Spring Into The Season

By Kimberly Blaker

Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party.” —Robin Williams

That said, has your family got the spring fever? If so, that’s for a good reason. Spring represents renewal, rebirth, hope, love, growth, and youth and serves to energize us as everything around us comes to life. Make the most of this invigorating season by getting outdoors for some fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of family fun.

Plant a flower or vegetable garden. Gather up the kids, and head to the nursery to pick out flats of flowers or packets of vegetable seeds. When you get home, decide on the arrangement and spacing. Then have everyone pitch in with digging and planting. To keep your kids’ interest in the garden throughout the season, ask for their help with watering it regularly.

Visit a state or national park. Parks and forests come alive in the spring. Not only is the greenery beginning to fill in, but wildlife abounds. So it’s the perfect time of year for a hike. Take along your binoculars and a camera for capturing photos or videotaping animals and birds.

Fly a kite. A breezy spring day is just right for flying kites. For even more fun, order a kite kit in advance for your family to design your own. Then, before you head out, check out some Youtube videos on how to fly a kite to ensure your adventure is a success.

Go garage saling. Spring is when rummage sales get into full swing. So why not go on a treasure hunt? Before you head out, check your local newspaper and Craigslist for listings, and plan your route to make the most of outing.

Make a yard ornament. Get your family together to brainstorm a fun project your family can make to liven up your front yard or landscape. A few ideas to get you started include a colorful birdhouse, bird feeder, planter, mosaic walkway or welcome sign, sculpture, or wind chimes. Whatever you decide, you can find instructions or kits online.

Go on a picnic. Pack a bag of finger foods such as sandwiches, veggies and dip, chips, cookies, and soda, then head to a park to enjoy some grub, relaxation, and play.

Build a fort. If you have a stash of construction materials laying around, this is an excellent way to put it to good use. Another option is to buy several sections of privacy fencing for prebuilt walls for your fort. There are countless ways to build a fort, so surf online for some great ideas.

Play disc golf. These courses are popping up in parks everywhere and are fun for all ages. Just head to your nearby sporting goods store, and pick up a few discs before you go.

Go on a scavenger hunt. Put together a list of items that can be found outdoors such as an oak leaf, clover, piece of trash, chunk of gravel, dandelion, pop can, speckled rock, wildflower, and so forth. Set a time limit. Then split up into two teams, and see who can bring home the most items on the list.

Set up a lemonade stand. For the entrepreneurial family, this is a fun way to spend a spring day. Bake cookies or brownies, make some lemonade, and draw up some colorful “Cookies & Lemonade” signs. Hang the signs at nearby corners and main intersections. Better yet, take advantage of the extra traffic when a neighbor is holding a yard sale.

Go on a bike ride. Whether it’s a ride through your neighborhood or on a paved park trail system, a bike ride is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air while taking in all the sights of spring.

Hold a garage or toy sale. Have your kids clean out all their old toys and outgrown clothes. Offer your kids a portion or all of the proceeds for holding or helping with the sale. Be sure to advertise it on Craigslist, and post ‘yard sale’ signs on nearby corners and your main intersection.

Attend a soccer or baseball game. Nothing says ‘it’s spring’ like attending a baseball or soccer game. Get some tickets to a pro baseball game, or check the game schedule for your kids’ school. Before you go, don’t forget to dress in the colors of your favorite team.

Take a nature drive in the country. Spring is the perfect time of year to roll down the windows and take a scenic drive. Kick back, put on some happy music, and enjoy the beautiful blue skies, budding green trees, and bursts of colorful flowers.

Spring Into The Season

Spring Into The Season

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