Plenty of school holidays, adventurous children, and working parents: everything points to parents using childcare options during the Bremen school holidays. But are my children really reliably cared for? Isn't it incredibly expensive? Is there even anything suitable? Is there anything near us?
Because all these questions exist, there's also the Bremen Holiday Compass! We at the Bremen Family Network compile holiday activities for children aged six and up in and around Bremen on bremer-ferienkompass.de . The project has been funded by the Senator for Social Affairs, Youth, Integration and Sport since 2018.
Now come our good reasons (and tips):
1. This year there are 65 school holidays, or approximately 13 weeks of vacation, in the state of Bremen
Yes, indeed, with the holidays, public holidays, and so-called bridge days, there are quite a lot of days off school . Working parents usually have a problem with this, especially if their children are still in primary school.
But even parents who aren't employed need a break and child-free time during the long holidays. Because even with caregiving responsibilities and family pressures, parents' batteries can quickly run down. Find your own holiday retreats to maintain a good balance in your family's daily life!
2. The children ask what they can do now, at the latest by the third day
"What can I do now?" Most parents are familiar with this question. "I'm boooored!" usually follows right after. Many children crave action and look forward to adventures. Boredom isn't bad at all, but sometimes it's time for new ideas and stimulation. Give your child the opportunity!
3. Try it out and experience it: Children learn quickly and are incredibly curious
Put your smartphone away! Finally, time to get outside and experience something new. Especially after the long Corona-related lockdown, many children and teenagers are looking forward to exactly that. And every child is different: they have very different interests and talents.
Only those who try something can say whether they like it. Whether it's camping, sewing, horseback riding, or longboarding; whether it's filming, working in an art studio, doing yoga, or programming. That's why the Bremen Holiday Compass has four categories – Creativity, Movement, Knowledge, and Travel – for you to search in. There's plenty to try!
4. Great experiences create a new sense of togetherness
Schoolchildren often have friends with whom they spend their time. But who doesn't remember summer camps and newly made best friends, campfire bread, forgotten towels, and thousands of mosquitoes – the first adventures without Mom and Dad help children grow up.
And shared experiences with others also help them grow. That's why the Bremen holiday guide also includes an overview of inclusive activitiesaimed at children with and without disabilities/impairments – to perhaps (re)discover togetherness.
5. Many affordable and free offers for those on a budget
Holiday programs aren't affordable for all parents. But even with limited funds, children can have a fantastic holiday. The Bremen Holiday Compass provides an overview of inexpensive and free childcare options for children and teenagers.
for children's and youth trips from the Daniel Schnakenberg Foundation apply for financial support Education and Participation Package They can also receive discounts and subsidies
6. You don't have to look far afield…
Holidays at Lake Unisee? Why not? It's not always about hearing a foreign language or swimming in an ocean; often it's the little things that are fun and make living together so special. The AWO Bremen district youth organizationin Bremen's west end "Holidays Without Suitcases" . This is one of countless fantastic holiday programs in Bremen, but its title conveys something very simple: holidays can happen right on your doorstep – and still be something truly special!
7. … but you can also get out of Bremen sometimes!
Of course, children of all ages want to explore the world and see new things. Older children, in particular, often develop a desire to discover their surroundings, their country, or even the world. Youth camps, school trips, summer camps, and tent camps offer these opportunities. There are trips for children and young people to the countryside around Lower Saxony, as well as to Denmark or Norway, the Baltic Sea coast, or the Black Forest.
a comprehensive overview of children's and youth travel programs offered by organizations from Bremen Youth Information Service Bureau.
Do you have any good tips for the holidays? What do your kids particularly like about Bremen? Write to us on Instagram and Facebook Share your tips using #ferienkompass. Want to showcase your holiday project and give others a behind-the-scenes look? Then write to .
Barbara Peper works at the family network Bremen and is responsible for, among other things, public relations, the family blog, the online editorial team, social media and the Bremen holiday compass.