Spring break is finally here (well, for students, anyway), and the majority will celebrate it on the road. And so will The Simpsons, as you know they won't miss out on the fun. Their road trips might be vaguely different than ours, as the animated family is prone to mishaps. But any hiccup could very well happen to us, too.
We're looking at six episodes capturing its essence to kick off the annual week off that's spring break. From trying to survive in the wilderness to rocking out at musical festivals, the Simpsons spent their spring breaks comedically.
6 spring break episodes with The Simpsons
"The Call of The Simpsons"
Season 1
When Homer tries to up Flanders by purchasing his own RV, he really didn't think the situation through. After all, his credit could only afford an old and dilapidating model, so you know trouble will find its way. It's obvious.
The Simpson patriarch took his family camping in the vehicle, only for it to explode in a canyon. Without their RV and supplies, the Simpsons have to survive the elements, in a public forest preserve. It's a pretty hilarious situation, especially when Maggie befriend a grizzly bear sloth and Homer's mistaken for Big Foot.
Don't worry, they all make it out okay.
"Boy-Scoutz ‘n the Hood"
Season 5
Bart and his Boy Scout troop embark on a father/son river rafting trip, and what's supposed to be a bonding experience turns into a survivor's worst nightmare. Homer is stuck with Flanders and his boys and blames him for the ordeal.
Sure, Homer. Whatever floats your boat. You mightn't be floating in the open sea if you didn't fool with the map. And you certainly wouldn't steal a pocket knife from special guest star Ernest Borgnine. But you did.
Yet, it was Homer that saved them, with his keen smell of Krusty Burgers.
"Itchy and Scratchy Land"
Season 6
As a kid, going to theme parks was a spring break and summer highlight. Now, I wouldn't be able to survive the rides, and even then, I've no clue how I survived. Anyways, Bart and Lisa want to go to the most "violent place on Earth"- Itchy and Scratchy Land. They have the fun, food, and thrills at the park until the family is up against a group of killer robots.
The Simpsons defeated the robots with disposable flash cameras and saved the park for future use. Although, after a trip like that, I'd stay away.
*Note: This episode was featured in our Disney references article.*
"Bart on the Road"
Season 7
Bart gets a driver's license, even though he's only ten. He takes his freedom out on the open road with Martin, Milhouse, and Nelson, and unfortunately, the boys get stuck in another state. Bart has to devise a plan to bring them home without telling his parents.
Luckily for Lisa, she came up with something, but Homer got involved as he had financial backup. Although he never tells his son that he had helped, inside he was furious. Maybe they'll have a conversation about it one day. Just not today.
"Homerpalooza"
Season 7
We all want to look cool for our kids, and Homer's granted the perfect opportunity when he's hired as a sideshow attraction for Hullabalooza, a music festival that suspiciously sounds like Chicago's very own Lollapalooza. In fact, the episode reflects former writer Brent Forrester, who had a lousy time at Lollapalooza, so much of the material is authentic.
While working, Homer meets famous bands such as the Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, and Cypress Hill, and his kids begin to see their dad in a cool new light. It's what he wanted, but the fame has taken a toll on his health. If Homer were to take another cannonball to the stomach, he would die. So, he chickens out at his last act, losing the coolness. He's okay with it.
Homer's sideshow stint replicates Frank Richards, a stuntman in the 1930s who took in air cannonballs to the stomach.
"Kill the Alligator and Run"
Season 11
Homer's giving a prescription for much-needed rest, and what better place to get it than the Sunshine State of Florida? However, the family arrives right as spring break begins, and Homer soon becomes immersed in the college kids' fun and partying.
Like all the other trips before, the Simpsons soon find themselves in trouble. They accidentally killed an alligator and are on the run from authorities. When it's discovered the the amphibian isn't dead, just stunned, the family is free to go, but not to return.
"Kill the Alligator and Run" parodies MTV's spring break culture of the 1990s and 2000s, with cameos made by Kid Rock and his Hypeman, Joe C. Having been a part of that culture in college, it's pretty on point.