Spring is finally here, and as a dad, I couldn’t be more excited. There’s something special about those first warm days after a long winter. The sun shines a little brighter, the air smells fresher, and suddenly, there’s a whole world waiting to be explored with my kids. As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for activities that not only entertain but also create lasting memories. Spring is the perfect season for that—a time to break out of our winter routine and embrace all the fun this season has to offer.
Here are five awesome spring activities I can’t wait to do with my kids this year. Each one is rooted in moments that bring us closer together, get us moving, and make us appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
1. Exploring Nature Trails
There’s no better way to welcome spring than by hitting the trails. My kids and I love lacing up our sneakers, grabbing some snacks, and heading out to explore local nature reserves or parks. There’s something magical about walking through a forest coming back to life—buds on trees, wildflowers blooming, and birds singing everywhere.
For my kids, it’s like stepping into an outdoor classroom. They love spotting wildlife, collecting interesting rocks, and asking a million questions about plants and insects. (I’ve learned to keep a nature guidebook handy for moments like these!)
Sometimes we turn it into a scavenger hunt: Can you find a red flower? A feather? A tree with moss growing on it? It’s a simple way to make the hike even more engaging. And when they start to get tired, we pause for a picnic. There’s nothing like enjoying sandwiches while sitting on a rock, surrounded by trees.
What I love most about these hikes is how they slow us down. We’re away from screens, schedules, and distractions. It’s just us, the trail, and time to talk about whatever’s on their minds.
2. Flying Kites
I don’t know what it is about kites, but they never lose their magic. As a kid, I remember the thrill of running across a field, holding tightly to a string as the wind caught the kite and lifted it into the sky. Now, I get to experience that moment all over again, this time through my kids’ eyes.
Spring is the perfect time for kite-flying—those breezy afternoons practically beg for it. We usually pick a big open field at a local park, where there’s plenty of space to run around. Before we head out, we have a little DIY session at the kitchen table, decorating our own kites. It doesn’t have to be fancy; even a simple store-bought kite becomes special when you add a few personal touches.
Watching my kids scream with joy as their kite soars higher and higher is one of those pure parenting moments I’ll never forget. And when the kite inevitably crashes (which happens a lot with little hands learning the ropes), we all burst into laughter.
3. Gardening Together
I’ll be honest—I never thought I’d be a gardening dad. But after starting a small veggie garden a couple of years ago, I’m hooked. And my kids? They’re all in, too. There’s something magical about planting tiny seeds and watching them grow into something we can eventually eat.
Spring is the perfect time to get our hands dirty. We clear out the garden beds, turn the soil, and decide what we want to grow this year. My kids love picking out seeds—usually tomatoes, carrots, and strawberries make the list. They’re also in charge of the watering cans, which inevitably means we all end up wet by the end of the day.
Gardening is more than just a fun activity; it teaches patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for where our food comes from. And let’s be real—there’s no greater pride than watching your kids bite into a strawberry they grew themselves.
4. Visiting a Local Farm
Spring is baby animal season, and there’s no better place to experience that than a local farm. Every year, I take my kids to a farm where they can meet lambs, chicks, and bunnies up close. They absolutely adore feeding the animals, giggling as the goats nibble food from their hands.
It’s not just about the animals, though. Farms are a chance to slow down and connect with a simpler way of life. We get to see how vegetables are grown, learn about milking cows, and even ride on a hay wagon. It’s hands-on, educational, and so much fun.
The farm visits always inspire endless questions from my kids—everything from “Why do chickens lay eggs?” to “How do tractors work?” And I love answering them, even if I sometimes have to Google the answers later!
5. Outdoor Art Projects
When the weather gets warmer, we take our creative energy outside. One of my favorite spring traditions is setting up an outdoor art station in the backyard. I bring out paint, brushes, big sheets of paper, and anything else we can use to get creative. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s amazing.
My kids love painting everything from flowers to abstract splashes of color. Sometimes we even use leaves and sticks as makeshift paintbrushes. And if the weather’s warm enough, we’ll switch to sidewalk chalk and cover the driveway in rainbows, butterflies, and whatever else comes to mind.
What I love about outdoor art is the freedom it gives them. They’re outside, in the fresh air, expressing themselves without worrying about making a mess. And when the art session is over, a quick hose-down (or splash in the kiddie pool) is all it takes to clean up.
The Joy of Spring as a Dad
As I plan these spring activities, I’m reminded of how precious these moments are. My kids aren’t going to stay little forever, and every season feels like an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether we’re hiking through a forest, flying kites in the park, or getting messy with paint in the backyard, it’s not about the activity itself—it’s about the time we spend together.
Spring is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to dive into all it has to offer with my kids. Here’s to warmer days, muddy shoes, and plenty of laughter!
