By Kate Scriven
Is there a red circle around April 1st on your calendar? Maybe it’s to remind you that you are flying off to a warmer climate, whiling away the week in surf and sand. Lucky! But, if you are like me, it’s to remind you that it’s Spring Break – seven days stretching out ahead of you with no school, youth sports and after-school activities on the calendar. An entire week of just you and your kids. All day. Every day.
Don’t panic. Don’t scream. And don’t cry and hide under the covers (I tried this and the results weren’t good). Thrifty Thurston is here to help! Activities, adventures and camps abound in our area and are ready to entertain, educate and tucker out your kids. And, if you do feel like hiding your head under the covers at some point, invite your kids in there with you. A little reading and snuggling together might be your favorite activity of all.
Spring Break Camps and Classes
Full day camps are pricier options for the ‘thrifty’ in all of us, but for those who work or are interested in a full day experience for your kids, these options are terrific.
A local favorite for a fun afternoon visit, the HOCM also hosts several amazing camps during school breaks. Camps are half-day but may be combined for a full day of activities. Topics range from Animals and Art to Outer Space exploration. Suitable for kids range from preschool to fourth grade.
Olympia Downtown and Briggs YMCA
Our two local Y facilities continue to provide excellent options for kids of all ages and Spring Break is no exception. Head on down for a swim with your kids or enroll in one of the excellent camps. Topics range from cooking and arts to sports and dance. Ages 5-12 welcome and camps are held at both Y locations and several local elementary schools. Full and Half Day options are available.
Meeting at Lincoln Elementary, the City of Olympia is again offering two terrific all-day camps. One for kids 6-9 years focused on animals and another for 9-12 year olds with daily adventures including kayaking and rock climbing!
The City of Lacey offers an action-packed week long camp with a different field trip each day including swimming and a trip to Charlie Safari!
City of Tumwater Parks and Rec
Tumwater is offering an all-day camp for kids ages 5-12 with outings to local fun spots each day. Danger Zone Paintball day is also offered for kids 11-17 on April 4th. And don’t forget about the Easter Egg Dash on Saturday, March 30 at 11:00 am.
This beautiful horse farm on Olympia’s Delphi Road is offering a Spring Break Camp all about animals and their care. While campers won’t be riding, they will enjoy all aspects of horse and other animal care, crafts, organic gardening tips and more. Camp is all day for ages 7 and up.
Spring Break with the Arts
For our size, Olympia is bursting with options in the arts for our kids. From high quality performances at the Washington Center to creative crafting classes, here are several options for your budding artist!
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Our local performance venue is hosting several options during the Spring Break week that are family friendly and sure to entertain both you and your kids. One option is Olympia Family Theater’s production of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood”. “This play has a phenomenal cast with stellar actors and the performance is not to be missed. You will enjoy a good laugh, for sure,” shares Chad Carpenter, Director of Event Services at The Washington Center.
“The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” – March 31 – 1pm, April 5th – 7pm, April 6-7th– 1pm
The Center also will be hosting, during Spring Break, two phenomenal and family friendly shows:
- Circa – April 6th at 7:30pm – A modern circus full of aerial acrobatics and amazing tumbling.
- Lord of the Dance – April 4th at 7:30pm – Michael Flatley’s Irish Dance Classic
Olympia Family Theater is a foundation in the Olympia theater scene and is also offering Spring Break drama camps and daytime shows at their own theater for young children and families. The camp offers children ages 8-12 the opportunity to rehearse and stage a show during the week. Day performances are an inexpensive way to break up your normal routine in a week at home.
This West Olympia sewing studio and creative space (plus espresso!) offers classes for children as young as 4 teaching basic hand sewing up to complex patterned projects for teens. Offerings vary week to week.
The Great Outdoors
Possibly our greatest Spring Break adventure in town is simply our beautiful Pacific Northwest environment. Opportunities abound for hikes, nature walks, park visits and beach exploration. Thurston Talk has profiled many of our local gems and you can get all the information by clicking the links below. Our favorite recent family hike was the Nisqually Wildlife Preserve. What might yours be?
Local Parks such as Lion’s Park offer plenty to keep kids busy!
10 Things to Do on the The State Capitol Campus
If the weather drives you indoors, visit LOTT’s WET Science Center. The free, educational space has loads of hands-on activities to teach kids (and adults!) about water conservation.
All The Rest……
Really, we are very lucky to live in such a richly diverse community offering fun and adventure at every turn. And opportunities abound, too numerous to mention, for fun times with your family this spring break. Luckily, my fellow writer Jennifer Crain has complied a terrific list of activities from bowling to swimming to bouncing. Check out her suggestions for your Olympia Staycation as well.
I truly hope you enjoy your week without boundaries and schedules. And really….don’t forget to add the snuggle under the covers to your list. It’s an Olympia “Must Do” for your Spring Break.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.
