“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party.” —
Robin Williams
Make the most of this exhilarating season by getting outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and loads of fun with your grandkids with these family activities.
Plant a flower or vegetable garden. Gather up the grandkids, head to the nursery, and pick out flats of flowers or packets of vegetable seeds. When you get home, plan the arrangement and spacing of the plants. Then have everyone pitch in with digging and planting. To maintain your grandkids’ interest in the garden, have them help with watering when they come to visit.
Visit a state or national park. Forests and parks come alive in the spring. Not only does the greenery begin to fill in, but wildlife abounds. So it’s the perfect time of year for a nature hike. Be sure to take along your binoculars and a camera to capture newly blossomed plants, animals, and birds.
Fly a kite. A breezy spring day is perfect for flying kites. For even more fun, order a kite kit in advance for your family to design your own. Then, check out Youtube videos on how to fly a kite before you head out to ensure your adventure is a success.
Go garage saling. Spring is when rummage sales get into full swing. So go on a treasure hunt for great buys and to reduce our imprint on the planet by buying used. Before you head out, check your local newspaper and Craigslist for garage sale listings. Then plan your route to make the most of your outing.
Make a yard ornament. Gather up your grandkids to brainstorm a fun project to liven up your yard or landscape. Here are a few ideas to get you started: a unique birdhouse, colorful bird feeder, artistically painted planter, mosaic walkway or welcome sign, fun sculpture, or musical wind chimes. Whatever you come up with, you can likely find design ideas, instructions, or kits online.
Go on a picnic. Pack some finger foods like sandwiches, cheese sticks, veggies and dip, fruit, cookies, and beverages. Then head to the park to enjoy some play, relaxation, and grub.
Build a fort. If you have a stash of construction materials lying around, this is an excellent way to put it to use. Another option is to buy several sections of privacy fencing for prebuilt walls for your fort. There are many ways to build a fort. So search online for easy, low-cost ideas.
Play disc golf. These courses have popped 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.
Attend a soccer or baseball game. Nothing says ‘it’s spring’ like a baseball or soccer game. Get some tickets to a pro baseball game, or check the game schedule for your grandkids’ school. Before you go, be sure to dress in the colors of your favorite team.
Set up a lemonade stand. For the entrepreneurial family, this is a fun way to spend a spring day. Bake up cookies or brownies, make some lemonade, and design colorful “Cookies & Lemonade” signs. Then hang the posters at nearby corners and main intersections. Better yet, take advantage of the extra traffic when a neighbor holds a yard sale.
Go for a peddle. Whether it’s a ride through your neighborhood or on a paved trail system, a bike ride is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and in all the sights of spring.
Hold a garage and toy sale. Have your grandkids clean out their old toys and outgrown clothes. Then offer your grandkids the proceeds for the sale of their items in exchange for helping you with the sale. Be sure to advertise it on Craigslist and post ‘yard sale’ signs on nearby corners and your main intersection.
Go on a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items that are found outdoors, such as an oak leaf, clover, piece of trash, chunk of gravel, dandelion, pop can, speckled rock, wildflower, and so forth. Before heading out for the hunt, set a time limit and any safety rules. Then split up into two teams and see who can bring home the most items on the list.
Take a country drive. Spring is the perfect time of year to roll down the windows and take a scenic cruise. Kick back, put on some happy music, and enjoy the blue skies, budding trees, and bursts of colorful flowers.