Springtime is here, and with it comes warmer weather and the opportunity to burn off that pent-up energy from winter. If your children are sick and tired of staying indoors, you’re probably looking for simple and fun ways to help them channel their energy. These springtime activities require minimal preparation and keep busy kids moving as they enjoy the springtime sun.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is an extremely flexible springtime activity. For example, you can make a list for children who read or use pictures for pre-readers. If you don’t have time to make a list beforehand, try sending your kids to find as many things as they can in a certain shape or color. If you want to search with your child, create a list of special springtime sights, such as birds’ nests, flowers, robins, buds on trees, etc. Then use your camera or smartphone to take photos of all the springtime moments you discover. If you find lovely things to bring home, keep them for use in our next activity.
Natural Artwork
Most children love to collect lovely things in nature. Beautiful leaves, fresh flowers, feathers, and colorful rocks catch our children’s eyes and end up in their pockets. To use these natural treasures, encourage your child to create artwork with the things they find. Perhaps you attempt a self-portrait, with pretty rocks as eyes and long grasses as hair. Or you can use a shoebox and make a diorama of your backyard, making everything in miniature with materials you discover there. Another trend in children’s artwork is painting rocks and then using them to decorate the outdoors. Often, the artists leave inspirational or personal messages on the colorful rocks for others to find. This is a great way to spread joy during the springtime!
Obstacle Course
If your children can’t seem to sit still long enough to look at a list or create art, then it’s time for something more physical. Obstacle courses, much like scavenger hunts, can be as simple or complicated as you would like. If you have the resources, you can include hula hooping, blowing bubbles, walking along a jump rope, and weaving between cones. Alternatively, create challenges for your child based on their natural surroundings. If you are in your yard, time them as they hop, skip, or jump their way to you. Or if you are playing on a playground, challenge them to find new ways to move across the equipment. An obstacle course doesn’t have to be a formal creation with lots of pieces. Instead, look for ways to encourage your child to move his body and improve his motor skills while also having fun.
Fly a Kite
A classic among springtime activities, kite flying takes skill and practice. Young children will need assistance and supervision as they figure out how to get kites in the air and keep them there. Still, flying a kite is a great way to spend time with your child, and you can find simple kites for only a dollar or two at most large general department stores. Be sure to find a space with lots of open ground, away from structures, trees, and power lines. Take breaks if your child gets frustrated so that the activity stays fresh and positive. The excitement and joy they feel when the kite goes up to the clouds are worth every bit of effort!
Springtime is a time of growth and new life. Even without us explaining it, our children feel the excitement and anticipation of the season. After winter days spent indoors, springtime activities are all about life, movement, and color. Next time your children are antsy and just can’t seem to sit still, try one of these simple, engaging activities to enjoy springtime together. If you are looking for childcare that emphasizes staying active and enjoying the natural world, please consider Legacy Academy Roswell. Call or visit anytime for more information.
