Have you been on Pinterest lately? I truly love Pinterest (are you following us over there? If not please do!).  I find it so inspiring – though at times SO overwhelming.  I was looking for some neat spring activities, and while I did find some awesome ideas – a lot were very complicated.  I started thinking of the time I would need to get the supplies, to organize the material, to teach my kids what they were to do, and then to actually do the spring activity – didn’t really fit my “KEEP IT SIMPLE” motto.

I decided instead, to keep things simple.  We will plan one or two really awesome and creative spring activities in the weeks ahead, but on a daily basis – we will be keeping things simple.

I have been doing some research on the importance of free play for children.  The importance of large blocks of time for little ones to explore, create, and simply play.  So inspired by this research, and my desire to simplify things, I have compiled this list of 7 simple spring activities for kids.

Experiences I think ALL preschoolers would benefit from. And, best of all, they are ridiculously simple.

1. Go star gazing – spring is such a great time to enjoy some constellations and star stories.  The days still get dark fairly early, but it is getting a bit warmer, making spring evenings a great time to enjoy the night sky.  You can print out these neat constellation cards to bring with you too!

2. Go on a nature walk – spring activities for kids have to include nature walking!  Organizing a walk or scavenger hunt is fun, but simply going for a walk, with no plan at all, can be amazing.  We live close to a forest and love nature walking.  The only thing I try to prepare is arranging a long length of time for my little ones to explore.  Sometimes they are ready to head home quickly, but most of the time we will be in the woods forever; exploring, noticing, and enjoying nature.

2. Plant a garden – this one IS simple – I promise.  We now do a great big vegetable garden, but we haven’t always.  When we lived in our townhouse we used to just plant a few carrots, peas, and beans in a container in the corner of our patio.  The spring activities for kids that can be done in a garden (of any size) are endless!  And they happen so naturally.  Growing something is such a wonderful experience for kids.

3.  Pick some flowers – and I of course use the term flower loosely.  Weeds, of the flowering variety, grace our kitchen table in late spring through summer.  Again, the only thing I really plan for this spring activity for kids is time.  No rushing when we are picking our spring flowers!

4.  Have a picnic – spring is an ideal season for picnics because they are generally bug free!  I like having my little ones pack the picnic with me, usually nothing too fancy, and we head out to the backyard to enjoy.

5. Make mud pies (and cakes, and cookies) – mud is inevitable in spring … as are my boys finding said mud.  Bringing some old pans, bowls, and spoons outside always leads to hours of creative and imaginative play.  Mud pies, mud cookies, you name it!  The mud will wash away from little bodies, but the memories will not be washed from little minds (hmm – too cheesy?)

6.  Make a bird feeder – and climb a tree to hang it – this can be as simple as putting some peanut butter on a dish and sprinkling with bird seed, or creating a more elaborate bird feeder (like one of these 14 DIY bird feeders for kids)

7. Bring normal indoor things outside.  There is nothing quite like being outside in spring.  Enjoying the warmer days, the spring smells, the blossoming flowers all around.  In the spring we like bringing blocks, cars, even the train set outset.  It is amazing how differently my little ones play with the same toys when outside.  Last year we even made some outdoor blocks.

There you have it! Seven simple and meaningful experiences for little ones to have this spring.  The only thing that is really needed for each of them is time.  And giving our little ones the gift of uninterrupted time is such a simple and meaningful way to help them learn.

This spring take some time to smell the flowers!  Keep activities simple and minimal … kids will learn to be creative.

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