These easy, fun spring activities for kids, including nature activities, crafts and garden projects, will keep kids screen-free, and give them a new appreciation for all the glories of spring!
Table of contents
Spring Nature Activities
Rescue Worms. After the rain, rescue worms. In our city park after a storm, the park paths are littered with earthworms. Sounds gross, but the kids love picking them up and placing them back on the grass.
Greet spring flowers. Hunt for crocus or snowdrops peeking up out of the ground. Get silly and shout "I see spring!" when you see one.
Splash in puddles. During or after a spring rain, put on rain boots and splash in puddles.
Go bird watching. Spring is the start of migration season. Check out a few birding books from the library to help your kids learn how to identify birds. Search in trees, hedgerows and under the eaves for bird nests!
Get muddy. Play in the mud with sticks or make mud pies.
Start a rock collection. Collect rocks, toss some in a nearby pond, and then read books about them.
Roll down a hill. There is nothing so glorious as a good old fashioned roll down a hill.
Find peace. Close your eyes, lie on your back with your face turned up to the sun and just.... listen.
Find spring colors. Tote along the camera on your next walk and go on a photographic color scavenger hunt.
Go on a nature hike. Stock your kids field bags with fun items so they can examine nature up close.. Don't forget a sturdy pair of shoes.
Spring Art Projects and Crafts
Make spring finger puppets. Use our free printable spring finger puppet template and tell funny stories.
Start a nature journal. Grab a blank notebook and some markers for your child. Head outside to observe and record springtime delights like birds, budding leaves, worms wriggling in puddles and new blossoms. Use our tips for how to start a nature journal with kids.
Rainbow window. Grab some window markers or washable paint and paint a rainbow on the windows. You could also use our faux stained glass instructions to make a rainbow window with cellophane! Or, make a prism mobile that sprinkles rainbow joy on the walls.
Flower art project. Cut plain white paper into a flower shape and use the paper when creating spin art.
Flower printing. Use flowers of different shapes and sizes, dip in paint and press onto paper for a flower printing art project.
Garden Projects
Make plant markers. Spring is a great time to put some seeds in a pot and set it on the windowsill. Kids won't forget what kinds of seeds they planted if they use homemade plant marker stakes.
Build a fairy garden. The best way to encourage your child to build a fairy garden is first to read a few books about fairies, then step out into the backyard. You'll probably find that your child's imagination takes over and they will use acorns as cups, small stones as tables and create their own fairy garden or fairy house nestled among the roots of a tree. Alternatively, you can plan a more directed fairy garden craft.
Craft a bug hotel. A bug hotel is surprisingly simple to make and will be appreciated by garden insects.
Make a nature mandala. Collect rocks, flower petals, seed pods and other materials. Arrange items in a mandala.
Bird nesting ball. Put together a ball of materials birds can use to build their nests.
Spring Learning Ideas
Recite spring poems. Few things build self-confidence like the ability to recite a poem from memory! On a blustery spring day, spend time inside reading and memorizing spring poems. Or, head out on a sunny day to read them outdoors!
Read spring books! Use our list of spring read aloud books the whole family will love to pick just the right book. Other useful lists include our list of April read alouds, or nature themed picture books.
Combine math and art, part 1. Learn about nature's patterns with these Fibonacci books, then create Fibonacci art.
Combine math and art, part 2. Observe symmetry outside in the flower garden and then create flower symmetry art!
Combine science and art. Use giant coffee filters to make watercolor art while learning about absorption, diffusion, and color mixing. Then cut the finished art into flower shapes and glue onto construction paper. Draw in stems.
MORE SPRING FUN: Spring coloring page collection (free printables)
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