Educational Vacation Ideas That Will Enhance Your Spring Break Plans

Oregon's spring break is right around the corner, and many Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) students will be hitting the road for fun family adventures. ORCA students are accustomed to a flexible learning environment where school happens anywhere there's an internet connection. But that doesn't mean spring break should be a time for studying. After all, students should use their vacations to rest and recharge before the final push of the school year. 

However, family vacations are an excellent time for students to expand their horizons by experiencing something new. With just a little planning, ORCA families and caregivers will find plenty of opportunities to incorporate a bit of learning into their travels.

Incorporating Learning is Easy

Adding an educational component to your family excursions doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Talk With Your Student’s Teacher

Before you head out for spring break, take a few minutes to tell your student's teacher where you're headed. They might be able to offer recommendations for educational activities or age-appropriate books your student can read on the way that will add another dimension to your travel experience.  

2. Choose a Book to Read Together

Reading is a critical component of development. Before venturing out, choose a book you can read together that relates to your trip. ORCA students have free access to thousands of audio and e-books. Preparing for your trip is also a great reason to visit your local public library and browse for a few new favorite reads.

3. Include Educational Experiences

As you create your family's travel itinerary, look for educational experiences you can include. Museums, national parks and historic sites are all fantastic places to spend time and learn together. Plus, including your students in these vacation planning activities will only heighten their anticipation for the excursion.  

4. Ask Inquisitive Questions

Caregivers can take a leading role in this educational experience by asking inquisitive questions during the trip. Simple questions like, "what kinds of trees do you think grow here," or "what do you think life was like for people living here 200 years ago" can help spur a child's curiosity and send them on a fulfilling quest to discover the answers. 

Ideas for Fun Educational Family Outings

If you're interested in educational vacation ideas that are perfect for spring break, matching your destinations to the subjects your kids are learning about in school is a great way to get started. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Students typically learn about state history in the fourth grade. So, planning a trip along the Oregon Trail in western Oregon or the Applegate Trail in southern Oregon will add fun context to your student's studies.

• Fifth-grade students begin learning about U.S. history and the different branches of the American government, so that would be a great window to visit Washington, D.C.

Of course, not every spring break trip needs to include an extended vacation. Plenty of enriching day trips are available in every part of Oregon.

• Students can travel to Salem to see the state government in action and meet their representatives.

• Families can head west to Astoria and visit Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark expedition made camp more than 200 years ago.

• Families can visit the High Desert Museum, Crater Lake or the Lava River Cave to get a sense of the area's unique geologic and environmental features.

• Students can visit OMSI, the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Coast Aquarium or even the Oregon Zoo for a fun and enriching day. Many of these institutions even offer special student discounts.

• Many local libraries also offer the Adventure Pass program, which gives families free entrance to education attractions in their area. 

Relax and Have Fun

Family vacations should be fun and relaxing, so don't feel pressured to turn every outing into a life-changing educational experience. But simply adding a few of these small elements can enhance your family outing. We hope you have a fantastic break. Share photos of the fun you and your family are having over spring break by using #SpringintoLearning and tagging Oregon Charter Academy on social media. We love to see learning beyond the classroom!

(By using the hashtag #SpringintoLearning, you are agreeing to allow ORCA to re-share photos/posts. Please exercise digital safety when posting photos of children and locations.)

If you'd like to learn more about ORCA's flexible approach to education or the benefits of attending a virtual school, please join us for one of our monthly virtual information sessions, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with ORCA staff and preview our learning platform. We hope to see you there!