7 Things to Keep the Kids Busy on Spring Break in the Tri-State [THE DADLIEST OF ALL DADS]

Hey there, welcome to another installment of "The Dadliest of All Dads," an ongoing series (still in its infancy) where I, Ryan O'Bryan (Hi!), talk any number of things from a Dad's perspective. Today, we're tackling Spring Break. More specifically, things you can do to keep your kids from going stir crazy and getting on each others nerves. Which we know will get on your nerves, creating a nasty domino effect that will spiral out of control quickly.

Now then, all of these will require you getting your butt up off the couch or recliner and actually leaving the house. I know, I know, you work all day and you just want to relax when you get home. I totally get it. I'm right there with you. However, your kids have energy to burn since they likely sat and did nothing all day, so it's either get up and get them out of the house for a little bit to burn up that energy, or enjoy the always popular game of "Hey, Dad!" all night long while you try to watch TV. Your choice.

Still reading? Good, that to means you chose the first option. Now that you're up, let's have some fun with our kids, huh? HUH?!?! It will be fun, I promise. Why? Because I chose things that you'll enjoy doing too, that's why. Let's get started.

Hit Up a Playground

This will depend on the age of your kids. My 14 and 12-year-old don't get quite as excited for a trip to the playground like they used to. OK, they don't get excited at all which bums me out a bit. Not in a my-babies-are-growing-up-too-fast boo-hoo kind of way, but because ol' Dad here likes to climb around on the equipment too.

Suggested Locations: Mickey's Kingdom, or any school or public park.

Bonus Perk: It's free (in most cases)!

Go Bowling

Ahh, bowling. The one sport where little to no athletic ability is required to compete. Plus, it's a great chance to shut the mouth of your cocky teenager who thinks he's better than you at everything by crushing his pride with a score higher than his. Because that's what parenthood is all about right? Making sure your kids know who's the boss.

Suggested Locations: Uh, a local bowling alley would be a good start.

Putt-Putt Around

Just like bowling, a round of Putt-Putt requires very little to zero athletic ability. And, just like bowling, it's another chance to show your kids your better than them at something.

Suggested Locations: There are several options (both indoor and outdoor) throughout the Tri-State.

Take a Hike

With TVs, video games, smartphones, and tablets occupying so much of their attention, your kids may have forgotten what nature looks like. Hit up an area park like Burdette in Evansville, or a state park in the area and take a stroll. Or, load up the family bicycles and go for a ride. Scales Lake in Boonville has some fantastic bike paths, but be careful, some of them are for experienced bikers and will likely require you and your kids to walk your bikes down.

Pro: It will wear them out enough that should make the rest of the day relatively quiet.

Con: It may wear you out to the point where you can't stay awake past 7:00 p.m.

Go to Hawaii (without leaving the Tri-State)

The Children's Museum of Evansville (CMOE) is hosting a Spring Break Luau on Saturday, March 30th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with all kinds of activities for your kids to enjoy. Like the playground, my kids don't get excited for the Children's Museum of Evansville any more, which is shame because they have so much cool stuff to play with!

Road Trip!

Been there, done that with everything in the Tri-State? Hit the road for day and see what other cities have to offer. Nashville, Louisville, St. Louis, and Indianapolis all have a wide variety of things to do.

Bonus Perk: You can hit up any of these cities and come back home in all in the same day.

Chill at the Movies

Trade in the small screens at home for the big screen at the movie theater. I highly recommend Captain Marvel. The boys will like it because, superheros! The girls will like it because, female superhero! And you'll like it because, both reasons! Keep in mind it is rated PG-13, mainly for the fantasy violence, but there are also a few curse words dropped in too. Chances are your kids have heard them or used them several times whether you choose to believe it or not.

There you go. Maybe you won't be able to do all of these, but at the very least you have a few ideas to get you started. Enjoy!