Ok, it’s still winter and as a way to get us to spring, it’s time to start planning for it! It gives us something to look forward to, especially when you may be having cabin fever. Spring is a wonderful time for kids to explore, play, and enjoy new experiences. Whether you’re looking for free kids activities, outdoor adventures, or indoor kids activities for rainy days, there are plenty of options to keep little ones engaged and entertained. This post is all about spring activities for preschoolers.
These are actually all activities you can do with younger kids as well as older kids!
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Table of Contents
The Importance of Being Outdoors
In our house, we’re always looking for something to do, especially when the weather is nice out. We can’t wait for warmer weather since it’s been feeling like it’s in the teens here! It’s been raining, snowing, and at times very windy. I know, shocker! It’s winter. But we tend to have milder temperatures here in New Jersey in the wintertime. As first time parents, we always dread bringing our daughter somewhere, thinking the worst is going to happen. But we really should have more faith in her. Everything winds up working out so well and we all enjoy ourselves. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best, always!
There are so many benefits to being outdoors and there are always scientific studies being conducted about those benefits. Let’s take a look at what some of those benefits are.
Boosts Mental Health and Reduces Stress
Exposure to natural environments has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Studies indicate that spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week is associated with greater well-being and life satisfaction. An article covered by UCDavis expands further on this topic,
“Studies also show that being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems (lowers heart rate and blood pressure). Being out in nature often may lead to lower rates of heart disease. The great outdoors can also help you increase your vitamin D level, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system,”
UCDavis Health. 2023, May 3. 3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health. Cultivating Health. UCDAVIS.
So getting outside has a tremendous effect on so many things in the body.
Enhances Immune System Function
Fresh air and sunlight contribute to better immune health. Sunlight exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, as mentioned previously, which supports immune function. Additionally, phytoncides—natural compounds released by trees—can enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells that fight infections. Phytoncides provides the following benefits: anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, stress reduction, and contain antioxidants. One activity that exposes us to phytoncides is forest-bathing.
Improves Cognitive Function and Creativity
Spending time in nature has been linked to better focus, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. Research suggests that even short walks in green spaces can improve attention span and cognitive performance. Theories like the Attention Restorative Theory proposes the idea that “exposure to nature can restore prefrontal cortex-mediated executive processes such as these… [r]esearch indicates that exposure to natural settings seems to replenish some, lower-level modules of the executive attentional system. However, the impact of nature on higher-level tasks such as creative problem solving has not been explored,” (Atchley, Strayer, and Atchley).
Promotes Better Sleep
We can all use a little more sleep than what most of us are getting, especially our little ones. According to an article by WebMD, the average American spends 7.6 hours in bed. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re asleep. Surveys showed that only 36% of the 2000 participants slept for 7 hours. The average sleep of the participants was actually only 5 hours. It’s critical to get at minimum 7 hours of sleep since it has such a huge impact on your health. Poor sleep or not enough sleep “raises the risk of heart disease, mood disorders, stroke, diabetes, and obesity”, (WebMD).
Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep quality. Outdoor activity also helps reduce blue light exposure from screens, which can interfere with melatonin production.
[RELATED POST: Digital Detox Tips: How to Reduce Screen Time]
Encourages Physical Activity
Being outside naturally promotes movement, whether it’s walking, hiking, or other recreational activities. Increased physical activity lowers the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. In the article, The great outdoors: how a green exercise environment can benefit all,
exercise within green spaces and the great outdoors may be a useful natural medicine (vis medicatrix naturae)… Alongside the social aspect which some individuals crave, it may also increase enjoyment and adherence to bring about positive behaviour changes in a large proportion of the population.
Atchley, R., Strayer, D., Atchley, P. (2012, December 12). Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings. PLOS One. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
Being outside will naturally make you want to move your body!
Supports Eye Health
Spending time outdoors, particularly for children, can reduce the risk of myopia (nearsightedness). Natural light and distant focal points help prevent eye strain associated with prolonged screen time. As mentioned previously, nature promotes healthier sleep patterns by regulating the cycles through the production of melatonin. In fact, if you’re not spending enough time outdoors, you may not be producing enough melatonin in order to sleep. Additionally, dopamine isn’t just a feel good hormone that’s produced. It also helps with regulating eye growth and maintaining the shape of the retina. Lastly, being outside helps with blood circulation, which helps with eye health.
Increases Social Connection
Outdoor activities often encourage social interactions, which can improve mental well-being and foster a sense of community. Have you ever noticed how you feel after spending time outside with your family? Ok, yes, sometimes it can feel like a struggle just to get ready to go and actually get to your destination. But once you’re there and eventually make it home, you’re relieved to have gone on that adventure. Strong social bonds have been linked to a longer lifespan and better overall health.
Promotes a Sense of Well-Being and Mindfulness
Being in nature encourages mindfulness by helping individuals focus on the present moment, reducing rumination and negative thought patterns. Incorporating outdoor time into your routine, whether through daily walks, gardening, or weekend hikes, can provide lasting benefits for both body and mind.
This all demonstrates why it’s essential for us to get outside and limit our exposure to artificial lighting, which has the opposite effect.
Outdoor Spring Activities for Preschoolers
Now that we understand the benefits and importance of being outside and getting fresh air, what are some activities that we can do with our little ones? Included in the list below are activities that may cost a fee, but there are also some that are completely free. However, if the weather isn’t permitting, I’ve also included some good indoor activities that don’t involve a tv screen or tablet.
[RELATED POST: The Top 20 Things to Do in the Fall in New Jersey]
Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts
Ok, this may seem like a crazy idea, but it works out really well with younger and older kids. When I was growing up, my parents took us on nature walks and hikes. And scavenger hunts?! Those we’re always so much fun! If you haven’t done Easter egg hunts either with your kids, then you need to start doing that! They’ll absolutely love it. My parents used to hide the eggs outside near our apartment and it was the greatest thing ever. If it was unfortunately raining that day, we just did it inside.
Explore local parks or trails while searching for spring-themed treasures. Although my daughter just turned 2 and may be a little young for scavenger hunts, we definitely already take her on hikes. We invested in a carrier because hiking is something that my husband and I enjoy doing, and it allows us to include her too.
We grabbed this carrier and absolutely love it! As long as it’s set up correctly, there’s no weight on your shoulders or back. All of the weight is centered on your hips. If you don’t think it’s a great idea to invest in one yet, see if you can borrow one from a friend.
If you’re looking for some scavenger hunt ideas, check out PlanPartyPlay.com for tons of ideas.
Backyard Obstacle Course
This doesn’t have to be American Ninja Warrior… unless that’s what you’re looking for. There are probably lots of things you have lying around the house that could be reused for this.
Use household items to create a fun and active challenge.
Consider even involving your kids with the setup to make it more fun. Having them involved in the process of setting up their own obstacle course would be *chef’s kiss*.
For plenty of ideas on what to include, check out this blog post by Own Your Yard.
Visit a Kids Museum with Outdoor Play Areas
Many kids museums have interactive exhibits outside. It would be a super long blog post if I listed out each of the museums in each state that have these types of exhibits, so I’ll just provide some examples that we have on the East Coast in the Tristate area.
- Stepping Stones Museum for Children (Norwalk, CT), which gets great reviews on Trip Advisor, is a museum that allows for hands-on experiences for children. They believe in education through play. At this museum, they have the Celebration Courtyard where they hold activities outdoors. This option is also great if it happens to be a rainy day since they have plenty of indoor exhibits and fun things to do.
- Imagine That! Children’s Discovery Environment (Florham Park, NJ) has both indoor and outdoor areas for play and learning. It also has a gift shop, an online gift registry option, and even a cafe with lots of healthy options.
- Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (Cornwall, NY) has a ton of activities like a maple sugar tour. You’ll have to check out their website, but there are definitely things to do outside.
Gardening for Kids
Let children plant flowers or easy-to-grow vegetables and watch them bloom. This is something I plan on getting my daughter involved in. While growing up, there was always something growing at my parents’ house. Now that my husband and I have our own home, that tradition has continued. This year I also plan on learning how to can our tomatoes, and would love for our daughter to be as involved as possible in the growing process. It’s definitely a skill that children should learn about.
For tips on involving them in the garden, read this post by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Biking & Picnic Adventures
Maybe your child already learned how to ride a bike, or maybe they haven’t. If they do, ride bikes to a park and enjoy a simple, homemade picnic. Involve them in the process of preparing and packing the food for the picnic. This can be such a fun activity to do as you prepare to bike over to the park and enjoy what’s been made! It doesn’t have to be something extravagent that you make. Just keep it nice and simple.
For ideas on what to pack for your fun, little picnic, check out Mommy on Purpose’s blog post.
Free Kids Activities for Budget-Friendly Fun
You don’t have to spend a lot to have a great time this spring! There are lots of free options to choose from. The picnic previously mentioned is a free option that can be included in this list too. Try these free kids activities!
Library Storytime & Crafts
Many local libraries offer free events for children. This is a great way for kids to get out of the house, meet some new friends and enjoy a story. These activities may or may not be outside, depending on the library.
Community Events & Festivals
Check out local spring fairs, concerts, and farmers’ markets. We’ve brought our daughter to a fair a couple of times and even to the farmers’ market. I think it’s a great idea to bring them to the farmers’ market since it allows them to be more in tune with where their food comes from and meet the people who grow/make the food.
Sidewalk Chalk & Bubble Play
You may already have chalk and bubbles to play with at home. So, maybe this isn’t entirely free? But it doesn’t have an entrance fee. Kids love to draw and be creative when they have things like chalk, paints, markers, or crayons. This is a fun activity enjoy the outdoors that doesn’t need to involve packing up the car and going somewhere. You can do it right outside your home!
Bird Watching & Nature Journaling
This may or may not be a good activity for your kids, depending on their personalities. Our daughter loves to see different wildlife. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be birds that you watch. Just observe what creatures you have running around outside near your home. Encourage kids to observe and document local wildlife.
Free Admission Days at Kids Museums or Zoos
Some kids museums offer no-cost entry on select days. Our local county zoo has free days, if you’re looking for activities which don’t break the bank. Be aware though, that these days can also be quite busy and crowded.
Indoor Kids Activities for Rainy Days
Spring showers don’t have to stop the fun, and they bring May flowers! Keep kids entertained indoors with these creative activities:
DIY Indoor Obstacle Course
Use pillows, chairs, and tape to create an exciting course. Building the obstacle course is part of the fun, so involve them in creating it. A blog post by How to Run a Home Daycare provides tons of ideas for creating one.
Simple Science Experiments
Fun, hands-on learning projects that spark curiosity. Here are some great ideas to jog your creativity:
Here are some fun and simple science experiments for preschoolers that encourage curiosity and hands-on learning:
Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano
Concept: Chemical reaction (acid-base)
Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, a small cup
Activity: Place baking soda in a cup, add a few drops of food coloring, and pour vinegar over it to create a foamy eruption.
Magic Milk Experiment
Concept: Surface tension
Materials: Milk, food coloring, dish soap, cotton swab
Activity: Pour milk onto a plate, add drops of food coloring, and touch the surface with a dish soap-dipped cotton swab to see the colors swirl.
Sink or Float?
Concept: Buoyancy
Materials: A bowl of water, various objects (toy, coin, leaf, sponge)
Activity: Let children predict whether each object will sink or float before placing it in the water.
Rainbow Walking Water
Concept: Capillary action
Materials: 6 clear cups, water, paper towels, food coloring (red, yellow, blue) Check out Color Kitchen for plant-based food dyes to stay away from the gunk.
Activity: Fill every other cup with colored water and connect them with folded paper towels. Watch as the colors travel and mix.
Growing a Bean in a Bag
Concept: Plant growth
Materials: Ziploc bag, paper towel, dried bean, water
Activity: Dampen a paper towel, place it in a bag with a bean, and tape it to a window. Observe as the bean sprouts over several days.
Dancing Raisins
Concept: Carbonation
Materials: Clear soda, raisins
Activity: Drop raisins into a glass of soda and watch as bubbles make them rise and fall.
Ice Melting Race
Concept: States of matter
Materials: Ice cubes, salt, warm water
Activity: Sprinkle salt on one cube and pour warm water on another to see which melts faster.
Balloon Baking Soda Blow-Up
Concept: Gas production
Materials: Balloon, baking soda, vinegar, bottle
Activity: Pour vinegar into a bottle, add baking soda inside a balloon, attach the balloon to the bottle, and watch it inflate.
Shadow Tracing
Concept: Light and shadows
Materials: Paper, pencil, toys
Activity: Place toys outside and trace their shadows throughout the day to observe movement.
Magnetic Exploration
Concept: Magnetism
Materials: Magnets, paper clips, coins, aluminum foil, plastic objects
Activity: Test different objects to see what is attracted to the magnet.
These simple experiments teach fundamental science concepts while keeping preschoolers engaged and excited about learning!
Virtual Tours of Kids Museums
Explore interactive exhibits from home. This could definitely fall under the category of free as well. If for some reason going to the museum isn’t possible, consider checking out their interactive exhibits online.
Spring-Themed Arts & Crafts
Paint flowers, make butterfly collages, or create colorful paper kites. Check out Taming Little Monsters’ blog post all about different spring-themed arts and crafts to give the kids something to do and rave about.
Indoor Camping & Storytelling
Set up a blanket fort or grab some old bedsheets, flashlights, and share adventure stories. These could be stories from your childhood or adventure-seeking books that you’ve collected over time. Make it even more fun by setting out the sleeping bags for an overnight experience as well.
Making the Most of Spring Activities for Kids
To create a well-rounded spring experience for your family, balance a mix of kids activities both indoors and outdoors. Plan ahead for free events, explore new places like kids museums, and enjoy simple at-home fun. With a little creativity, you can make this spring a season full of joy, exploration, and lasting memories!
What are some activities you like to enjoy with your kids during the spring that you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!
This post was all about spring activities for preschoolers.
Sources
Atchley, R., Strayer, D., Atchley, P. (2012, December 12). Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings. PLOS One. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
Benisek, A. (2023, February 16). What’s Keeping America Up at Night? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/sleep-quality-survey
UCDavis Health. (2023, May 3). 3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health. Cultivating Health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05#:~:text=Studies%20also%20show%20that%20being,lower%20rates%20of%20heart%20disease.
