How to make the best of vacation and days off with your kids

Is unstructured time off your worst nightmare? We collected tips and tricks from mothers for how to make the best of vacation and days off with your kids

Just One Goal

I make a goal for the day — something manageable and specific, like organizing a knapsack or an area of the house, or running an errand. Once we accomplish that goal, we do something that they do want to do, and I let them decide. Getting everyone up, dressed, davened, and fed is enough to keep me busy, but by putting in a small goal and fun activity, the day has a purpose and a structure. And this way, at the end of the day, I don’t get all the kvetching that we “didn’t do anything today!”

–F.G., Lakewood, NJ

Book Nook

The library is free and has something for all the different ages. My boys each have their own library card, and they love the chance to use it! Baking is fun as long as it’s more about the experience than the results. The main idea? Keep the off-time positive. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable!

–L.K., Oak Park, MI

Keep the Routine

On days off, we try to keep a routine for the end of the day. Supper, chill, and bedtime at the regular time really satisfies the kids and doesn’t mess up the next day.

–T.P., Staten Island, NY

Having Fun Together

Having some sort of schedule really helps. I try to daven with my kids and eat meals all together instead of just serving food all day long to each kid separately. We do one activity or project like coloring or Play-Doh. Bubble baths are very fun and a great time waster.

–Leah Shapiro, Southfield, MI

Furniture Frenzy

IKEA! (They have a kosher food court here in Israel, so it’s a full activity with food.) We love wandering the store, and my kids love the different displays. We usually go in planning to buy nothing, but that’s pretty much impossible. It’s fun and (can be) pretty cheap.

–Anonymous

Do Nothing!

I believe unstructured time is really important. It’s important for kids to be bored, and it’s okay to do nothing. Being bored helps kids be creative with their time (and gives Mom time to do her chores).

–S.G., Silver Spring, MD

Include the Littles

Even little kids like doing adult jobs. Thursday afternoons, when my kids get home at 1:30, I give them cooking jobs. They can cut veggies, bread schnitzel, or add spices. Even though you can do it faster and better, it’s so much nicer than the kvetching because you’re ignoring them.

–C.G., Jerusalem

Park Tip

Getting out of the house is vital! And do it as early in the day as possible. Even a short trip goes a long way, and then the afternoon is smoother because the kids have already let out some energy. On a vacation or Chol Hamoed, when the major attractions are crowded, we take our little kids on a bus a few stops in any direction, hop out at a random park in another neighborhood, and that’s your outing! The small local parks are totally empty on these kinds of days. And for young kids, a park they’ve never seen before is super exciting!

–Rochel Samet, Ramat Beit Shemesh

Mindel’s Tips

• Long car rides can be great for hours of “entertainment.” Where you go doesn’t matter so much, especially for very young children. It can be a ride to a faraway pizza store or mall, a different park, or a visit to friends/family your kids don’t usually get to see. The main part of the day is filled with the ride in the car (or bus/train) — which is an adventure on its own. Bring lots of story and song tape options!
• Mall scavenger hunts or human bingo boards are so much fun. You can make your own or look online for ideas. For kids who can’t read, use pictures instead of words.
• Go on a trip to the supermarket, with no credit card and only a limited amount of cash. This is not a chance to do your shopping! Use the time to do something fun with your kids (scavenger hunt, or learn about different products, kosher symbols, or math). At the end everyone gets to pick a treat — including you!

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 948)