Ten Fun Family Outings for Spring
After months of bitter cold, stale air, and confinement indoors, chances are your whole family is ready to get out and stretch their legs. Spring is here, the breezes are warm, and once again we're being treated to the all the delights of this season. Spring family outings don't have to be costly to be fun, and they don't have to be boring to be educational. Here are ten ideas for memorable, almost-free family excursions that will make you love spring even more.
- Visit your local nature center or botanical gardens - Nearly every county in the country has a nature center, botanical garden, or arboretum. These little local gems start bursting with life as the weather warms up in the spring, and you won't want to miss the brilliant show of brightly colored spring blooms and shoots pushing up through the soil. You'll often find guides that explain what each plant is, as well as pointing out different types of wildlife. To find one near you, give your local chamber of commerce a call.
- Go to the zoo - Kids of all ages love the singular experience of seeing everything from baby monkeys to majestic lions up close and personal. Special seasonal exhibits, live shows, rides and the petting zone will keep the kids excited and happy for hours, and all that walking is great exercise.
- Have a picnic at the park - Children love having picnics: there's something about the lack of need for traditional table manners that makes them feel giddy and free. They can get comfy on a soft picnic blanket, gobble up some finger foods and then run around with wild abandon - something they've been dying to do for months! Make it all easier and more convenient for yourself with a family-friendly picnic basket such as the Oxford Picnic Basket for 4.
- Hit the public pool - Now that the air is finally warm enough, your whole family will enjoy relaxing in the cool waters of a swimming pool. Public pools aren't nearly as crowded in the spring as they get in the summer, so you'll be more likely to have a nice, peaceful afternoon getting some sun and watching the kids play in the water.
- Scenic drive to spot wildlife - Country roads, national parks, national forests and other roads that offer a plethora of birds, animals and blooming plants are perfect for a day trip in the car. Make it a real adventure by getting some books on local wildlife and giving the kids binoculars. Bring along a picnic lunch and make frequent stops to stretch your legs and check out the scenery up close.
- Plant a garden in the yard or in containers - Gardening is a wonderful family activity that provides an ongoing fun, educational experience for the kids. Let them help you choose seeds to plant; flowers and vegetables are especially exciting. Pick a spot in your yard or simply get a few inexpensive planters and some potting soil. You'll spend an afternoon in the sun showing them how to plant the seeds, and they'll get to enjoy watching them grow for months.
- Spring crafts in the yard - Have a spring party on your lawn with a blanket, some scissors, construction paper and other craft supplies. Celebrate the season by spreading out in the grass and drawing or cutting out shapes of flowers, plants, birds, clouds, and suns and then gluing them onto poster board. They'll have a blast making their creations outside of the normal indoor environment.
- Take a family bike ride - Get some exercise and fresh air as you wind through neighborhood streets on your bicycles. You can make it a picnic adventure with a picnic backpack, some simple and delicious finger foods and beverages. It's a great way to get in some quality family bonding time while enjoying the outdoors.
- Go to an outdoor festival - Every spring, cities across America hold weekend outdoor events such as open-air plays, music festivals, arts and craft shows and much more. Many outdoor festivals have special areas designed for kid-friendly fun, with rides, games and face painting. It's a great cultural experience, and an excuse to indulge in some delicious festival food. Keep an eye on your local paper or contact the chamber of commerce for upcoming events in your area.
- Go camping - Family camping trips are experiences that kids will treasure for a lifetime, looking back on all the great outdoor activities, campfire food and sleeping under the stars. For ideas and helpful hints, read last week's article, Tips and Recipes for Family Camping.
