After spending the winter months inside for what feels like forever, adults and children alike are ready to get outside and celebrate spring. Organize some fun and educational activities to get everyone outside in the fresh air.
Clean Up the Environment
A very important lesson to teach children while they are young is taking care of the earth and cleaning up the environment. Armed with gloves and bright colors for safety, parents can take a walk in their neighborhood with their children to clean up the litter that has accumulated over the winter months.
Another option, if the road is a busy one, is to pick a favorite park or playground and pick up litter there. Children will really enjoy this activity, while learning about caring for the environment and serving the community.
Have an Animal Scavenger Hunt
Children get excited when they see creatures that are emerging from hibernation, or returning from their winter migration. Read some books about these animals, and make a list of them to look for, such as rabbits, robins, groundhogs, or turtles. Take a walk and try to spy some of these animals.
For an extra activity, parents can take a digital camera and try to get a picture of the animals they find together. With a printer and some word-processing software, children can make their own book about animals they see in spring.
Yard Clean-up Time
While adults see this as a chore, many of the typical spring jobs that need to be done around the yard are fun for children. With a hose, a child-sized rake and wheelbarrow, children can help with jobs like:
- removing leaves from flower beds
- hosing off outdoor furniture that's been in storage
- washing off cars
- hosing off a muddy driveway
- picking up sticks out of the yard
Planting Seeds
Children learn about the life cycle of a plant best by actually being involved in doing it. Provide paper cups, dirt, and seeds and help children start their own plantings. They may choose to plant flowers, or maybe some vegetables or herbs they can use later in the kitchen. Talk about how plants need sunlight and water to grow, and place them in a place where children can watch their progress.
Outdoor Games and Toys
In the first days of spring, some activities are more fun than any other time of the year. Parents should stock up and get ready, because the first warm days children are often inspired to:
- blow bubbles
- draw with sidewalk chalk
- take a hike in the woods or walk around the neighborhood
- ride bikes
- visit a playground
After the long winter, the first warm days of spring are inspiring. Have some fun exploring, learning, cleaning up, and playing in the warm sunshine.
Laura Wilson - Relatively new to the writing community, Laura Wilson is spending time writing about children, parenting, health, and education. She ...
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