10 Outdoor Spring Activities For Kids That Are Fun And Educational
The little birds fly over
And oh, how sweet they sing!
To tell the happy children
That once again 'tis spring.
~ Celia Thaxter ~
The coming of spring is always a symbol of revival, hope, and possibilities. Nature is starting to bloom, temperatures are rising, and fresh air promises exciting beginnings. I love how it brings optimism to both grown-ups and kids!
After a long winter, Ava cannot wait to spend more time outside, and this mama is also ready to move things outdoors. Moms, I know you feel me!
Here are 10 outdoor spring activities for kids to keep them busy and entertained in nature while being both fun and educational!
10 outdoor spring activities for kids
1. Set up a mini mud kitchen
Set up a mini mud kitchen/ greenhouse outdoors for the little ones to have their own gardening "workshop." Whether on your patio, in your garage, greenhouse, or under the trees - as long as it is somewhere a lot of mess can be made!
In this garden/ mud kitchen, the little ones can live out their imagination and pretend to be mom or dad. With their dedicated working space, they will have the freedom to do what they want and feel a sense of ownership, responsibility, and independence.
Start seedlings (adults may need to give a hand here in the whole process).
“Plant" beautiful flowers in mini pots for a temporary flower arrangement,
Or make mud pies.
Mud pies are a mixture of water and soil, and sometimes other ingredients, such as plants and pebbles, are added. The 'pie' will stay together if the mud is sticky – similar to bread dough.
Creating a mud pie can be a very fun activity for kids and nurture their imagination and senses. It allows them to explore textures and understand scientific reasoning as they change the variables, such as adding less water or freezing the mixture.
Digg a small hole, add water, and stir with a stick to make a mud pie. Sawdust, eggshells, orange peel, crushed leaves, and sand can be added for extra texture.
This beautiful mud kitchen is from PRIMROSE. They are a beautiful family with a small business where they make the most beautiful hand crafted furniture. You can use the CODE AZURE10 for 10% off your order.
2. Teach Them About Gardening
Gardening is an excellent way for toddlers and young children to learn new skills.
They develop self-confidence from achieving success and seeing the results of their hard work.
It teaches them patience when they have to wait to see results.
They develop a sense of responsibility and understanding, knowing that there are consequences. I.e., when you don't water the plants, they will die.
Their creativity gets stirred, allowing them to explore and discover new things, colors, scents, and exciting ways to grow food. They also learn how to ward off boredom and keep themselves busy doing something meaningful.
Gardening is also a fantastic way to get the kids physically active and improve their physical and mental health.
READ MORE: Gardening with kids: Tips, benefits, and activity ideas
3. Have a spring picnic
With the weather improving and more sunny days, an outdoor picnic among the flowers is so much fun! The fresh air, sounds of nature, and sun on your skin (remember SPF!) are so good for the soul and mind.
And how fun to lay on your back and use your imagination to identify shapes in the clouds! This can really stimulate creativity and inspiration!
Read a book, color in, play board games, take photos, and enjoy healthy picnic foods and refreshing drinks.
4. Nature-inspired baking
This activity includes the outdoors and indoors and is great for those rainy spring days.
Baking is a fun past-time activity that can keep kids busy for a while. Especially so when sending them on a hunt outdoors to collect edible ingredients such as fruit, dandelions, squash blossoms, rose, pansies, violas, marigolds, lavender, and thyme.
So many beautiful things found around us in nature are edible and delicious when used in baked goods! The more we eat from nature, the better!
This is also an excellent way for kids to discover how nature blesses us with many edible and healthy things.
PLEASE NOTE: If unsure whether something is edible, always research it first.
Here are a few of our favorite nature-inspired spring recipes:
5. Spring scavenger hunt
Get those kids active and send them on a spring scavenger hunt. They will learn about colors, discover new textures, and identify cute critters. (not sure if you get something like cute critters, lol).
A scavenger hunt is an excellent way to encourage curiosity and discovery, boost observation skills, and help children develop early learning skills in a fun and relaxed way.
Below you can download a fun spring scavenger hunt!
6. Spring fun walk
Get those walking shoes or rain boots and go for a fun walk around your neighborhood or farm.
Take some homemade gifts or baked goods and hand them out to your neighbors.
Wave hello to everyone you pass by.
Play with a dog.
Skip stones in a nearby pond or river.
Pick wildflowers, hug a tree (or, even better, plant one), and take it all in!
DIY gift ideas:
7. Painting or coloring
Let the kids be mini Picassos for a day!
Go all out! Get them cute painter hats and aprons, set up an easel outside, have a variety of paint colors and brushes, and start painting a beautiful outdoor scene.
Don't want to make a mess and perhaps want to keep it indoors? Coloring is just as fun!
Painting and coloring boost self-esteem, improve motor skills, build concentration and patience, and help with sensory development.
Below is a fun, free spring coloring page to download!
8. Make a bird feeder
Bird feeders are great for attracting birds to your home or garden, and birds chirping and singing must be one of spring's most special sounds!
There is something so relaxing about hearing and seeing them playing in our garden, and they bring us so much joy!
The kids will love this fun activity as it is so easy and gratifying when the birds peck at it. Ava sure loved this one!
Here’s how to make bird feeders:
9. Outdoor lawn games
Get the whole family together and have a fun-filled day with outdoor lawn games.
Games are a fantastic way to instill cooperation and team spirit in kids and develop big motor skills. Not to mention, it is a fun way to get some exercise in!
Some fun options include cornhole, sack racing, tug-of-war, egg & spoon, bowls, and giant Jenga.
10. Make Dried Flower Art Frames
Another fun art project for kids (and adults!)
I always try to find ways to enjoy beautiful flowers. Whether by simply picking some for the home, taking beautiful photos, or using them in a craft project.
One of our favorite flower craft projects is framing dried flowers.
Dried flower art is a great way to preserve and enjoy flowers for a while longer! It also makes a beautiful gift, like these framed dried flowers we made.
This activity is great for getting those creative juices flowing. From picking out which flowers to use to planning and designing the frame.
Here’s how to make DIY dried flower art frames:
May you and your family have a lovely spring! May it be a period of revival and exciting possibilities.
My wish for you and your kids is that you have a lot of fun outdoors and experience all the beautiful things nature has to offer!
Love, Annette xx