The snow has melted, the sun is shining and everyone is itching to get outside. The warmer, more desirable weather gives families the opportunity to explore nature and have fun without the need for bulky winter coats and gloves. Try a few of these outdoor activities that include the entire family:


Nothing says springtime like a picnic outdoors. Whether it is in the backyard or at a local park, youth especially will enjoy the change of scenery. Planning is essential – choose a rain-free day and a park equipped with a bathroom.

Make a Garden

Youth can learn more about nature while watching their hard work pay off as a hand-made garden comes to life right before their eyes. Planting a child’s favorite fruit or flower can keep their interest during the growing time. Choose vegetables that are relatively easy to grow, such as tomatoes, peppers, green beans or salad greens.

Attract Butterflies

Use the garden to attract butterflies, giving children a close-up view as they land. Gardens that attract the most butterflies are the ones that are the most colorful. Butterflies also like gardens near the tree line, abundant with fragrant flowers. Caterpillars also are partial to parsley, dill, fennel, milkweed and white clover.  

Camp in the Backyard

Pick a warm spring night to set up camp in the backyard. Youth should pack their bags as if they were really going camping to enhance the fun.  An adult can help with the tent and supervise overnight for extra safety. A firepit would add to the authenticity, too and make for added warmth if the air gets cool.

Create a Hopscotch court

Pay homage to a traditional outdoor game and create a chalk hopscotch court. The game not only helps children with numbers, but also increases their heart rate. Be creative with the shapes and the design. Come up with original rules for the game and see who can finish the fastest.

Nature Rubbings

Create art with leaves of all shapes and sizes. Children can go outside and collect their favorite leaves, then come inside and rub the imprint with a crayon onto a piece of paper. Utilize all sorts of colors and overlapping designs. For the best outcome, make sure the child uses crayons and not markers for the best outcome.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the backyard for the thrill of seeking and finding with a unique scavenger hunt. Compile a list of commonly found items, such as animal tracks, something round, something small, signs of insects, or an animal’s home. Be sure to warn youth to look and not touch certain things that could be dangerous. If kids cannot read yet, draw pictures of the items needed to find.

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