Spring Fun for Children

Ah, spring! This is probably my second favorite season next to fall. By the time spring rolls around, I am tired of the snow and the cold and ready for some good, strong sunshine! My children love to be out in the spring with all the rain and mud. Quality rainboots and umbrellas are probably some of the best investments that I ever made for my children, mostly because the children use both items DAILY during the spring season. Aside from splashing in all the mud puddles, these following activities are what I use to keep my kids busy:

• Weeding and Planting Flower Bulbs—Nope. It is not a joke. My kids love to help me weed the garden and the yard. However, it is something that must be taught well; otherwise, your favorite plant from last season will see its last day. We also love planting tulip bulbs in the spring; they are one of our favorite flowers to watch pop up!

  
  

• Spring Walks with a Magnifying Glass—If you have children, you need a magnifying glass or two. Take your children on a fun walk somewhere they have not been before and make it a point to slow your walk. Point out little details on the ground or on a plant and help your children to become aware of the little details in nature.

  
  

• Bubble Machines and Bubble Wands—My children would go through a gallon of bubbles a day if I let them! Seriously, this activity is so fun for all ages, and I love doing it in the spring because the spring rains will help rinse your soapy lawn.

A Final Note: In regards to anything that my family does, I will often ask myself, "Is this something that can be done outside?" If so, then I will almost always try and do it outside. Some examples are: morning prayer, picnics, playing with Play-Doh, coloring, reading aloud, certain school subjects, haircuts, and nail clippings are all things that I have done in the backyard at one time or another. If you turn your family into an "outdoorsy family" as much as possible, I promise that you will thank me later!