It’s just one week away.

You can tell it’s close by the blooming pear trees, bright yellow forsythia and the restless children. Ah, spring.

Spring Break is March 24 – 28, 2014.

To help you survive the week, or just to give you an excuse to get outside, here are 7 free activities to try during Spring Break.

1. Feed the Ducks and Fish in Big Spring Park.

Okay, so technically you need to bring some quarters to get the fish food, but a visit to Big Spring Park is fun for the entire family. Advice – don’t just visit the area to the east of Church Street. Cross over to the other side too, where the spring actually is, and find interesting places to discover. A walk up the steps and a stroll around the square make this an outing to tire out even the most restless kid.

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2. Hike the Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain

In a conversation about wanting to take my kids on a hike, a friend recommended the Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain. What a fantastic idea! It’s a perfect trail for kids, even my 2 -year-old. There is a covered bridge, lake, log cabin and a relatively easy undulating trail. I highly recommend this trail for families of all ages, and for nature-lovers and nature-novices alike.

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3. Fly a Kite

If the weather predictor I just looked at proves correct, then Spring Break 2014 means sunny days with a high in the upper 60’s. My advice on kite flying is to have a kite at the ready. Tell the kids to be on wind watch, and at the first sign of a decent breeze, get those kites in the air. I can tell you from experience, adults like to fly kites just as much as kids. Give it a try if you haven’t done it in a while. It’s a lot of fun.

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4. Take Your Dog to the Dog Spot DogPark

A great place to let the dogs run and a great way to get the kids outdoors. Located on Cleveland Avenue, take your whole family and enjoy this tucked away green space that is Huntsville’s first dog park.

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5. Bike on a Greenway

There are several Greenways in our area and there is sure to be one near you. You can find them in our Directory of Parks, Greenways, & Trails. If you do frequent one particular Greenway, now’s the time to try a different one. These are paved trails and excellent for a family bike ride or leisurely stroll.

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6. Visit the Library

My kids and I are big fans of the Huntsville Madison County Public Library main branch, but there are actually 12 branches throughout Madison County. Find one near you, or venture over to the big one, and spend some time looking at books, getting a library card if you don’t have one (kids can get their own!) and take home a few books.

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7. Play in a Public Park

There are some great options to chose from in our Directory of Parks, Greenways, & Trails, but many more little parks are tucked away here and there throughout Madison County. My family’s favorite park is Optimist Park on Oakwood Avenue. It’s perfect for a wide range of ages but small enough to keep track of everyone from a shady spot.

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For even more activities, including Spring Break camps, visit our friends at Rocket City Mom for their complete Spring Activity Guide.

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