoid disappointment. Fun for kids older than 10 or so who are able and willing to walk at least a mile.
- The Monterey Zoo. Home to numerous types of lions, tigers and leopards, a black bear, elephants, zebras, lemurs, a Capuchin monkey, and baboons. It’s a small, well-laid-out zoo that is fun for kids of all ages plus it’s stroller friendly. Open daily except for holidays from 10 am – 3 pm.
- Whale watching. April is the start of Killer Whale season on Monterey Bay. You may also see other wildlife including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, and birds. There are numerous whale watching tour options out of Monterey and Moss Landing (leaving from Moss Landing means a shorter ride to open sea). Educational and fun for kids older than about five, a whale-watching excursion would be a special treat for all of you.
- Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The Museum is a great place for children to have some educational fun. Ask for a Scavenger Hunt sheet from the front desk and search the galleries for natural wonders. A new feature, The Nature Exchange, opens in April and offers guests the opportunity to learn about and trade natural items. The Museum is free for Monterey County residents. After your visit head across the street to Jewell Park and picnic in the gazebo or walk down to Lovers Point Park and spread out a blanket in the sun.
FAMILY HISTORY LESSONS (BUT FUN ONES!)
Family history matters, and kids love hearing about their parents and grandparents “in the old days.” Dig out those old photos: those pre-digital-camera gems from the days when you couldn’t pre-screen and approve every photo that was taken. You remember–when you crossed your fingers, had the film developed, and then laughed because everyone looked weird. Let the kids choose their favorite photos of their parents, grandparents, or their dad’s childhood dog. Scan them and print them out, and let the kids put together a scrapbook of their family’s history. Let the kids write out the captions. You will be entertained, but you will also be fostering a connection between the children, their parents, and their grandparents. Vacations, first days of school, winter formals are all priceless memories that will help them understand their parents and grandparents a little better.
BUILD SOMETHING
One of my granddaughter’s favorite things to do at my house is spending time in the garage with grandpa, using tools. They’ve built boxes, made “swords” out of scraps of wood, and glued nuts and bolts onto wood (interpretive art, anyone?). Many stores, such as Home Depot and Michael’s, have kits that kids can put together–items like birdhouses, wooden cars, and wind chimes. Take them to the store and let them pick something out, then spend the afternoon building their masterpiece.
JUST BE TOGETHER
One of the best and most rewarding things you can do with your grandchildren is to BE with them. Children live such scheduled and busy lives these days that sometimes a break from activity is just the ticket. Cook them a leisurely breakfast. Spend time sitting and talking to them about whatever comes up. Go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors. If you have a couple of old cell phones, charge them up and let the kids use them as cameras. Sometimes seeing the world through their eyes is priceless.
Enjoy your time with the kids. Then, on Friday night, relax with a glass of wine and catch up on your sleep!
TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures. Tricia received a Silver Award for feature writing from Parenting Media Association in 2021.