20+ Genius and Budget-Friendly Ideas to Survive (and Enjoy!) Spring Break
What if spring break became your favourite time of winter? Dreading a week of hyperactive kids, overpriced outings, and chaotic mornings? Don’t stress! With a little planning and a few clever tricks, you can turn this break into a fun-filled week of family memories.
👉 Discover our best free activity ideas, stress-free scheduling tips, and smart ways to outfit the whole family without breaking the bank. A successful spring break is totally doable—we’ll show you how! ❄️🎉
Plan Activities for the Whole Family (Without Blowing Your Budget)
A week at home with the kids? The perfect excuse to shake up your routine! But let’s be real—without a plan, things can get hectic fast!
🌟 Find Local (and Free!) Activities
Good news: spring break is packed with free events happening everywhere. Before splurging on expensive outings, check out these local options.
🔹 Libraries & Cultural Centres – Many offer free craft workshops, storytelling sessions, and even live performances.
🔹 Winter Festivals – Cities often host festivals with ice skating, tubing, and bonfires—like Les Hivernades de Saguenay or Montréal en Lumière.
🔹 Museums – Many reduce their rates or even offer free admission for kids during spring break. The Musée de la civilisation in Québec City and the Montréal Science Centre always have interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds.
🎿 Mix Up Indoor & Outdoor Activities
🧊 When it’s nice enough to be outside:
- Tubing fun (Valcartier, Domaine des Pays d’en Haut, or your own neighbourhood hill!)
- Snowboarding, snowskating, snow scooters, and sledding at Glissades Gamelin (it’s free!)
- Snowshoeing (some parks even lend out equipment for free)
- Ice skating trails (like Parc Jean-Drapeau or Domaine Enchanteur in Mauricie)
- Arbraska’s winter obstacle course in Rawdon
- The Uplå winter experience at Mont-Saint-Grégoire
🌨️ When it’s too cold (or pouring rain):
- A family board game tournament
- A cozy movie marathon with popcorn and blanket forts
- A trip to an indoor play centre (think Funtropolis, iSaute, Clip ‘n Climb, Brind’O Aquaclub, Bfly, or Jurassique Golf)
- Check out the Rendez-Vous des Tannant(e)s in Vieux-Terrebonne for fun programming
Pssst! Need a fun way to keep your little (and not-so-little) ones entertained? Or maybe you're craving a relaxing creative break as a family? We've got you covered with a FREE activity to download.
👦 Let the Kids Choose
Parenting hack: kids complain less when they have a say! Make a list of 5–6 activities and let them pick. Fewer arguments, fewer meltdowns—win-win.
Balancing Spring Break & Work (When the Kids Are in Day Camp)
Not everyone can take time off during spring break. If you’re juggling work while your kids are in day camp, don’t worry—you can still make the week enjoyable!
🎒 Prepping Kids for a Week of Camp
A well-prepared kid = a happy kid at camp!
✅ Check the camp’s packing list (snowsuit, lunch, snacks, water bottle, etc.)
✅ Dress them in comfy, practical clothes—Aubainerie’s snowsuits are perfect for active kids.
✅ Pack easy, balanced lunches that they can eat without help.
⏳ Stress-Free Mornings = Happier Days
Raise your hand if your mornings feel like an Olympic sprint! 🙋♀️ Avoid the chaos with these tricks:
💡 Pick out outfits the night before (and skip the morning wardrobe debates).
💡 Prep lunches ahead of time (pre-filled snack bins in the fridge = lifesaver!).
💡 Keep everything by the door—boots, hats, gloves, backpacks—so there’s no last-minute scrambling.
💛 Make Time for Quality Moments After Work
After a busy day at camp, the kids will be tired (and let’s be real, so will you). No need to over-plan the evenings.
🌟 Keep dinner simple (meal prepping helps!).
🌟 Wind down before bed—a book, a warm bath, or a quiet game.
🌟 Make the weekend special—plan a small surprise outing to wrap up spring break on a high note.
Even if you’re working, what really matters is making the most of the little moments together. Spring break isn’t just about activities—it’s also about slowing down and enjoying family time, even in the evenings. 💙
Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Outdoor fun is great—until frozen toes ruin the vibe. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to dress the whole family in warm, stylish, locally made gear.
🧥 Choose Affordable, High-Quality Winter Wear
A good coat or warm boots are investments—but they don’t have to cost a fortune.
💙 Pro tip: Choose long-lasting pieces.
At Aubainerie, you’ll find everything you need to outfit the whole family without overspending:
- Durable winter coats that can handle Canadian winters
- Thermal base layers to keep the warmth in without adding bulk
- Essential accessories (hats, mitts, neck warmers) to avoid frostbite
🛍️ Money-Saving Tips
Because staying warm shouldn’t cost a fortune.
💡 Watch for sales – End-of-season discounts are perfect for scoring winter gear at a lower price. Bonus tip: keep an eye on Aubainerie’s deals!
💡 Think adjustable clothing – Some jackets and snow pants come with extendable hems—perfect for growing kids and avoiding annual repurchases.
💡 Stick to versatile basics – A well-made, neutral snow suit can last multiple seasons and be passed down between siblings or cousins.
With the right gear and a little planning, winter becomes a playground!
Easy Meals to Save You From Spending the Whole Week in the Kitchen
Because let’s be honest—a week with the kids means three meals a day to prep… and nobody wants to be stuck cooking nonstop.
🍲 Make-Ahead Meals = Less Stress
Meal prep and batch cooking are your best friends. Before spring break, whip up:
- A big batch of comforting soup (think minestrone or chili)
- Homemade muffins or snack bars
- A freezer-friendly spaghetti sauce or stew
🍕 Fun Dinner Nights to Avoid the "Not This Again!" Complaints
Because no one wants to hear "Ugh, this again?" at every meal.
🥟 DIY Tapas Night – Everyone picks a small dish (mini pizzas, nachos, dumplings, etc.).
🍜 Pasta Bar – Different sauces, different toppings—everyone customizes their plate.
🌮 Taco Night – A classic, but always a winner.
Parenting tip: Get the kids involved! Giving them a job in the kitchen keeps them busy and makes them more excited to eat what they helped prepare.
Accept That It Won’t Be Perfect (And That’s Totally Fine!)
The secret to a stress-free spring break? Let go of perfection.
💛 There will be chaos.
💛 There will be sibling fights.
💛 There will be days when you do absolutely nothing (and that’s okay!).
The goal isn’t a perfectly scheduled to-do list—it’s making memories.
And if you just feel like staying in PJs all day watching Disney movies? That’s a perfectly valid spring break plan too.
Sometimes, a cozy day in beats an exhausting marathon of activities.
What’s Your Spring Break Plan?
Got tips, favourite activities, or budget-friendly shopping hacks? Share them by tagging @Aubainerie on Instagram! And if this guide helped, send it to a friend who’s already stressing about next week. We’re all in this together! 🚢💙
Because at the end of the day, the best spring break is low stress and full of good memories!
