If you’re looking for some fun activities for kids this spring term, here are 16 great spring activities for kids to get you started.
Plant a garden
Planting a garden is a great way to teach kids about responsibility and the science of plants. You can start with a small container garden on your porch or balcony, or create a larger garden plot in your yard.
Allow your kids to help pick out the plants and seeds, and teach them how to care for them by watering and weeding as needed. As the plants grow, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers or even harvest some fresh veggies for a healthy snack.
Starting a family garden improves responsibility and environmental awareness. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the science of growing plants and the benefits of fresh, healthy foods.
Take a nature walk
Going for a nature walk is a great way to explore the great outdoors with your kids. Before you go, bring along a field guide or a nature scavenger hunt checklist to help identify different plants and animals you may encounter. As you walk, take time to talk to your kids about what you’re seeing and ask them questions about what they notice. This can help them develop an appreciation for the natural world and build their observation skills.
Have a picnic
A picnic is a classic springtime activity that kids of all ages will love. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks, and head to your local park or nature reserve. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with your kids. Bring along a frisbee or ball to play some games after you’ve eaten.
Having a picnic in the park encourages social skills and communication. It also provides an opportunity to enjoy nature and spend quality time together as a family.
Make bird feeders
Making bird feeders is a fun and easy way to attract feathered friends to your yard. Help your kids make their own bird feeders by spreading peanut butter onto pine cones, then rolling them in birdseed. Or, use a plastic bottle and cut a hole in the side for birds to access the seed inside. Hang the feeders up in your yard and watch as the birds come to visit.
Go on a bike ride
Spring is the perfect time to dust off your bikes and hit the trails with your kids. Choose a route that’s safe and age-appropriate for your kids, whether it’s a paved bike path or a quiet neighborhood street. As you ride, point out interesting sights and sounds, and encourage your kids to stay safe by wearing helmets and following traffic laws.
Fly a kite
Flying a kite is a classic springtime activity that never gets old. Find an open field or park with plenty of room to run, and let your kids take turns flying the kite. This can be a great way to teach kids about wind and weather patterns, and help them develop coordination skills.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a fun and engaging way to get kids active and exploring. Create a list of items for your kids to find, such as certain types of flowers, rocks, or even animals. Make it a friendly competition to see who can find everything on the list first, or work together as a team to complete the hunt.
Going on a nature scavenger hunt encourages curiosity and observation skills. It also provides an opportunity to learn about different plants and animals in your area.
Build a fort
Building a fort is a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in your kids. Use blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a cozy and fun space. Consider adding decorations or themed elements, such as a pirate flag or a fairy door.
Bake something
Making homemade food like bread or even cakes is a fun and delicious way to spend time with your kids. It’s a great way to get your children involved and engaged with healthy eating as well as teaching them new skills at the same time.
Paint rocks
Painting rocks is a fun and creative activity that allows kids to express themselves through art. Collect smooth rocks from a nearby river or beach, and set up a painting station with acrylic paints, brushes, and water. Encourage your kids to experiment with different colors and designs, and let the rocks dry before displaying them in your garden or around your house. P.S. These make fantastic paperweights!
Painting rocks can improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride when the rocks are finished and displayed.
Visit a local farm
Many farms offer springtime activities such as baby animal petting zoos, hayrides and outdoor play areas. Take your kids on a fun and educational trip to not only enjoy the outdoors, but, also socialize with other’s their age.
Make a birdhouse
Making birdhouses is a fun and practical activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Use simple materials like cardboard boxes or milk jugs, and decorate them with paint or markers. Hang the birdhouses in a visible spot and observe as birds come to nest.
Making birdhouses improves creativity, fine motor skills, and an understanding of nature. It also provides an opportunity to learn about different bird species and their nesting habits.
Have a family talent show
Encourage your kids to show off their skills, whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling jokes. Make it a fun and silly night to remember. This is the perfect way to get your toddler(s) to build up confidence and burn off energy in a controlled manner.
Have a bubble party
A bubble party is a simple and fun way to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. Fill up a small pool or bucket with soapy water, and provide bubble wands or blowers. Consider adding food coloring or glitter to the bubble mixture for added visual interest. Play some music and have a dance party while blowing bubbles.
Blowing bubbles helps improve hand-eye coordination, encourages deep breathing, and can be a stress reliever. It also provides a fun and interactive sensory experience for kids.
Make homemade playdough
Making playdough from scratch is a fun and tactile activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Use simple ingredients like flour, salt, and water, and add food coloring or scents for added fun. Encourage your kids to experiment with different textures and shapes, and let them use their imagination to create different play scenarios.
There are some great resources on the BBC when it comes to making Playdough. To save you some time, we’ve summarized the recipe:
Makes 1 coloured ball
Prep 10 minutes
You will need
- 8 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp table salt
- 60ml warm water
- food colouring
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the water, a few drops of food colouring and the oil.
2. Pour the coloured water into the flour mix and bring together with a spoon.
3. Dust a work surface with a little flour and turn out the dough. Knead together for a few minutes to form a smooth, pliable dough. If you want a more intense colour you can work in a few extra drops of food colouring.
4. Store in a plastic sandwich bag (squeeze out the air) in the fridge to keep it fresh. You can make a batch of colours and give away as kids’ party bag favours or hold a playdough party for your child’s next birthday.
Playing with playdough improves fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. It also provides a sensory experience that can be calming and relaxing.
Spring cleaning project
Doing a spring cleaning project with your kids is a great way to teach responsibility and organizational skills. Choose a room or area to clean together, and provide age-appropriate tasks, such as dusting or organizing. Encourage your kids to donate or recycle items they no longer need.
Cleaning and organizing improves responsibility, time management skills, and a sense of accomplishment. It also helps teach the importance of giving back to the community through donation or recycling.
You’re all set! Hopefully, this gives you some ideas for activities for kids at home as well as outdoor kids activities if the weather permits. There are definitely several benefits to getting your children outdoors in the fresh air as it can help get them more active than being indoors alone. However, don’t discount some of the indoor activities provided above as they can serve as replacements in a pinch if you need something to entertain them with!
