Springtime Activities for the Whole Family
Springtime has arrived and that means more time outside and of course spending time with family and friends. I’m very thankful that the warmer weather has finally arrived, and I can get outside and do a little more walking! But that’s not all we will do, because it is time to start thinking about flower beds, gardens, and of course just spending time with family and friends. Each weekend we try to get together just to have time with family and friends which is really a fun way to get into the habit of a laid back Spring/Summer routine.
Gardening
As empty nesters we are “alone” most of the time but we have found ways to enjoy the time with each other. One of the biggest jobs we tackle in the spring is raking away dead leaves, picking up the sticks out of the yard and of course watching flowers bloom. We have a patch of tulips that have finally started to get bigger and better than the year before. But one of our favorite activities is getting plants started for the gardening that is coming. Each Spring we start by growing seeds inside and then once the threat of frost passes we get them into the ground. Ours go to is small disposable cups on a sheet pan filled with dirt, and then transplanted into the garden usually around the end of April or first of May depending on the weather. Just remember to alternate the location of your plants from year to year so if corn was there last year, we plant green beans there the next year. But start planning where you are going to put what now either by making a grid or a square foot plan. Kids can even help in the garden which we all enjoyed doing and now that Liz is on her own she has her own garden, so that is a huge plus.
Bike Riding
It’s not all about the pre-gardening this spring, dust off the bicycles and go for a ride! Have one adult in front of the kids and one adult behind the kids and have a wonderful time as a family. Or if you are like me and can’t ride a bike, go for a walk or hike as a family, we love heading out to our local State Parks to explore. Take time to look for the signs of spring like flowers, insects or even a few animals along the way. But if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home do something “old” like flying a kite, blowing bubbles, or even playing ball are great ways to spend time together that are easy on the budget.
Day Trips
One of our favorite things to do is to head out to our local attractions like zoos, petting zoos or farms in your area. We usually take our nieces or nephews to spend time with them and it is amazing to me how much fun it always is. If you live in a farming community be sure to check out local farms for new babies, because Spring is the time most have their babies. One of our all time favorite places to visit is the Shatto Dairy because you get to see how milking is done and taste yummy flavored milks and of course you can try your hand at milking. The zoo is also a fun way to spend the day and we have two that we like to go to including the Kansas City Zoo and Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. But on rainy days we love going to Legoland as well as the Sealife Aquarium which are great for those rainy days. If you need more ideas for fun in the Kansas City area be sure to check out Fun for Kids in Kansas City too!
But no matter what you choose to do, it will be fun because you are spending time with family and friends. What other Springtime activities are must do for your family?
Audrey Stewart says
WE always ride bikes together as a family.