Take a Spring Break Road Trip

Family-friendly destinations that are just a short drive away!

Spring break is almost here, and your family is probably eager to get out of town and explore someplace new. Luckily, Indianapolis is surrounded by many family-friendly destinations that have something for everyone. Here are just a few ideas for a quick trip this spring.

Fairfield County, Ohio

Located just southeast of Columbus, Fairfield County has activities that will suit every interest. Let your child’s imagination run wild at the AHA! Children’s Museum, and explore more than 60 hands-on exhibits. Children from 6 months to 8 years of age can become explorers, scientists, engineers and artists — and grownups will have fun, too! Get messy and make a masterpiece at Young at Art, an art studio that provides lessons throughout the year. Their Splatter Studio would make a great indoor spring break activity, especially on a chilly day. Satisfy your family’s sugar cravings on the Sweet Tooth Trail, which will have you exploring ice cream, donut and candy shops all around Fairfield County. With close to 20 stops on this trail, you’ll need to pace yourself to avoid a tummy ache and sugar crash!

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Families will find lots to explore in Fort Wayne, a city that sits among three rivers. A visit to Promenade Park is a must — this one-of-a-kind park features trails along the water, a tree-top canopy trail, a kids' canal with an amazing playground, and opportunities to hop aboard a riverboat cruise or rent a kayak. In April, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo opens for the season, and Science Central — where children of all ages can participate in hands-on science exhibits — is open year round. A great way for first-timers to explore Fort Wayne is to download the apps for the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail and the Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass. Both are free ways to explore the natural beauty of Fort Wayne, and both offer users the opportunity to earn rewards as they check in to more locations.

Want to feel lucky this spring break? Then harness the luck o’ the Irish with a visit to Dublin, a city just 20 minutes north of Columbus that celebrates all-things Irish all year long. Journey along the Irish Fairy Door Trail to find hidden fairy doors all around the city. Stops include places like Our Cupcakery, where you can make your own cupcakes, and Dublin Toy Emporium, where you can shop for the perfect toy to take home. Dublin is home to multiple waterfalls, which are free to explore and will allow you to see many of Dublin’s natural wonders. Make sure to stop at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, one of the largest zoos in the U.S. And no trip to an Irish-themed town would be complete without a proper Irish meal, which you’ll find at Dublin Village Tavern,

Terre Haute, Indiana

Located east of the Illinois/ Indiana border, Terre Haute is a small town with lots to explore. Families will especially enjoy the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, which is three stories of nonstop fun. The museum was recently remodeled and now includes a huge ropes challenge course, which is open on the weekends. Experience great American art at Swope Art Museum, located in the heart of downtown. Visit on Tuesday afternoons to participate in one of their free Art Start programs for kids ages 3-5, which combine art and storytelling. When you visit Terre Haute, make sure to bring your bike and helmet! Griffith Bike Park — designed for riders of all ages, skills and abilities — has been heralded as one of the best mountain bike trails in the state, and it’s located right here in Terre Haute. Whether you are looking for a quick day trip or an extended weekend getaway, these drivable destinations have you covered this spring break!

ABOVE CHILDREN AT STINGRAY BAY AT THE FORT WAYNE CHILDREN'S ZOO IN FORT WAYNE, IN

First Time at Overnight Camp

Prepare your child for an independent, fun-filled overnight camp experience.

One of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters. And, while often these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety — or in the case of some first-time campers, homesickness — it is these moments that develop the skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom — developing leadership, self-esteem, teamwork, independence, and problem-solving.

It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow. Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun! Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home.

“Homesickness is completely normal,” says Michael Thompson, consultant, author and psychologist. “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?” It is up to parents to help ease the transition to camp, and help their children grow from the experience. The American Camp Association suggests the following advice to help alleviate anxiety and get a jump start on life’s lessons.

· Encourage independence

throughout the year. Practice

separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, can simulate the camp environment.

· Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp.

Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

· Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each

other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls.

· Involve children in the process of preparing for camp.

The more they own the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.

· Understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, such as homesickness, are

addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his /her perspective on the adjustment to camp life.

· Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp.

Acknowledge missing your child, in a positive way. For example, saying "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp," lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp.

· Pack a personal item or

two from home, such as a stuffed animal.

· Avoid bribing behaviors.

Families send the wrong message when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real rewards — like new found confidence and independence.

· Don’t plan an exit

strategy. If a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immediately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents, as well as campers.

Adapted and reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2022, American Camping Association, Inc.