Well, hello there, spring! We’ve been eagerly awaiting your return, and all the beautiful things you bring us. How we have missed the smell of fresh cut grass and flowers in bloom, your spontaneous rainbows, and the soothing white noise of a light-hearted rain. Now that you’re here, it’s time to create new springtime memories with our families, ones that don’t break the bank.
\n \nHere are ten fun and cost-effective activities to enjoy this season:
\nFly a kite. Or better yet, make your own first. Design and build a personalized kite using materials found at home. If you already have a favorite kite, dust it off and ensure the kite line isn’t damaged. Vist the park on a breezy day and let your kite sail.
\nGet colorful. Have a rainbow-themed scavenger hunt, bake rainbow cookies, or play a rainbow game. There are also countless crafts you could tackle, for instance making a rainbow collage, suncatcher, or sponge painting.
\nDecorate one-of-a-kind eggs. Wrap hard boiled eggs with rubber bands before dipping in dye to create a tie-dye design, or dye all the eggs yellow and draw on emoji faces with Sharpies. Try decorating playdough eggs with younger children. Roll out playdough and cut with an egg-shaped cookie cutter. Embellish with beads, buttons, gems, glitter or whatever you have on hand.
\nStart a nature journal. Go on a springtime nature walk at Weaselhead Flats or Griffith Woods Park. What treasures can you find? Can you spot any animal tracks? Kids can jot their observations down in a notebook, and even press flowers, leaves, or feathers between pages.
\nWelcome back the birds. Purchase bird houses from the dollar store. Take them home and paint in brilliant colors. Our feathered friends will appreciate the homemade bird feeders. You can also tie biodegradable twine to a pinecone, roll it in peanut butter, and then coat it with bird seed. Hang them outside and see which birds arrive first.
\nCelebrate Earth Day. Earth Day falls on April 22, 2025, and the theme will be “Our Power, Our Planet.” Play a game about conserving energy by challenging your kids to race through the house, turning off as many lights and other unnecessary power-eaters as fast as possible. Teach kids about renewable energy sources by conducting experiments, such as building a solar oven or brewing sun tea.
\nCraft paper bag puppets. Spring is also the season of baby animals, so why not make new baby paper bag puppets for pretend play? For inspiration, ask your kids which baby animal is their favorite. Some babies typically born in spring include calves, lambs, fawns, beaver kits, and fox cubs.
\nMake egg carton seed starters. Save an egg carton and cut off the top. Cut the bottom half into two sections, or divide into single cups. Fill each cup with potting soil and plant two seeds per container. Cover with a light layer of soil and water. Place in a sunny spot, and keep moist. Sunflowers, marigolds, and beans are all great plants for children to nurture and grow.
\nAssemble an outdoor ornament. Craft up some unique items to hang from the trees in your yard. Create wind chimes out of tin cans, seashells, or beads. You could also make windsocks, wind spinners, or garden mobiles by upcycling household items.
\nHave a spring-themed film fest. If it’s not raining but pouring, stay indoors and watch springtime movies. Kids might enjoy Charlotte’s Web, A Bug’s Life, Bambi, Bee Movie, Hop, or Peter Rabbit.
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Born in the prairies, Stephanie has lived in both Canada and the U.S. She is a mother, cancer-survivor, cat lover, and avid traveler. Stephanie is the creator of the family travel blog, Next Family Getaway, nextfamilygetaway.com, where she shares trip ideas and travel advice for those traveling with kids.
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