Spring into Fun with These Child Development Activities for Springtime! 

What a re-leaf, the spring season is finally here!  

It’s time to store the winter coats and sleds...break out the rain boots and gardening tools to start prepping for this year’s April showers and May flowers. You and your little one can relish the wonders of springtime with blooming seasonal activities that promote age-appropriate development and endless fun! Here are a few ideas: 

Gardening 

If your house lacks the outdoor space for a home garden, there are several creative ways to garden with your child on a small patio or even indoors. To name a few, you can create an herb garden, fairy garden, or use an EarthBox for small produce items. Get detailed instructions on implementing one (or all) of these gardening activities on The Veranda View. 

Gardening Benefits for Kids: Encourages healthy eating, provides moderate physical activity, builds confidence, develops STEM and analytical abilities, helps children develop a habit of calming themselves, improves focus and memory, and positively impacts moods.  

Nature Walks 

Explore the outdoors in your neighborhood or a nearby National Park/hiking trail—just be sure it’s stroller friendly! Regardless of your child’s age, increasing their time outdoors offers great benefits. Newborns will be stimulated by beautiful scenery, while older children can participate in a nature-themed scavenger hunt. Access a free nature scavanger hunt printable here. 

Outdoor Walking Benefits for Kids: Introduces new concepts, improves concentration, encourages uplifting moods, and boosts self-esteem. 

Picnic in the Park 

Organize the perfect picnic with a basket full of your child’s favorite meal or snacks, a large cozy blanket, and plenty of water bottles (and sippy cups) to stay hydrated. Cultivate the “Family Style” gathering by packing everything individually with serving spoons. Use this time to encourage meaningful dinner table” conversations—even if dinner is being served on a picnic blanket. 

Benefits of Picnics for Kids: Allows for family bonding time with minimal distractions, improves mental health, and promotes healthier behavior patterns and habits.  

Sidewalk Chalk 

This classic childhood activity is easy and inexpensive. Grab a READY 2 LEARN non-toxic, easy-grip sidewalk chalk set for toddlers for under $10. With six vibrant colors, this is a fantastic opportunity to educate your child about primary and secondary colors, as well as help your child make real world connections (color a yellow sun, a blue sky, green grass, etc.). 

Benefits of Sidewalk Chalk for Kids: Enhances academic knowledge, improves fine motor skills, and encourages a love of the arts.   

Playing in the Rain 

Depending on your little one’s age, playing in the rain makes for a splashing sensory experience. Assuming weather conditions are safe, dress for the occasion in rain outfits and head outside for puddle dancing. Chat with your child about the weather differences—precipitation, grey skies, and healthy lush plants. 

Rock Painting  

You only need two supplies for this spring activity: non-toxic paint and rocks! You can find rock design inspiration here. Even newborns and young infants can still enjoy this activity! Create memorable keepsakes with your little’s hands by making handprints, footprints, or thumbprint hearts on the rocks. 

Benefits of Rock Painting for Kids: Expands a child’s imagination, improves critical thinking skills, offers emotional healing restoration, and helps reduce anxiety. 

Whether your family celebrates spring’s arrival with happy gardening, outdoorsy art, or a simple nature walk, you’ll be promoting physical and mental health benefits for your little love bug. You grow, mama!