5 Fun Ways to Get Outdoors with Your Kids This Spring
As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, there’s no better time to head outside
and soak in the beauty of spring with your kids. Whether you have toddlers or teens, the fresh
air, sunshine, and blooming nature offer a perfect backdrop for quality time together. Not sure
where to start? Here are five fun and easy ways to get outdoors with your kids this spring.
1. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Turn a simple walk into an exciting adventure by creating a nature scavenger hunt. Make a list
of items to find—like a red flower, a smooth rock, a feather, or even signs of animal life like
squirrel tracks or a bird’s nest. Let your kids check off each item as they find it. This activity
encourages curiosity, observation, and movement—all while keeping kids entertained.
Tip: Print a checklist or use a simple drawing for younger kids who can’t read yet.
2. Start a Backyard Garden
Get little hands dirty and teach your kids where food comes from by starting a small garden
together. Choose easy-to-grow vegetables or herbs like cherry tomatoes, lettuce, basil, or
strawberries. If you don’t have a yard, container gardens work great too!
Bonus: Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and gives kids a sense of accomplishment
when they see something they planted start to grow.
3. Plan a Picnic in the Park
There’s something special about eating outdoors. Pack a blanket, sandwiches, and your kids’
favorite snacks, and head to a local park. After lunch, explore the trails, play on the playground,
or simply lay back and watch the clouds drift by.
Don’t forget: Bring sunscreen, hand wipes, and a frisbee or ball for extra fun.
4. Try a Family Bike Ride
Spring is the perfect season for a family bike ride. Explore your neighborhood, check out a bike
trail, or ride to a nearby ice cream shop as a fun destination. Make sure helmets are snug, tires
are pumped, and everyone knows the route.
For younger kids: Consider bike trailers or balance bikes to get them involved safely.
5. Camp Out in Your Backyard
No need to go far for a mini outdoor adventure—pitch a tent in the backyard! Roast
marshmallows over a fire pit (or microwave them inside), tell stories, play flashlight tag, and
listen for nighttime nature sounds. It’s a great way to introduce kids to camping without leaving
home.
Bonus: If the weather turns or someone gets cranky, your cozy beds are just steps away.
Final Thoughts on Family Outdoor Activities this Spring
Spring is a season full of energy, color, and renewal—perfect for reconnecting with nature and
with your kids. Whether you’re exploring a local trail or digging into the dirt together, getting
outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs a little time and a sense of adventure.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors as a family?
-Written by Pat Hines (The Nomadik)
