In my house, we're super excited it's finally spring! Who's with me? Spring means more time outdoors, less time stuffing kids outfitted in bulky winter gear into carseats, and more hours of sunshine to enjoy. But when you live on a budget, it can sometimes be hard to find new, fun activities to do with the kids. Or is it?
1. Camp in Your Yard
It's an adventure in the safety and comfort of your own yard. Perfect for even young children, camping in your yard is a vacation without any cost or travel time but plenty of family bonding.
2. Hike
Exercise and enjoy nature while spending time together outdoors. Pack a lunch to eat when you reach your destination.
3. Scavenger Hunt
Kids love this and it's totally free. All you have to do is send them on a hunt for items like acorns and rocks or hide your own items in the yard for them to discover.
4. Fish
Spend a morning fishing, either one-on-one with one of your children or as a group. You and your children can learn new skills and enjoy the fresh outdoor air.
5. Fly a Kite
Some of the best childhood memories involve kites and there are so many to choose from. There's bound to be a perfect kite for your child. Now all you need is the perfect breeze.
6. Garden
Grow beauty together. You can plant flowers, herbs, berry bushes, or anything else you'd like. You can even create a food garden that you can harvest together and enjoy year round.
7. Hit the Garage Sales
You can find loads of treasures for cheap at garage sales in your community.
8. Visit a Farm
Some farms provide tours; some just let you check out the cows. Either way, farms are a ton of fun for families. Kids can see baby animals, pick berries, or even chase a chicken.
9. Outdoor Movie Night
If you have a garage or barn, you can host an outdoor movie night by projecting a movie onto a solid wall. Serious fun for everyone!
10. Have a Parade
Don't wait until Memorial Day or the 4th of July. Create your own parade through your neighborhood. Kids can dress in costumes and dress up clothes, play instruments, or blow bubbles as they march.
11. Picnic
Take lunch out to the yard or to your local park for an afternoon of fun.
12. Bike Ride
Take a family bike ride around your neighborhood after dinner.
13. Pick Wild Flowers
Use them to brighten up your home, or Grandma's day.
14. Maple Sugaring
Pure sweetness in a bottle. The whole family can enjoy seeing how syrup is made.
15. Visit a Nature Center
Get out of the house and learn about your local plants and wildlife.
16. Visit a Historic Landmark
Every town has them. Some are well known and some are well hidden. Take the kids to learn about the amazing people that lived and events that took place in their own backyard.
There's plenty to do this spring, so get going. To find more local fun, just jump on Google or check out your local parenting publication.