Outdoor Spring Learning Activities for Children

With spring coming, your child will want to get out and enjoy the weather. There are many fun and educational activities you can do with your child in the spring. Spring is the perfect time for enjoying the outdoors. So why not turn play time in the learning time this spring season.

Plant Seeds:

The beginning of March is a perfect time to get those seeds started. You can even plant a very simple garden for your child to take care of. Start with easy to grow seeds, such as sunflowers and zinnias, and even green beans. If you live in a colder climate, consider starting your seeds indoors. You can buy small pots to get those going inside. Set them in front of a warm sunny window and let your child water them each day. Another good option for planting seeds are herbs. Herbs are easy to grow, edible, and easy for your child to take care of. Take your child to the local garden center, and allow him or her to pick out the seeds of they want to grow the spring.

When you start seeds inside, you would like for them to have a long growing season. You can use any type of container including milk cartons, pudding containers, or plastic yogurt containers. Make sure you punch a hole in the bottom with a pin or a nail for drainage. Place these on a large tray, or shallow aluminum baking pan. Use store-bought potting soil and dampen it slightly before putting it into the container. Have your child put one seed in each container about 1/2" inches deep for large seeds. For small seeds, they can simply sprinkle them on the top of the soil. Make sure that you label the container so that you know what type of seeds you are growing. Make sure your child keeps the soil moist, but not muddy.

Listen for Birds and Frogs:

You know it is spring, when you hear the birds cheeping and chirping outside. Does your child know the difference between the different bird sounds? Many birds are returning to the warmer climates in the spring you may hear ducks and geese flying overhead, or chickadee. Identifying birds by their chirps and songs that they sing is a great activity for you and your child to do together. In addition, as it begins to rain during the spring season, you may start hearing frogs. Frogs and toads that sleep underground start to wake up and make noise. You may even be lucky enough to see or hear a spring peeper.

Another fun activity at any age will enjoy, is to put food out for the birds. You can go to your local pet store and buys seeds, or you can make your very own bird feeder. Birds enjoy homemade food and treats that your child makes. You can take stale doughnut, or bagel, spread it with smooth peanut butter and roll them birdseed. Thread a piece of twine through the whole and hang it from the tree. The birds will love the treat, and your children will enjoy watching the birds.

Also consider making a frog home for the spring frogs. If you live in an area where you often find frogs in your yard, and you can easily make a habitat for them. You can take a plastic garden pot, cut out a small hole for an entrance and put it in your flower bed in or near a water source where you often find frogs. If you leave an old shoe on your front porch, you may be surprised to find that this can be home for frogs, too. Frogs love to get in small, enclosed areas and stay there during the spring.

Have Fun With the Wind:

You know that spring has arrived when the wind starts to pick up. While the wind may be an inconvenience to you, your child will love to learn about the wind and fun activities they can do outside. There are many crafts and activities you can make that relate to the wind. For example, you can make a wind vane, a pinwheel, or kite. How about making a wind chime? These are easy to make using just about any materials you have at home. You can get a branch, and tie on shells or small rocks or even old spoons from the kitchen drawer. Hang it outside and let your child hear the wonderful sound of their homemade wind chime.