Ideas for Springtime Family Fun

Spring is a special time of year. Maybe it’s the warmer temperatures, the fresh flowers, or the sunshine, but spring gives us all a chance for a fresh start. It’s the perfect time of year to begin a new tradition with your children. Let’s look at some ideas that might inspire you.

Brainstorm Together

There is no shortage of resources to help you begin thinking about what type of tradition you’d like to begin. No matter what you do, encourage your kids to take part in the planning process. Be sure they understand that a tradition is something you can do each year together. Your new tradition will be more meaningful if it’s something everyone is excited about doing.

• Browse online apps or websites.
• Visit the local library.
• Look through magazines or websites.
• Ask your kids for one indoor and one outdoor activity idea.

Indoor Fun

Sometimes, spring can bring rainy weather. Dreary days are the perfect time to start those indoor projects that you can never find time to begin. Creating a tradition around these indoor projects will give your family something to look forward to each year, rain or shine.

• Clear the clutter. Talk with your children about the importance of making donations of toys and clothing to those in need. Then, start a donation box and choose a charity.
• Get organized. Tackle one organizational project with your children each year, perhaps something to spruce up their bedroom. They will be excited about a change, and you’ll revel in the clean space.
• Get creative. Work together to create or set up seasonal decorations such as sun catchers or a nature collage. Get creative and share some laughs.
• Plant something inside. Make a tradition of visiting a local farmer’s market to purchase seeds and plants for an indoor herb garden. Take this idea a step further by teaching your children to cook with the herbs they grow.

Outside Surprise

When the weather is best, go outside and explore! Outdoor adventures are a wonderful way for your family to connect.

• Plant a flower garden. Head to your local greenhouse and let the kids choose the flowers.
• Have a splash day! Put on the rain boots and give your kids permission to jump in those muddy puddles. Join them and see who can make the biggest splash.
• Help the environment. Make a rain gauge or barrel to collect water for your garden.
• Find a waterfall. Search online for the location of a waterfall in a local state park. Put on your hiking boots, grab a map or GPS-enabled device, and pack plenty of water and some snacks. Then sent off to find that waterfall.

Revamp Old Traditions

If you have a tradition that you do each year, think about ways to change it up for your family. Sometimes old traditions need new excitement. Be sure to include your children by asking for their suggestions as part of the process.

• Expand your garden. If you always plant a vegetable garden, add a new vegetable you’ve never grown before.
• Double-down on cleaning. If spring cleaning is your tradition, draw up a plan for a new space and shop with your children for organization materials.
• Revitalize your decor. If decorating is something your family loves, try giving your decorations a makeover with a fresh coat of paint.

Create a Community Tradition

Connect your kids with the community by creating traditions that help others and the environment. Creating traditions like those listed below will help your children realize the importance of working together to help others in need.

• Pick up trash.
• Start a recycling project.
• Plant flowers or vegetables in a local park.
• Visit the local library or museum.
• Find volunteer opportunities.
• Deliver goods to a shelter.

We’d love to hear about your spring traditions. Leave a comment and share your ideas with our online community.

Erika Duso has more than 8 years of combined online and classroom teaching experience. She currently teaches first-grade English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Erika enjoys backpacking, reading, and looking for rocks in the Great Lakes.