Five Fun Activities to Get Your Family outside this spring
When spring arrives, it’s time to shake off the winter doldrums and spend time outside. The activities you can do as a family will depend in part on the ages of your children, but you can make adjustments depending on individual abilities.
Gardening
A gardening project is an excellent way to involve the whole family at some level. Your project can be as simple as planting a small flower or herb garden using plants purchased at a nursery or starting the plot from seeds. A more ambitious activity can include staking out and planting a vegetable garden in which each family member is responsible for caring for certain plants from time of planting to harvest.
Hiking
Spring is the time to brush off your comfortable shoes from last year or an opportunity to invest in some top rated walking shoes for you and your family. Consult a hiking guidebook or website and find trails that can be covered comfortably by the entire family. Take along binoculars and a nature guide on your hikes so you and your family can identify local plants, insects, and animals.
Scavenger hunt
A nature scavenger hunt in the neighborhood, a park, the woods or even your back yard can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You can create your own list of items to find or check out some other ideas on how to create a scavenger hunt for the whole family.
Environmental cleanup volunteers
What better way to enjoy the outdoors and help the planet than to participate in an environmental cleanup? Spring time is popular for such activities, which are often sponsored by towns, cities, nature groups and environmental organizations. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or specific groups in your area. There may be an age limit for participation in cleanup activities.
Visit parks
Are you familiar with all the parks or nature centers in your area or those within a reasonable driving distance? Perhaps it’s time to gather up the family and explore the wonders of spring at nature areas near you. Be sure to check out information about each park before you go so you know which trails, attractions and services are available, including guided tours or lectures for you and the kids about the environment.
Don’t miss a great opportunity to share time with your family and the wonders of spring by planning outdoor activities everyone can enjoy. Create a family tradition today.