Spring Break Parties

Spring Break Parties for Everyone

When most people think of spring break, visions of college students and wild parties come to mind. Most every school in the U.S. gets one week off at the beginning of spring, though, so spring break parties aren't just for college-aged revelers. Why not throw a party for your 8-year-old for working so hard in school all year? Better yet, if you are an older adult that decided to brave the droves of young 20-somethings and return to college, why not have a celebration for yourself? Here are a few spring break party ideas for people of all ages.

Parties for Grade School Students

School is tough, no matter what the age. The current generation of grade school students always seem to have more work than their parents remember facing. Longer hours are logged for homework and after-school activities. Math is more difficult, English is more sophisticated and the amount these kids have to read? Well, that in itself is worthy of a party. Needless to say, these kids work hard! They definitely deserve a celebration as a reward for all their hard work. Here are a few party ideas for grade-school-aged students:

Kindergarten through Third Grade

Parties for this age group are relatively easy to plan because kids this young are generally pretty easy to please. Here are some party ideas that are sure to be a hit with the kindergarten through third grade set:

• Cartoon-themed parties – Have a party that is centered on the child's favorite cartoon character or activity. If the kid likes Blues Clues, then a Blues Clues-themed party is an easy choice.
• Art parties – Get loads of paper and some art supplies like:
  • Watercolors
  • Paints – Be sure to have old t-shirts handy if the paints you choose are acrylic or tempera paints.
  • Modeling clay – Look for the kind you can bake in your oven to harden.
  • Fabric paint – Have the kids create their own t-shirts or tote bags.
• Movie parties – Pick the kid's favorite movies, grab some popcorn and other snacks and set up an area especially for watching movies with lots of pillows and cushions.

Fourth through Sixth Grade

Decidedly not as easy to please as the younger set of kids, there are still plenty of parties ideas to please them.

For the Girls

• Glamour party – Most girls this age just love playing dress-up, putting on make-up and doing their hair. Get a bunch of make-up (inexpensive sets can be found at your local toy store), curling irons and hair accessories and let the ladies give each other makeovers. When each girl is finished, take loads of pictures for them! Be sure to supervise when curling irons are involved.

For the Boys

• Video game party – For this one time during spring break, throw your normal video game rules out the window! Let the kids play Guitar Hero for as long as they want. Gather the boys together and have them decide on a couple of their video game favorites. If you don't already own the games, rent them. You can rent gaming systems from video rental stores like Blockbuster as well.

Seventh Grade and Up

No matter how hard you try, kids this age don't usually want adults hanging around when they get together, so planning a spring break party for the teenage set is more like listening to their suggestions and deciding whether or not you approve.

Adult Parties

It's extremely difficult to return to college after you have been out in the world and worked for a number of years. Anyone that does so definitely deserves to be rewarded, and spring break is the perfect time for that reward.

• Wine tasting party – Buy several different types of wine and invite a few wine-loving friends over for a little informal tasting. Remember, start with the whites and then move on to the reds.
• Barbecue – Yes, in many places around the country, it isn't quite yet spring during spring break, so cook up your favorite barbecue fare outside and bring it inside to enjoy.
• Themed parties – Pick a theme, any theme. Mardi Gras, tropical, formal, 60's, 70's or 80's - any one will do! Decorate your home in your chosen theme and make sure guests are properly attired.

A Final Word about Spring Break

School at any age is tough, not to mention stressful. Take the time offered during spring break to rest up, unwind and reward yourself and your favorite young students, for all the time, energy and effort required to be successful in school.