Please note: As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, the information in this article may change. You can find our most up-to-date information about coronavirus here.

Spring break is almost here, but unfortunately just like last year, travel is not a great idea. While we can see a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, staying put — or at least close to home — is your safest bet, but that doesn’t mean your time off can’t be special. Here are some pandemic spring break ideas for your family.

Pandemic spring break ideas

1. Go for a bike ride or a hike – there are lots of websites such as Alltrails and Traillink that can show you great new trails close to your home.
2. Go camping. Camping is a great way to get out of the house and into nature without encountering lots of crowds. Check out the National Park Service website and KOA.com for ideas on where to go.
3. Plan special day trips. Learn more about the area near your home by doing COVID-19 safe day trips.  Go to a local arboretum or farm you can walk around and explore – in a safe, COVID friendly way.
4. Travel around the world from home. Each day of vacation pick a new country to learn about — cook food from that country, play music from that country and maybe even find a movie you about that country to watch together before bed.
5. Plan special theme events or days you can do at home. Some ideas include:

• • Arts and Crafts day
  • Spa day
  • Science/STEM day
  • Cooking school day
  • Sports day – play different sports, learn a new sport together, create an obstacle course in your backyard or even inside your house (if it’s too cold).
  • Costume Day/Spirit Week – pick a different costume for each day of the break, similar to many school spirit weeks. Ideas include 90’s day, favorite musician day, favorite animal day – the options are endless!

6. Take an online tour. There are lots of museums offering virtual tours, and many zoos have web cams set up for you to hang out with the animals from the comfort of your home. Two especially good websites filled with ideas are AAA.com and nationalgeographic.com.

If you do travel for spring break, do it safely

If you do end up travelling for spring break, be safe. Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
• Check travel restrictions before you go.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
• Get tested 3-5 days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
• Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.