Bonding with your kids as a dad is one of the most rewarding things you can do. As spring rolls in with its warm weather, blooming flowers, and longer days, it’s the perfect season to step outside, get creative, and spend quality time together. I’ve put together a list of 10 fun activities that I personally love doing with my kids during springtime. Each one is special in its own way and helps build those priceless memories that stay with both you and your kids forever.
1. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Spring is all about nature coming back to life, and this activity is a hit with my kids every single time. We grab a little list of items to find—think leaves, specific flowers, rocks, or even bugs—and head to a local park, trail, or even just our backyard. What makes this so great is that it’s an adventure. My kids love the thrill of "hunting," and it gives me an opportunity to teach them about plants and animals. Plus, it’s completely free and gets everyone moving in the fresh air.
2. Build a DIY Birdhouse
There’s something magical about creating something with your own hands, and kids love it even more when they’re part of the process. One afternoon, we gathered some scrap wood, nails, and paint and we decided to make a birdhouse. Not only did we have an absolute blast building it, but it gave us a chance to talk about birds and how they live. Once it was done, we hung it in the backyard and waited for our feathered friends to arrive. Seeing birds visit it weeks later made my kids feel like they accomplished something big.
3. Plant a Mini Garden
Before I had kids, I never thought I’d enjoy gardening. But now, it’s one of our favorite spring activities. We pick out some seeds together—usually flowers or easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers—and spend the day digging, planting, and watering. My kids get so excited watching their plants grow over the weeks, and it’s honestly really satisfying for me too. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to teach them patience and responsibility while having a little fun in the dirt.
4. Organize a Kite-Flying Day
Kite-flying might seem old-school, but trust me, it’s timeless fun. On a breezy spring afternoon, we head to the park with a couple of kites we picked out together. There’s something so joyful about running across a field and watching the kite soar into the sky. My kids love the challenge of keeping it up there, and it turns into a lot of giggles and cheering. Bonus points if you make your own kite before heading out!
5. Host a Backyard Picnic
Honestly, picnics feel like such a simple idea, but they’re always a hit. We spread out a blanket in the backyard and pack some sandwiches, snacks, and juice boxes. My kids always love the change of scenery, even though it’s just outside our house. Sometimes we’ll play games, tell stories, or just enjoy the sunshine together. If you don’t have a backyard, a local park works just as well. The key is to keep it relaxed and fun.
6. Bike Rides Through a Trail
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of riding bikes on a warm spring day. I remember teaching my kids how to ride their bikes, and now it’s become something we all love doing together. We pick a nearby trail or neighborhood route, strap on our helmets, and just go. It’s great exercise, and my kids always come back grinning from ear to ear. Sometimes we’ll even stop somewhere for ice cream as a treat.
7. Have a DIY Car Wash
This one was a total surprise hit with my kids. I needed to wash the car one sunny Saturday, and they insisted on helping. We grabbed buckets, soap, sponges, and a hose, and it turned into an afternoon of fun. They loved spraying everything with water (including me!) and scrubbing the car down. Sure, they didn’t exactly wash the car perfectly, but the laughter and splashing were worth it. Plus, it kept them busy and happy for hours.
8. Explore a Farmers’ Market
Spring means farmers’ markets are in full swing, and they’re an awesome place to explore with kids. We wander through the stalls, sampling fresh produce and baked goods, picking out some fruits and vegetables to take home. It’s a great way to support local farmers while teaching my kids about fresh, seasonal food. Sometimes we’ll turn it into a challenge to find the weirdest vegetable or the prettiest bouquet of flowers.
9. Camp Out in the Backyard
You don’t need a wilderness adventure to enjoy camping. Some of my favorite memories with my kids come from pitching a tent right in our backyard. We’ll roast marshmallows over a small fire pit, tell silly stories, and stargaze. My kids love the feeling of “camping,” but it’s so much easier when you’re just steps away from home. Plus, if anyone gets cold or scared, the house is right there.
10. Visit a Zoo or Wildlife Sanctuary
Spring is the perfect time to visit the local zoo or wildlife sanctuary. The animals are more active, and the weather is just right for walking around. My kids absolutely love seeing the animals up close, and we always learn something new. We’ll make a day of it, packing snacks and taking our time exploring. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and have some meaningful conversations about wildlife and conservation.
Explore simple yet impactful ways dads can create memorable moments with their children, even with a packed schedule.
Each of these activities brings something unique to the table and creates opportunities to bond with your kids in fun, meaningful ways. What I’ve learned as a dad is that it’s not about how fancy or expensive the activity is—it’s about being present, laughing together, and making those small moments count. Spring only comes once a year, so grab your kids, head outside, and start creating memories you’ll all cherish forever.
