7 New Ways to Celebrate Spring

Spring is full of opportunities for children to have rich learning experiences outdoors. After being stuck inside during winter months, the not too-hot, not-too-cold weather of spring is a great time for kiddos to be active and engage with nature. Although the usual suspects of playing in the rain, puddle jumping, or gardening provide great learning and sensory experiences for kids, it can be fun to mix it up and get creative with your outdoor activities. Make the best of this spring season with these fun and educational activities that are sure to keep your kids engaged and active.Tree Painting - Kids like to make large impacts and this activity won’t disappoint. With only chalk and water, kids can create a living masterpiece in their own yards for all to marvel at. See full instruction here Birds Nest - Make this nest-building activity an opportunity to teach kids about animal habitats and homes or the lifecycle of birds! See full instructions here Mud Cupcakes - Remember making mud pies as a kid? Decorating mud cupcakes adds a fun twist to the classic by allowing kids to make the most of the newly bloomed flowers and berries popping up during spring. What’s more, kids will consider you the coolest adult ever for suggesting that they play in the mud! See full instructions here Mud Paint - Yes, more mud! Kids will love being able to collect mud that was naturally made by rainwater and mixing it themselves to make vibrant colors. This easy recipe for mud paint literally consists of two ingredients -- mud, and easy options for the color ingredient. See full instructions here Flower Petal Stained Glass - Take full advantage of the naturally vibrant colors in spring by letting kids collect plants they think are beautiful and having discussions with them about color and plant structure. Watch with delight as the sun coming through the window lights up the displayed plants. See full instructions here Bird Seed Eggs - Let your kids mix a few inexpensive ingredients to make these bird seed eggs with their hands for a rich sensory experience. Let them explore and have input about where the best places to hang them would be. See full instructions here Nature Weaving - Kids will enjoy decorating their backyards, treehouses, playgrounds, etc. with this homemade flag of sorts. See full instructions here Spring is an inspirational time full of new beginnings, growth, and color. Use this time to create new and fulfilling experiences with your kids outside, and hold on to those smiles you will notice as they discover new and exciting things about nature. Oh, and have fun along with them!