by Rebecca Mayglothling

Created on: April 13, 2011

Spring is exciting for families who love to be outside, but who are also a little timid regarding the cold wetness of winter. Some families live for the first thaw, when the snow starts to melt or the rain begins to take breaks, and the thermometer finally begins to hit higher numbers. No matter the age of the children, some activities for springtime can be completed by the whole family, bringing family members outside and closer together.

Conduct a race or other game for cleaning up the twigs and branches ripped from the trees by the winter wind. Younger children love this activity, but older children may be encouraged by a prize offer for the most sticks collected. Give each child a box, wheelbarrow or bag for collecting sticks and branches, and let the games begin! Do not allow the children to run with the wood, but encourage them to find and gather as many sticks as possible. Parents can get in on the action by cheering for children and helping them find smaller twigs. When the game is finished, the children have exercised outside and the parents have a cleaner back yard, ready for spring planting.

After the yard is clean, start a garden with the children. This activity allows children to get their hands dirty and prepares flowers for the yard. Designate a planting table in an area of the house or garage where a mess is not a big deal. Assign children to find containers from the recycle bin or planters from garage shelves and bring the containers to the planting table. Give each child seeds, soil and watering cans, and let the mess begin! Parents can help children fill the containers and plant their seeds. Water the plants using the hand over hand method, where children place their hand on the watering can and parents guide the children by gripping the watering can handle over the child's hand.

While the plants grow, pull on family hiking boots or old sneakers and go for a spring discovery hike. Walk around the neighborhood and look for signs of spring. If possible, give each child a disposable camera so they may take pictures of their discoveries. Find water which is running from melting snow, budding tree limbs, or flowers poking through the ground. Notice others outside who are beginning to wear lighter clothing and birds which are coming back from Southern winter hiatuses. Older children may enjoy this activity if they are interested in photography and nature; allow these children to bring their binoculars or other high tech equipment to enjoy the changing season.

If the family just isn't interested in nature or photography, grab the bat and ball and hit the park. Any open field or clear area can be turned into a baseball field. Pitch to the children and allow them to run the bases. Time each other to find out who is the fastest at running all the bases on the field. Play catch and practice sliding or passing the ball from base to base. Older children will enjoy this activity especially if they are going to play baseball for the school or community team.

There are so many different activities for families to enjoy in the springtime. The list is only limited by the imagination of the family. If the children are young, or the environment is limited in activities, use imagination and visit a home goods center to discover ideas for family springtime fun. Get outside during the spring warm up and have fun with the family as a unit.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Mayglothling.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.