HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-03-11, Page 12Page Al2 - Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Staying home this March break can be a creative getaway
Sharon Amisiialeek
special to sun media
Looking to entertain the kids this March
Break without blowing the bank? Check
out these 11 fun, creative and cheap "stay -
cation" ideas.
1. Bowl them over: Bowling is usually
a sure bet for a few hours of fun. Glow -
in -the -dark disco bowling is especially a
hit with kids — find out if your local alleys
offer it.
2. Make a splash: With a high fun fac-
tor and low price factor, pool parties are
a great way for your kids to have fun with
friends and get some exercise in the pro-
cess. Check the hours of your local pool
and round up the troops for a wet and wild
afternoon.
3. Screen or stage: Inject a little the-
atrical flair into your children's vacation
by taking in a kids' movie — ideally one
you grownups can enjoy, too! Or, check
your local listings for affordable family -
friendly plays.
4. Winter wonderland: Get outside and
take advantage of the remaining days of
winter! Whether it's skiing, skating, sled-
ding or snowboard-
ing, winter sports
offer great ways to
boost energy and
bust boredom.
5. Eating esca-
pade: Have a day
of fun feasting in
which you intro-
duce your kids to a
new type of food —
and let them in on
the action. Choose
a theme, such as
Greek or Mexi-
can, and develop
a menu together;
then, assign each
person a job. It's
a great and tasty
way to expand your children's
nary repertoire!
6. Saturday evening fever: Help your
kids get their groove on with their own
dance party! Have them invite all their
friends for an eve-
ning of music, ap-
petizers and bust-
ing great moves. A
theme, e.g. Retro
'•80s, Divine Disco
or Top Pop, is a
great way to boost
the fun.
7, Into the wild:
Gather the gang
for a day of ani-
mal adventures at
the local zoo. With
the weather finally
warming up, it's a
great opportunity to
have some outdoor
fun.
8. Hollywood
at home: With some imagination, cheap
props and DIY gusto, you can help your
an together: The family that plans
activities together has the most fun
together. Solicit your children's feedback
on what to do and where to go.
•Be prepared: Even the best laid plans
go awry — the pool suddenly closes early,
or the car breaks down. Try to have a
backup plan in place.
•Be creative: The more innovative and
imaginative you are, the more enjoyable
your March Break will be. A new spin
on an old game, a spur-of-the-moment
colouring contest, perhaps a "social
justice" experience at a food bank -- there
are many different ways to keep your
children engaged and interested.
•Have fun! No matter what you do with
your family over the break, don't take
things too seriously.
culi-
Everyone loves a good makeover.
This guide will help readers choose the
right materials and the right tradesperson
for their home makeover, inside or outside.
And this year the Home Renovation Tax Credit
makes it even more attractive to fix up their homes
Be sure they know what you can do for them
with your advertising message!
ide full
tips and information will be inserte. In
The Goderich Signal -Star, The Clinton News -Rt p/rd anc `
The Seaforth Huron Expositor on Wednesday, N eh 25, 2009
•.
524-2614
120 Huckins St.
Goderich
kids make . their own movie. Help your
kids develop an easy script and parts. Use
old clothes for costumes and household
items for a set. Rehearse and film the ac-
tion. Then, invite over friends and break
out the popcorn: it's showtime!
9. Meet the library: One of the best but
most often , overlooked community re-
sources, the library is ideal for quiet and
thoughtful family time. Besides all the
great books, CDs, movies and audio books
available, you may also find themed ex-
hibits, multimedia stations and story time
programs.
10. Halloween in March: Who says
dress -up parties are just for Halloween?
For kids, nothing adds zest to a party like
costumes, face paint and far-out accesso-
ries. A best -dressed contest and easy party
games will keep things hopping.
Community camp: If you can't get off
work for March Break, find out about
week-long camp programs at your local
community centre — their options are usu-
ally more affordable than private ones.
Photo by Gerard Creces
Shre ddin
Kris Henderson toes advantage of.
the warm weekend weather, braving
the gazebo steps as he gets some
serious air on his skateboard.
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