Top Ten Spring Flings

It's spring time! Here are ten great ideas of what to do as it becomes warm again outside. The snow has melted, the sun is back, and the days are increasingly longer. The gloom and doom of the winter turn to the chirping birds and new growth of spring.

1. Be one of the first people to visit your local zoo. Many zoos have limited or no hours during the winter. In March or April, these zoos start opening back up to the public. For example, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, MD officially reopens on March 13, 2010. For the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, prices are reduced to $5 per person.

2. Go hiking in a national park. National parks are safe places to go hiking, as these areas are monitored by security and entrance is only allowed to those who pay an entrance fee. Many national parks have hiking trails, with varying levels of difficulty and maps are generally available to help you find the hiking trails. One great National park for hiking in the Northeast is Shenendoah National Park, which is along Skyline Drive in Virginia.

3. Get to the gym. You've spent all winter cooped up inside, and you probably haven't done much to keep in shape. Bikini season is coming, so you want to make sure you can fit in and feel comfortable wearing your bathingsuit! Many gyms offer spring specials, knowing that people are going to want to get in shape for summer.

4. Plan a day trip to an amusement park. Although amusement parks generally don't open until after Memorial Day through the week, many are open on the weekends in April and May. There won't be as many people there to crowd lines, so you'll be able to take in more of the attractions before the masses head to the parks during the summer.

5. Break out your bicycle and go for a ride. With the evenings becoming longer, you can go for a bike ride after work while the sun is still out. In April, daylight is still around until at least 7 pm.

6. Start window shopping for patio tables and patio furniture. Stores will start getting their selections of patio tables and furniture in the spring. Looking around for patio equipment will get you in the mood for summer, and get you excited about the hot weather just around the corner. You can also shop for great deals on grills and barbecues.

7. Have your first cookout. Who says you have to wait for Memorial Day to have a cookout? When spring fever hits, people start wanting to be outside. This year, we had more snowfall than any time in recent past, so everyone is ready to start enjoying snow-free days with the sun and warmer weather. Look ahead at the weather forecast, and find a weekend that looks as if it will be warm enough to host the cookout. Even 50 degrees is warm enough if your friends wear jackets.

8. Go camping. If you go camping in the springtime while it is still somewhat chilly, you'll have less pests to worry about. The bees aren't buzzing much yet, the mosquitos aren't in full swing, and the snakes aren't slithering all around. If you have the appropriate camping gear, even a 30 degree night and 50 degree day can be enjoyable. Just dress appropriately and have warm sleeping bags to protect you from the weather. You can even try a portable heater that uses propane to put in your tent. Mr. Heater makes such portable heaters.

9. Go on a photography outing. Get together with some of your friends who have cameras and like to take photos, and take photos that show spring is here. Take pictures of flowers budding, or signs of wildlife returning to the area. You could even have a contest to see who can get the best picture representing spring.

10. Go somewhere for the weekend with a beach. The water isn't warm enough to jump in, but you can still sit on the beach with a jacket and watch the waves crashing in front of you. The great thing about the beach in spring is that the sun's rays aren't as damaging as they are in the summer (although you might still want to wear some form of sunblock if you burn easily). The rates for hotels near the beach will be much cheaper in the spring than they will this summer!