You don’t have to travel far to have a fabulous time! Keep reading for some fresh ideas for your family's 2024 Spring Break Staycation!
1. Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure
Embark on a world of awe-inspiring holograms and prehistoric wonder on the big screen at Houston Museum of Natura Science. It's an immersive 3D theater experience without the use of glasses. In Dinosaur Discoveries, you'll be immersed in an incredible journey spanning nearly 200 million years of mystery, intrigue, and discovery as dinosaurs are brought to life right before your eyes!
2. Stuart Little at Main Street Theater
Stuart Little is playing at Main Street Theater March 3 - April 6, and the show is recommended for Kindergarten and older. It's the endearing classic about a mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family. All the charm, wisdom, and joy of the E.B. White original come to life on stage with the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse who is trying to survive in the great, big world.
Learn more here.
3. Sleepover at Grandma’s
Family time makes the best memories for Spring Break! My kids used to love spending the night at my mom’s house during the summer, and since we have a big family, it was extra fun when their cousins came along. Call up Grandma or Grandpa to see if they’d be willing to host a sleepover for you and the kids. Invest in a portable ping-pong or air hockey table, or some lawn games, buy some snacks, and queue up a couple of family movies for everyone to enjoy. For the sweets, enjoy hot chocolate or popsicles (depending on how the weather’s acting).
4. Rock and Roll at the Rink
With Spring Break rolling around the corner, why not plan for some active fun? If your kids are into skating, you can easily spend an hour or two at one of our local rinks. My 10-year-old has her own pair of skates (ones that she strictly uses indoors) to bring whenever we go to the rink, which saves us money.
Conroe is home to Rainbow Roller Rink at 1695 N. Loop 336 East, and they’ll have 3 weekday skating sessions for Spring Break. Head in the opposite direction to hit up Champions Rollerworld in Spring, my favorite place to take the family. Both rinks have a variety of arcade games, concessions, and prizes.
Roller skating not your thing? The ice rink in Memorial City Mall is a bit of a drive but can be totally worth it, especially if you hang around for a mall crawl afterwards. Be sure to check their website for open hours, since the rink is not open to the public every day. Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex is further in, and it's another favorite! Finally, roller skating outside under the stars at Discovery Green Park in Downtown Houston is back through March 31. You read that right... an OUTDOOR roller rink! That sounds like a whole barrel of fun!
5. Plant seedlings for a summer garden
Any outdoorsy people out there? Not me, LOL! But give me a naturally snack-yielding masterpiece, and I might just be sold. Starting an herb/fruit/vegetable garden is a fantastic way to get the family outside during Spring Break (and beyond) while learning a useful life skill.
We’ve done a few raised garden beds in the past (using both seeds and seedlings), and each of them have turned out fruitful and delicious! If you’ve never planted a garden from scratch, it’s a rewarding experience I’d definitely recommend. Start with tomatoes, marigolds, and herbs like mint and basil, all of which you can find at your favorite garden care store.
6. Book a hotel with a pool
Just because you’re on staycation doesn’t mean hotels are out of the question! We’ve got some lovely places to retreat in our area -- and many with heated swimming pools! The Woodlands has had a history of chilly Spring Breaks, but don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying swim time. Heated pools are good for both warm and cold weather. Stay in familiar territory with an overnight stay at The Woodlands Resort or Embassy Suites in Hughes Landing, or take a longer drive to Margaritaville on Lake Conroe.
Click here to see the Margaritaville review I wrote a while back.
7. Hike or Bike in The Woodlands
On board with the "be active" idea for Spring Break? I’m sure you’ve heard this from me before, but the George Mitchell Nature Preserve has beautiful nature trails. If you have busy bodies at home, taking a walk or bike ride along your favorite trail is an easy way to expend energy, soak up the sun, and get exercise. Bring a list of things to find for a scavenger hunt, trail mix, and bottles of water so you don’t get dehydrated.
Learn more about the Nature Preserve and its trailheads via this link.
8. Movie night with all the indulgences
A huge screen, booming speakers, arcade games… Go big for Spring Break with an ultimate trip to the theater. Order the kids whatever they want: popcorn! nachos! soda! candy! And let them live it up this once. We love the magical movie land of Regal in Benders Landing – with neon lights, high ceilings, VIP theaters, a coffee bar, and other nearby attractions. Kung Fu Panda 4 hits theaters on March 8, 2024.
9. Watch Camel and Ostrich races at Sam Houston Race Park
Thoroughbreds and Camels and Ostriches, Oh My! Don’t miss out on an exhibition race of camels and ostriches during the racing card at Sam Houston Race Park, located at 7575 N Sam Houston Parkway. March 8 & 9, 2024. In past years, this has been a fun time for the whole family with kid activities and food trucks. We will update this page if/when more information becomes available.
Learn more here.
10. Oh sweet Strawberries!
Family Farms in Plantersville has pick-your-own strawberries beginning the first week of March. Fishing and paddleboats are also available (reserve in advance). Drive a bit further, and visit Froberg's Farm located in Alvin. Froberg's strawberry-picking season began in February, and their "Strawberry Festival" is March 11-15 and includes family fun, great food, and strawberry picking (when available). This farm is just an hour away, so it totally counts as a staycation!
11. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Ready to head down to Houston? The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is the biggest event of the year! Located at NRG Stadium from February 27 – March 17, Rodeo Houston makes for a perfect Spring Break staycation activity. See baby animals and cow-milking demonstrations, shop for a cowgirl hat, ride the Ferris Wheel and other carnival rides, chow down on BBQ and candied apples, watch cattle roping and live musical entertainment, and more!
