Editor’s Note: Today’s fun-filled post comes from our monthly guest contributor Kate, at Perpetually Nesting. As a busy mom of two toddlers, Kate knows a lot about whipping up a good time from scratch.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: Springtime is for Children. When you think of it, spring, in all of its newness, speaks the language of childhood. Everything is green and being born; every branch is bursting with life. And all around us, there are opportunities for free learning and family fun, which is why springtime is my favorite season to spend with children. Here are 4 free (or nearly free) active learning experiences to have with your family this season:
1: Go on a Hunt! In springtime, hunting doesn’t have to mean guns and animals. Kids are the perfect natural food hunters – they are close to the ground and usually have very sharp eyes. Our family makes a habit of natural treasure hunting for edible goodies every spring. We go morel hunting in late April, search for fiddleheads in May, and find wild berries throughout the summer. There’s always a delicacy growing, you just have to plan and look. This activity allows our kids to learn about the earth up close, and our family gets a special bonus with wild delicacies at the dinner table. This is the perfect pastime for foodie families! Learn more about what grows naturally in Minnesota, the home of MOM Brands.
2: Grow Something! Whether you are an avid home gardener or can’t seem to keep your houseplants alive, a variety of family activities exist that can help your kids learn how to grow food at home. My family loves DIY gardening, and the whole family participates. We draw much of our inspiration from Patti Moreno, of Garden Girl TV.
3: Explore! No matter where you live, cities and communities seem to come alive in the Spring-time. Take this opportunity to create new family traditions! Head to a local art fair or a food festival. Join a community garden or check around for local parades. Ever been to the Mayday festival? We’re going this year!
4: Jump in the puddles! Even on a rainy day, kids don’t melt! Grab those galoshes and jump in the puddles. We go outside even when it’s rainy, and try to create teachable moments no matter what the weather channel predicts. Hail? Cool! We collect it in cups. Rain? Great! We go outside and play in it. We always make sure to have appropriate gear – fleece, raincoats, rain boots. We put away our serious attitudes and look at our season with new, youthful, curious eyes. We take advantage of the April showers.
No matter what the season looks like in your community, I am sure the springtime holds new possibilities for learning and fun. What are you up to now that you have shed your winter layers? Any free fun activities on your agenda that I’ve missed?
