Spring Activities for Kids

Spring is here! Kind of. Once the weather is done toying with our emotions and we can finally get comfortable in the Spring season, we’re all going to need some things to do with our kids! It’s not warm enough for pool days, but definitely not cold enough to stay in hibernation mode, so what is there to do? Well, my friends, that’s what I’m here for.

1. The Zoo

Spring is the perfect time to go to the Zoo. The animals are awake and active and you can spend the whole day walking around without being miserable in the heat. I really don’t like going to the zoo when it gets hot out. I’m hot and sticky and certain parts of the Zoo just reek when it’s too hot outside. (I’m lookin’ at you, elephants!) I just really prefer the spring time for Zoo trips. There’s a nice breeze in the air, it’s comfortable to be outside, I don’t have to walk through those wonderful mist sprayers a hundred times… If you want to make your Zoo trip even more exciting for your little ones, I have a free downloadable Zoo Scavenger Hunt printable on my blog. Download, print, and have fun!

2. The Botanical Gardens

I just took my kids last week and although I was a little disappointed in the lack of botanical things (I was really hoping for some amazing floral displays), it ended up being a really great trip! My friend and I were there with all six of our kids and just as we were getting ready to pack up and head out, a wonderful lady came out and invited us to story time. We sat on pillows outside and listened to a story, then they gave us butterfly nets and we went on a “hike,” and then we came back and did a craft, played with toys, watered the garden, and chased butterflies around. It was so awesome. Also, they’re currently building a play house made entirely from shipping pallets. Check out the Knox Pallet House Facebook page. Really cool. The best part of the whole thing? FREE.

3. Dig For Fossils

This is a fun activity you can do at home! Get a few dog bones from the store and when the kids aren’t looking, bury them in the back yard. Give them a couple of shovels and tell them to go on a fossil hunt. Guaranteed to keep them occupied for at least 10 minutes. Let’s hope for longer though. You can mix it up a little bit and hide cheap toys or candy. It really doesn’t matter what it is, they’ll just have fun digging in the dirt!

4. Go On a Nature Walk

Flowers are blooming, birds are laying eggs, bugs are resurfacing…it’s a great season to get those kids dressed and take them on a walk. Bring a couple of ziplock bags and markers to collect and label whatever treasures you find along the way. It’s a great way to trick the kids into learning and it gives them something intentional to do rather than just running wild on the nature trail. Not that that’s a bad thing, but I can’t be the only mom that gets paranoid when their kid can run faster than them, right?

5. Play in the Rain

What would Knoxville be without the rain, right? After living here for over a year now, I’ve learned that I can’t let a little rain ruin my plans for the day. You just have to roll with it around here and I’ve come to appreciate the occasional downpour. Let’s all agree that Knoxville is the most gorgeous place ever and we wouldn’t have all the green grass and bright flowers without the rain. So make the most of it! Get on those rain boots and rain jackets and jump in some puddles. Catch rain in buckets and make mud pies and have fun! A little rain never hurt anybody and your kids will treasure those memories for a lifetime.

What do you like to do with your family when the snow melts and the sun comes out? Any special Spring Time traditions?

{All these activities and more can be found in my toddler activities ebook, Hyper & Happy}