Springtime is a period of growth and renewal—what better time to strengthen familial bonds with a group activity? As the weather warms up, chase away the cabin fever by getting the whole family together for an activity that everyone can enjoy.
With little planning or money required, these activities are both educational and fun for the whole family. Whether you're looking for something to do on the weekend, a rainy day, or even during Spring Break, choose one of the activities below for some educational quality time that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Reading is one of the best activities for children when they have time off from school. Not only does reading encourage empathy and imaginative thinking, but it also keeps their minds fed with new information and perspectives that also serve as a source of entertainment. Plus, reading is something that the whole family can enjoy together.
To make an afternoon of your reading time, bring a picnic to the park on a warm day to enjoy the weather and spend some quiet time as a family. Have your kids pick out a book or two that they'd like to read, and pack snacks to munch on as you lounge on the grass and get lost in a world of fiction.
As temperatures rise and the earth starts to grow, take advantage of your local landscape by planning a family nature walk. Whether your destination is a nearby hiking trail or simply a local park, there are plenty of plants, animals, and bugs for you to discover and explore.
A quick internet search can provide you with a list of local plants, trees, and animals that you can look forward to seeing as you tour your area with a whole new perspective. Involve your kids by making a game out of the search—such as bingo—and take the time to learn a little bit about each specimen you encounter.
While a book-filled picnic is a perfect treat for a delightfully warm spring day, having an indoor activity up your sleeve can give even the most energetic kids a way to blow off steam.
Staging a rainy-day writing workshop is an easy way to entertain your kids with a task that is both constructive and educational. Plus, the activity is easily adapted to include every member of the family. Set a timer and write whatever comes to mind, or pick a topic to explore in your writing before sharing it with each other. You could even take turns adding a sentence to your story for a wholly collaborative activity. With this activity, your kids will strengthen their reading and writing skills while making memories that will last a lifetime.
There is no better time than spring—a period of growth and renewal—to take up a new hobby; especially if it is one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Assess your interests as a family; are many of you into music, crafting, or cooking? Now is the perfect time to write a song or create something from scratch that everyone can enjoy. Taking up a new family hobby is a great way to strengthen your bond while discovering a new, fulfilling activity.
Some family-friendly hobbies to consider include:
After staying confined to your warm house all winter, the arrival of springtime can bring about an urge to clean and reorganize every aspect of your home.
Turning your spring cleaning into a family activity is one of the best ways to spend time together this season. Not only will you feel refreshed and rejuvenated by a clean, clutter-free home, but you'll also relish the chance to spend focused time together as a family.
Involving your kids in your spring cleaning also serves as an educational experience, as they learn organizational skills and develop their autonomy through the completion of tasks.
Take advantage of the rising temperatures by finding an outdoor activity that you can enjoy as a family. Not only will such activities provide a way to relax and blow off steam, but they will also give you the chance to spend quality time together as a family.
Whether your family prefers a long bike ride or a peaceful walk in the park, there are plenty of outdoor activities for you to enjoy, including:
Cooking a healthy meal together is one of the best ways to bond as a family in any season. From planning the meal to clearing the table after dinner, your kids can be involved in the process every step of the way.
Give your kids the opportunity to help plan the meal—from main courses to desserts. When the time comes to prepare the meal, every member of the family can be given a task, whether it's chopping vegetables or picking herbs.
In addition to giving you quality time to spend as a family, the act of preparing a meal together can be a valuable learning experience for your kids. Aside from the obvious practice in the kitchen, this activity is a lesson in collaboration for children that teaches them to appreciate the rewarding feeling of completing a task.
No matter which activity you choose, spending the day as a family serves to relieve stress, strengthen your bonds, and give you memories that you'll cherish forever. Plus, learning something new will give your family a hobby to share, and keep your children's minds blooming along with the season.