Spring Activities for Kids
Towards the end of winter, we are all more than ready for spring to show up with her colorful flowers, warmer days and glorious sunshine. As soon as the calendar hits March, I expect to see flowers everywhere. However, unless they are indoors, it usually takes another month or two before they are in bloom.
In the Midwest, spring sometimes flirts with us for a month or two before actually deciding to show up. With the occasional snow, chilly temps, and ever-threatening colds, we are sometimes stuck inside more often than I would like to be.
If your kids are going stir crazy, like mine occasionally are, it’s fun to have a few indoor ideas to pull out before you all lose your minds together.
Having an indoor area/ table where your kids can create or play is ideal, but if you don’t, grab a plastic tablecloth and lay it out on the floor to keep your messes mostly confined to that area. Clean-up is much easier and you won’t be freaking out quite as quickly about the little messes. (Not that I ever freak out about messes. Insert sarcastic emoji here).
Here are 3 fun ideas that my kids adore:
1.) Flower station. My kids love flowers as much as I do, and a great way to let them create with flowers (before they are actually in bloom) is to create an indoor flower station. The dollar store is an inexpensive place to go for supplies, and often, thrift stores will have things you can use, as well. Look for different types and colors of artificial flowers, wire or foam wreaths, floral foam, floral tape, gardening gloves, watering cans, flower pots, etc. In your house, designate a spot for your “flower shop” – it can be a big box turned upside down, an extra table or an empty storage tub. Gather all of your supplies together and let your kids have fun designing bouquets and flower arrangements, “planting” and “watering” a garden, and “selling” their creations.
2.) Rice sensory bin. I recommend using a long, clear plastic storage bin or kiddie pool on top of a sheet or tablecloth for this activity. Buy 4 pounds of rice (if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can dye it pastel colors, but it’s not vital) and put it in your container. Add measuring cups and spoons, funnels, and other kitchen utensils (and Easter trinkets if you like). Before letting your kids loose, give them specific instructions on keeping the rice in the bin. If they dump it, the rice gets put away. (And then they can try again later). Let them measure and pour the rice and dig for buried treasures. This activity is a favorite in my house!
3.) A resurrection garden. This is particularly meaningful as we get close to Easter. There are many different types of resurrection gardens online, but they all usually include: a “tomb” with a large stone and 3 crosses. I like to start with a bin or cake pan and fill it halfway with some play sand. A small cup or terra cotta pot works well for a “tomb” with a rock from outside for the “stone.” Popsicle sticks or twigs glued together work for the crosses. Any little figurines (we used Little People® last year) can make a good addition for Jesus’s friends or the soldiers who were near the cross or visiting the tomb. You can also add some garden moss and other small rocks to complete the scene. As you read the Easter story, your kids can re-enact it. I have really enjoyed hearing my kids narrate their own versions of the Easter story.
Finding ways to keep little people engaged can be challenging, but it is amazing to watch their imaginations at work when they are playing. Let me know if you try any of these ideas and what your kids thought! I would love to hear what ideas you have that I can try with my kids!
