Signs that “Spring has Sprung” have well and truly arrived this week! We are all now basking in sunshine and peeling off layers. The official first day of Spring is 20th March which is the Spring Equinox. The days are getting longer at last! We are all filled with the anticipation of a new season and excited to get outside to enjoy the great outdoors.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of Spring activities you can enjoy with children or activities they can enjoy with their friends.
Activities for Children
Build a Den
Kids love to have somewhere of their own to “hang out”! Why not go to the nearest woodland and using what they can get their hands on close by start building a den? This is a chance for children to experiment with their own ideas on design and the materials they use. Den building is a great activity to develop creativity and problem-solving. We always end up having a competition who has the best den!
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great spring activity to encourage kids to explore and connect with nature. Whether you plan your scavenger hunt in the garden or at a larger outdoor space the idea is to create a list of items the players need to find or photograph. A great team or individual activity perhaps at a birthday party?
Follow these basic steps for a successful scavenger hunt:-
- Create a list of items for the players to find or photograph.
- Define the search area.
- Tell the players how long they have to find the items.
- Whoever finds the most items on this list is the winner
If you are looking to have more fun outdoors, take a look at Toddleabout where you can download free printable Scavenger Hunt sheets.
Pond Dipping
Pond dipping is the perfect Spring activity. There is so much going on in a pond during this time. Pond dipping can reveal an interesting world of small creatures even in the smallest of ponds. Children will enjoy setting off on an expedition with their nets on their shoulders and jam jars in their hands. Ready to discover new and mysterious creatures lurking underneath the water.
What they will need
- A net
- Jam jars or buckets to put your creatures in
- Spoons to take a closer look at your minibeasts
- Camera or pens and paper to record or draw your findings
Learn to ride a bike or scooter
Now is the perfect time to get your little ones out on their scooters or bikes. With the lighter evenings after school, children can enjoy learning how to ride their bikes or even master new skills with their scooter which was a Christmas present.
Cycling is a great activity to increase children’s fitness and self-confidence.
Bird Watching
Spring is a busy time for birds they are actively looking for a mate and a new home to nest in. You don’t need to venture far as our gardens, countryside and even towns and cities are full of amazing birds to watch. Children can enjoy finding a spot to perch on and settling down to watch birds and see what they can spot. Perhaps count how many different breeds of birds you have in your own back garden or local park. Alternatively, you could enjoy bird watching when out for a walk.
What they will need:-
- Binoculars or telescope
- Book to identify different breeds
- Good listening skills
- Camera or Pen and paper to record your findings
Make a Bug Hotel
If your little ones enjoyed the bird watching activity providing a home for bugs is a great way to attract more creepy crawlies to your garden. Building a bug hotel in your garden is a fun activity children can immerse themselves in. Firstly collecting all the materials they will need, large pieces of wood, bricks or stones and then find a spot in the garden which is sheltered. Start by placing the pieces of wood on the ground and alternate wood with a layer of bricks. In between each layer stuff the gaps with moss, leaves or sticks. Anything natural that the bugs will enjoy living in.
What they will need:-
Pieces of wood
Bricks or stones
Leaves, moss, sticks
Remember to go back in a few days to check if you have any new residents that have checked in to the Bug Hotel!
Crafting
Spring is the perfect time to infuse crafting activities with the vibrant and refreshing spirit of the season. You should get craft kits for children to encourage children to explore nature-inspired projects, such as creating colorful paper flowers, decorating birdhouses, or crafting butterfly mobiles. Incorporating natural elements like leaves, twigs, and flowers into collages or pressed flower art can provide a hands-on connection to the outdoors. Consider organizing a spring-themed scavenger hunt to collect materials for crafts, fostering both creativity and an appreciation for the environment. Additionally, painting flower pots and planting seeds or small flowers can be a delightful way to combine crafting with a touch of gardening. These springtime crafting activities not only engage children in imaginative expression but also celebrate the beauty and vitality of the season.
We hope you have enjoyed our top tips for Spring activities for children. For more ideas and resources for creating a Wild Challenge for kids take a look at the RSPB or shop our range of outdoor toys.
