Spring is here—let’s hop into it! We love this time of year, the longer days equal more sunshine, warmer weather, and the promise of blooming plants. All in all, a perfect combination to take to the outdoors for learning and hands-on experiences. To welcome in the new season, we’ve gathered a list of spring activities for the whole family, including nature walks, sensory engagement, crafts, and storytime ideas.
Spring into Activity: Nature Walks and Sensory Exploration
Starting outside is always a good idea after a time of rain and chillier temperatures. Gather the family and head out for a nature walk in a nearby park, on a trail, or even your own backyard. While you move and breathe fresh air, you can also help your child practice observational skills and engage their senses:
- Sight: Ask your child to describe what they see, both up close and far away. Are there new flowers in the yard? Animals?
- Sound: Invite your child to close their eyes for a moment. What natural sounds do they hear? Are there insects nearby or birds singing?
- Smell: Take a deep breath together. Can they smell flowers, fresh grass, or damp soil?
- Touch: Show them how to sink their hands or toes into the earth and then ask what it feels like. Softly touch the flower petals or leaves, pause to feel the air.
- Taste: Wild plants aren’t always safe to eat. So, pack a snack or picnic and take time to pause and reflect on the flavors of the food.
The act of recognizing what’s around us and what we can see, hear, smell, and feel is a great way to regulate our bodies and build awareness. If your little one’s day has gotten off to a rough start, an engaged activity like this may help everyone hit reset on the day!
In a sense-filled activity like this one, you may notice your child’s tolerance of or limitations to sensory information. You may observe that your child enjoys sensory experiences, or they may have certain aversions, or thresholds, that tell them how much input is too much. There are ways to support a child who loves sensory experiences, offer toys with texture and color, dance, or make music. There are also ways to tailor time and everyday experiences for those who are more sensitive, like creating quiet time and avoiding crowds. Observation is key to discovering how your child feels. Learn more about thresholds here.
Spring into Crafts: Easy Spring Crafts for Kids
These bouncy paper flowers are a fun and simple spring craft for kids that also build fine motor skills and encourage creativity. Follow these easy steps and when you’re done, you’ll have new decorations for the house or great gifts for special people in your life.
Supplies:
- Construction paper
- Pegamento
- Tijeras
Follow these easy steps and when you’re done, you’ll have new decorations for the house or great gifts for special people in your life.
Directions:
- Empieza por la base de la flor cortando dos tiras largas de cartulina verde.
- Pega las tiras por los extremos de forma que formen una "L".
- Crea el efecto acordeón doblando las tiras una sobre otra. Cuando ya no puedas hacer más pliegues, corta el sobrante y pégalo.
- Es hora de dibujar las flores: cualquier flor y forma que tu pequeño pueda imaginar.
- Recorta las flores, pégalas a la parte superior del muelle y ponlo a prueba: ¿rebota hacia arriba y hacia abajo?
- Utiliza el producto final como juguete, decoración o regalo.
Thank you PBS.org for this great idea. Visit their website for a video demonstration of the spring-y flower and more activities.
Spring Into Story: Seasonal Books for Young Children
Does your child love story time? Spring is a perfect time to introduce new themes of growth, change, and what to expect in a new season.
- I Am Spring – A gentle introduction to what the new season brings, from baby animals to longer days.
- The Thing About Spring – Follow Rabbit, who prefers winter, as he learns to work through a hard change and find new surprises.
Looking for more? Explore seasonal crafts, like paper rainbows and springtime terrains, to keep the creativity flowing.