After a particularly frigid winter, many people are ready for the renewing embrace of spring. Especially for families, spring is the best time of year to get out and experience the world together. There are several ways to do this that are adaptable to any family situation. Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities to celebrate spring and help shake off the winter cobwebs.
Take a Bike Ride or Hike
From taking a walk up and down the street with a stroller to a weekend spent biking a national park, there are infinite ways to take advantage of the warming weather. You can use these times for family bonding or make them educational with facts about the wild and plant life you encounter on your expedition. Try walking the same route at different times of the day and have your child talk about the differences to help develop perception and communication.
Grow a Garden
Another fun activity to do together is to plant a garden. Plants are a great way to teach children responsibility and how to care for a living thing. Plants are also great to have around the home, making excellent decorations and helping to relieve stress. You can even grow your own vegetables depending on the space you have available.
Have a Picnic
Spring is the best time of year to have a picnic for one very simple reason: fewer bugs. The nice thing about picnics is that you can have one for any meal. Take your child for a picnic in the park, or have your kids get things set up in the backyard while you maintain and fire up the grill for some delicious hotdogs and hamburgers.
Enjoy the Elements
Getting outside is more than just soaking up the sun and hiding inside the rest of the time. There are plenty of outdoor activities to celebrate spring that take full advantage of the season’s rapidly swinging weather patterns. For example, a windy day is a fantastic opportunity to fly a kite in the park. An April shower is a great time to puddle hop in the driveway or backyard. You can even try activities like throwing a frisbee in different weather conditions to see what changes.