“Mom, I don’t know what to do!”
“Dad, I’m bored!”

Are you anxious to hear these words coming out of your children’s mouths in the next few days? Fear not! We’ve got just the thing to keep them busy and let them spend their energy without emptying your wallet. Better still, you could use these days off to spark their environmental spirit!

From DIY crafts to house cleaning, there are all kinds of ways to introduce your kids to eco-responsible practices during Spring Break.

Here are 5 low-cost, eco-friendly family activities to try during Spring Break:

1.    A stroll in nature

This year’s Spring Break is all about snow! With the days getting longer and the kids having plenty of energy to spare, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a breath of fresh air.

Put on your snowshoes, cross-country skis or spiked boots and head out into nature! In a neighborhood park, on marked trails or on forest paths, it’s always a good idea to get away from the screens and enjoy the great outdoors.

Good to know: During Spring Break, SÉPAQ national parks organize special activities all across the province of Quebec.   In some of the parks, equipment rental is also free for those aged 17 and under!

Take the opportunity to admire the natural world around you. Your children will certainly enjoy tracking wild animals and trying to recognize the shape of their paws in the snow.

Together, you could even identify the vegetation you come across on your way with your cell phone (which you’ll only take out for this occasion, of course), using a tool like the Seek, mobile app, for example. Or why not borrow a book on Quebec plants and wildlife from your local library? Which brings us to our second activity…

2.    Visit the local library

When was the last time you stepped into a public library? A library is more than just books: you can also borrow films and even board games! Renting rather than buying is a great way to demonstrate responsible consumption.

If you haven’t already done so, take a few minutes to apply for your card, which is free with proof of residency. This way, you and your family will have access to a whole range of cultural content and creative games without spending a penny. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.

In fact, many municipal libraries organize special (and often free) activities during Spring Break. Find out more at your local library!

3.    Experimenting with things from your pantry

Got a budding scientist twiddling his thumbs at home? Spark their curiosity with easy-to-perform experiments. All you have to do is dig into your kitchen cupboards!

Here are 3 scientific and eco-friendly experiments to do with your kids:

Homemade play dough

This play dough recipe from Ricardo is undoubtedly the best. With just 5 ingredients, it takes only 10 minutes to make and offers double the fun: your child can make the dough, then play with it for weeks.

Edible slime

This slime recipe from Les Débrouillards* isn’t just fascinating… it’s also delicious! With just a few ingredients and accessories you can find in most kitchens, your kid will be able to prepare an amazing lemon and ginger-flavored slime. For once, it’s okay to play with your food.

Finger paint

All you need for this paint recipe featured on Mordu* is powdered sugar, water and food coloring. Pour into mini-muffin molds and voilà! Your little one can finally express his inner Picasso. And although it’s made to create, it’s perfectly safe to eat.

4.    DIY with recycled materials

As we all know, reusing is the very basis of eco-responsible living. That’s why, after digging through your pantry, it’s time to raid your recycling bin.

Here are 3 DIY projects you can do with recycled items:

Musical instruments

You only need two things to make maracas: toilet paper rolls and dried peas (which can also be replaced by beads or any other small round object). Les Débrouillards also show us how to make music with glass bottles*.

Bird feeder

Can you really turn containers into a cafeteria? For humans, no… but for birds, sure! Take a 1L bottle, hang it on a rope, drill a few holes in it before inserting wooden spoons as perches, and you’ve got a 100% recycled bird feeder. You can also make one from a milk carton*.

Creative egg cartons

When it comes to cardboard egg cartons*, the possibilities are endless. You can cut them out, paint them, add pipe cleaners or papier-mache, turn them into funny little bugs or pretty flowers that will never fade. The only limit is your creativity. It’s up to you!

5.    Do some spring cleaning

Our last activity isn’t necessarily the most exciting, but it’s just as important, both for your home and for the environment. Besides, who says spring cleaning can’t be fun?

Fashion Show at Home

Sorting through clothes can be exhausting. Instead of a chore, make it an event! Turn up the music and get your kids to walk the runway (a hallway) in front of a cheering audience (your family). And when they’re too small, send it to the EDQ donation pile!

Giving: A good feeling

Encourage your children to sort their own toys and donate those they no longer use.

By involving them in the process, you’ll give them a better understanding of the importance of rescuing second-hand items, and above all, a sense of satisfaction at doing a good deed for their community and planet.

With all these ideas for low-cost, eco-friendly activities, you’re all set for a fun-filled week of discovery with your family. Have a great Spring Break!

*Available in French only.