Go on a nature walk
You and the kids have probably been cooped up in the house all winter, and now that the sun has finally peeked its head around the dark clouds, you can send them outside to run off some of that cabin fever. So, dust off those walking shoes, load up the red wagon, and head out into the neighborhood to discover what nature has to offer.
Point out the colors, textures, and smells of the nature around you. Not only will this engage your children in learning (without them knowing it), but it will also give them (and you) some exercise.
If you need a little help coming up with some nature walk topics of discussion, try creating a Nature Hunt Bingo game where your kids can check off things as they see them. And if you want to go a step further, you can help your children find a variety of items in nature like flower petals, rocks, and leaves, and help them create words and pictures like they did in this Name Writing Nature Hunt.
Plant a garden
You don’t have to have an acre of farm land to start your own garden. You can start a garden on a windowsill, in the backyard, or even in a raised flower bed. Just get your hands dirty and help your children explore the process of creating new (plant) life.
You can start with seedlings like they did here, or you can find inspiration in your refrigerator (cucumbers, anyone?). And when you’re finished planting, you can curl up on the couch with a book about gardening like Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert or The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle.
Create art
When you’re finished discovering all that nature has to offer, help your children gather up some items to create some one-of-a-kind art. With sticks and twigs you can create beautiful shimmering fairy wands like these. Or you can use pressed flowers to create spring-inspired sun catchers.
Whether you explore the outdoors or create new plant life, help your children find new ways to discover the wonders of spring time.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
