Spring has sprung! There's no better time to get outside and enjoy some much-needed fresh air with the whole family. Here are a few family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy:
- Go on a nature walk: Grab the whole family and go for a stroll. Explore your neighborhood and visit a new park or conservation area that you've never been to before. You can create a scavenger hunt for your kids to get them excited about exploring nature and new places. The first one to find a butterfly, a flower and a feather is the winner!
- Plant a garden: Now is the time to start planting your favorite flowers, fruits, veggies and herbs. Whether you want a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries and squash, or you want to start a bit easier with some basil or mint, growing your own produce is a great interactive learning activity for your kiddos.
- Have a picnic: Pack up your children's favorite snacks, plenty of napkins, hand sanitizer, and a blanket or towel and head to your favorite park. Your little ones will enjoy the soft green grass and the gentle springtime breeze. Get your vitamin D for the day, but don't forget sunscreen!
- Go on a bike ride: For older kids, learning to ride a bike is an exciting and highly anticipated adventure. Once they're ready to go with a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and training wheels, the opportunities for fun are endless. Try going to a park or community area at first to avoid cars and busy roads.
- Visit a local zoo or farm: Lions, tigers and bears — oh my! Any animal-loving little ones will love the opportunity to see their favorite critters in person. Many zoos have new baby animals around springtime, which is always exciting! Visiting a nearby farm is a great way to learn more about local agriculture with your children.
- Visit a local farmer's market: When you can, try to support local! If your green thumb isn't quite up to snuff, farmer's markets are a great place to purchase fresh produce. Some markets will even have made-to-order food, handmade goods and more! Many farmer’s markets are WIC-approved as well. Check with your local government program to see if there are any available near you.
- Visit a nearby lake or beach: If you're lucky enough to live near a pond, lake or beach, take advantage of it! Spring is the perfect time to sign up for swimming lessons before the summer rush begins. Older children may enjoy learning how to fish while younger ones can try building a sandcastle on the shore.
- Have a family game or craft night: If springtime is still chilly where you live, you may not be able to spend much time outside yet. Not to worry — there is still plenty of fun to be had! Have everyone pick their favorite board game or a new crafting project to start and spend some quality family time indoors.
Spring is a wonderful time to try something new. Whether it’s planting something new in your garden or your child’s first time riding a bike — embrace the season of new beginnings!