Spring awakens the natural world, and children blossom alongside it. This season offers a unique opportunity to nurture a child’s curiosity and creativity through engaging activities that connect them with the outdoors and the wonders of growth.
Fun Spring Activities for Kids, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Spring bursts with new life and vibrant colors! These 10 creative activities capture the magic of spring, helping your child learn and play while enjoying the beautiful season.
Activity 1: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Paper, crayons (or pencils), basket (optional)
How to Perform: Turn your walk into an adventure! Create a list of spring-themed items for your child to find, like different colored flowers, green leaves, or feathery pinecones. Let them hunt for the items on a walk in the park or your backyard. They can collect the items in a basket or simply check them off the list.
Area of Development: Observation skills, Matching skills, Learning about nature
Activity 2: Planting Power
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Seed packets (age-appropriate plants like sunflowers or herbs), small pots, potting soil, water
How to Perform: Get hands dirty and learn about plant growth! Choose age-appropriate seeds and gather your potting supplies. Help your child fill the pots with potting soil and plant the seeds according to the package instructions. Water the seeds gently and place the pots in a sunny window. Watch the plants sprout and grow over time!
Area of Development: Science exploration, Responsibility, Fine motor skills
Activity 3: Bird Feeder Bonanza
Age Group: 4-8 years old
Materials: Pipe cleaners, pine cones, string, birdseed (check with local wildlife experts for appropriate birdseed type)
How to Perform: Attract feathered friends! Cut pipe cleaners into small pieces and push them through the holes in a pinecone. Fill the pinecone with birdseed and tie a string to the top for hanging. Hang your bird feeder in a tree outside your window and watch the birds come to enjoy the tasty treat!
Area of Development: Observation skills, Learning about nature, Following directions
Activity 4: Sprout Art Extravaganza
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Ziplock bags, paper towels, beans or lentils, water, markers (optional)
How to Perform: Sprout a masterpiece! Dampen a paper towel and place a few beans or lentils on it inside a ziplock bag. Seal the bag and prop it up on a windowsill. Watch the beans or lentils sprout over a few days. Once sprouted, you can use the bag as a stamp to create pictures on paper with washable markers.
Area of Development: Science exploration, Observation skills, Creativity
Activity 5: DIY Seed Paper
Age Group: 5-8 years old
Materials: Recycled paper (torn into small pieces), blender, water, mesh strainer, flower seed mix, cookie sheet
How to Perform: Make plantable paper for spring planting! Tear recycled paper into small pieces and blend them with water to create a pulp. Pour the pulp through a mesh strainer into a bowl of water. Add a sprinkle of flower seeds and gently stir. Scoop the paper pulp onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it into a thin layer. Let the paper dry completely, then cut it into shapes and plant it in your garden!
Area of Development: Science exploration, Upcycling, Fine motor skills
Activity 6: Butterfly Buddies
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Construction paper, pipe cleaners, markers, googly eyes (optional)
How to Perform: Craft colorful butterfly buddies! Fold a piece of construction paper in half and cut out two large butterfly wings. Decorate the wings with markers, paint, or stickers. Punch two holes near the top of the wings and thread a pipe cleaner through the holes. Twist the pipe cleaner at the top to create a body and antennae. Add googly eyes for an extra touch!
Area of Development: Creativity, Fine motor skills, Learning about nature
Activity 7: Scented Play Dough Sensations
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Flour, salt, cooking oil, water, food coloring (optional), essential oils (safe for children, like lavender or lemon), ziplock bag
How to Perform: Make springtime smell good with scented play dough! Combine flour, salt, and cooking oil in a ziplock bag. Add a few drops of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and pliable. Add a few drops of food coloring for extra fun and a drop or two of a child-safe essential oil for a springy scent. Let your child knead, roll, and shape the dough to their heart’s content.
Area of Development: Sensory exploration, Fine motor skills, Creativity
Activity 8: Sidewalk Chalk Spectacular
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Sidewalk chalk (in various colors)
How to Perform: Turn your driveway into a work of art! Head outside on a nice day with a box of sidewalk chalk. Let your child draw pictures, write messages, or create hopscotch games on the pavement. This is a simple yet satisfying way to express creativity and enjoy the outdoors.
Area of Development: Creativity, Gross motor skills, Outdoor play
Activity 9: Recycled Rainbows
Age Group: 4-8 years old
Materials: Clean, recycled plastic bottles or containers, paint, paint brushes, string or yarn
How to Perform: Transform recyclables into colorful wind chimes! Wash and dry clean plastic bottles or containers. Paint them in bright colors or fun designs. Once dry, poke holes near the top of the containers and thread string or yarn through the holes. Hang your recycled wind chimes outside and listen to the tinkling sounds when the wind blows.
Area of Development: Upcycling, Creativity, Fine motor skills
Activity 10: Sprouting Seed Symphony
Age Group: 3-8 years old
Materials: Glass jars, dried beans, lentils, or rice, water
How to Perform: Create a musical masterpiece with sprouted seeds! Fill a glass jar halfway with dried beans, lentils, or rice. Add water and let the beans soak overnight. Drain the water and rinse the beans. Tilt the jar on its side and prop it up so the beans drain but remain moist. Over the next few days, the beans will sprout. Tap the jar gently to hear the soft sounds of the sprouts growing – a springtime symphony!
Area of Development: Science exploration, Observation skills, Sensory exploration
Conclusion
By incorporating these activities into your child’s day, you’ll be fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Spring becomes a teacher, a playground, and a canvas for exploration, all rolled into one. Watch spring activities for kids and toddlers by all hart video by clicking here.