Kids to Parks Day take a walk in the woods

5 Perfect Spring Day Ideas to Get Kids Outside

March 22, 2017COMtnMom

Kids playing outside on a slip and slide

The biting cold starts to leave the air, and the feeling of warm sun on your face almost leaves you giddy.  If you live anywhere with distinct seasons, the arrival of Spring weather is an exciting change.  My family and I always feel inspired to open those windows… and even better, get outside and play!

Winter sports may be winding to a close, but there is so much fun to be had in Spring.  You don’t need expensive or technical gear in order to do so.  If you need some motivation or inspiration, here are 5 free ideas to get kids outside this Spring.  Plus, some information on the upcoming fun and exciting Kids to Parks™ Day!

#5 – Color Scavenger Hunt

Color Scavenger Hunt is a great idea for getting kids to play outside this spring. Here are 5 free ideas for getting kids outdoors.
Photo credit Rachel at I Heart Crafty Things.

There are so many fabulous ideas on Pinterest for kids nature hunts!  Here are two of my absolute favorites.

Color Scavenger Hunt – I really love this one for its beauty and simplicity.  No time for printables?  Grab a piece of paper and markers to make a quick chart for your kids.  Then send them out to look for what nature has available in each of those beautiful colors.

30+ Free Printable Scavenger Hunts for Kids – She’s done all the work for you, and found the best printable scavenger hunts on the interwebs.

# 4 Sidewalk Chalk

Hey, hey… the snow and ice are gone!  Let’s celebrate by busting out that sidewalk chalk.  So much room for creativity here.  I find this is one of those amazing things kids can play together that bridges sibling age gaps well.  My 12 year old daughter and 6 year old son can both go to town using chalk in our driveway, and are perfectly content.

Do they need seed ideas?  My son’s favorite sidewalk chalk masterpiece is to draw roads, buildings, and trees… a mini town.  My daughter loves to render her version of Disney World, complete with icons from all four parks.

And there’s always a good old fashion game of hopscotch.

# 3 – Support Local Parks

Kids playing on the park playground

It never ceases to amaze me how much my kids enjoy going to a park.  When screens are so prevalent, and in an age where they can’t run free safely like we used to as littles… it really is an easy and fun way for them to get some active time.

Make your outing even better by bringing some yummy food along, and having a picnic.

I love that the outdoors is truly accessible to everyone.  Having the right footwear ready for your family this season is also helpful.  Sometimes I struggle with keeping my kids in sports sandals and hiking shoes as their sizes continue to change.  But shoes don’t have to be expensive when purchased from brands like Northside.  (See the end of this article for my Northside shoe giveaway!)

#2 – Ride Bikes

Kids riding bikes

And oldie but a goodie!  This one is a great one for parents to join in, and is a great form of exercise.  How much better to spend your evening going for a bike ride, rather than sitting on the couch watching tv!  Hooray, it’s Spring!  The days are longer… get out there and enjoy it, even if you only have the evening after work available.

Northside USA Kids Shoes at outdoor play
My son riding bike in his Northside Monroe Low Jr, a great all-around adventure shoe.

We started my young son on a balance bike, and it’s really paid off.  By age 4, he transitioned easily to a pedal bike, and now we are thoroughly enjoying family bike rides.  We’ve even branched into mountain biking, and the kids love hilly dirt trails even more than a sidewalk.  Here are some 9 Things You’ll Need for an Awesome Family Mountain Biking Adventure, if it’s something you’d like to try.

#1 – Fly a Kite

Flying a Kite

It had been a few years since I tried my hand at flying a kite.  So I was pleasantly surprised at what a thrill it can be!  Granted, you’ll be out $3.50 for a kite, so this one’s not totally free.  But there’s no admission costs, and no limit to the locations you can try with your kite.  Parks are ideal, with fewer obstacles that the typical yard.

Spring breezes will help your kite quickly take flight, and provided lots of fun and giggles for kids.

Kids to Parks™ Day

Here’s a bonus idea for spending a beautiful day outside.  On Saturday, May 20th get out and celebrate Kids to Parks™ Day!  This national day of outdoor play is organized by National Park Trust, in cooperation with 19 national collaborators.

Check out their website for information on specific park events near you.  You can also pledge to participate and join their movement to encourage children to explore their neighborhood parks.  They are also striving to inspire youth to discover science, history, nature, and adventure right around the corner or just across town.

Kids to Parks Day take a walk in the woods

 

When you register to be counted on Kids to Parks™ Day, you may win a cool prize – including a special camping package from The North Face.  They also have additional prizes from Camelbak and National Geographic.

Plus, every person who signs up will receive a special promo code from Northside.  This versatile shoe brand prides itself on offering affordable footwear to help get families outdoors.

Northside Shoes – The Giveaway

Northside Shoes and Sandals for Family

Northside Shoes wants people to know  they don’t need expensive, elaborate gear to spend time outdoors – the outdoors is accessible to everyone! This year they are sponsoring Kids to Parks™ Day, and are encouraging families to enjoy some time in nature on May 20th and beyond.

Because I’m serving as a Kids to Parks™ Day Ambassador…. I’ve got a code for one winning reader, good for any pair of shoes on the Northside website!  Mens, Womens, or Kids.  (Retail Value $34.99-89.99)

Open to US Residents, ages 18+.  Enter using form below.  Void where prohibited.

5 Perfect Spring Day (Free!) Ideas to get your kids playing outside

*o*     *o*     *o*

Check out these other great “Kids to Parks” resources from fellow Outdoor Families friends, and watch the #KidsToParks hashtag to catch up on all the fun:

As a “Kids to Park” Ambassador, my family received complimentary shoes from sponsor Northside.  All opinions are my own .

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments (109)

  • Margaret Smith

    March 22, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    My favorite is hiking with my family.

  • Chrissy

    March 22, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    My favorite outdoor activity in the spring is walking to the park, playing there for a while and then having a picnic lunch!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 22, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      Hooray for picnics!! 🙂

      Everything in life is better with food, that’s my motto.

  • Wehaf

    March 22, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    We love hiking! It’s lovely to see all the spring growth in the woods.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 22, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      Agreed! And all the lovely smells of fresh air and new growth… so awesome. 🙂

  • Darcy Koch

    March 22, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    I love going for walks after dinner and seeing people out enjoying theirselves.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 22, 2017 at 9:31 pm

      I do, too 🙂 Everyone’s so happy about the change in weather!

  • zhannon baas

    March 22, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    going to the park

  • Marty

    March 22, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Geocaching. Everyone loves a treasure hunt and it’s a failsafe way to get short-attention-span little ones into the woods, where “Hey, let’s all go for a family walk” would just be greeted with groans.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 22, 2017 at 9:31 pm

      Ok, I totally love this and am stealing your idea the next time we hike!! 🙂

  • Nancy Bowers

    March 22, 2017 at 9:41 pm

    Gardening is always a fun reason to get outside in the Spring.

  • angie w

    March 22, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    I love hiking!

  • wen budro

    March 22, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    My favorite Spring activities are hiking and walking on the beach.

  • Ann Fantom

    March 22, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    I like to go mountain biking in the Spring

  • Pam Halligan

    March 22, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    My favorite activity in the Spring is trail running

  • Hayley S

    March 22, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    I love to go hiking in the spring!

  • Sandy Cain

    March 22, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    My favoite outdoor Spring is birdwatching. It’s so wonderful to watch our feathered friends start building their nests, and then waiting for the eggs to hatch.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      I’ve really been noticing the birds singing this Spring… it’s crazy! They’re so loud & happy – haha! I love it. 🙂

  • Audra

    March 22, 2017 at 11:22 pm

    We love canoeing

  • Adrienne Gordon

    March 22, 2017 at 11:46 pm

    Love hiking in our parks.

  • Shanna

    March 22, 2017 at 11:56 pm

    Going on walks to the parks!

  • Lauryn R

    March 23, 2017 at 3:35 am

    I love taking my kids to the park and walking the trails! It is so nice to be outdoors again! 🙂

  • Ellen Casper

    March 23, 2017 at 3:38 am

    Hiking with my 2 shelties.

  • Heidi Embrey

    March 23, 2017 at 4:09 am

    Perfect time for kayaking here in Florida 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      That sounds really fun! I’m a little jealous. Florida is our favorite place to visit! <3

  • Loraleigh Anderson

    March 23, 2017 at 4:30 am

    We love geocaching! such a fun thing to do with the kids.

  • Amber G.

    March 23, 2017 at 5:22 am

    Hiking!! The views you can see, and just being active is so great!

  • MaryAnn

    March 23, 2017 at 5:40 am

    Our favorite spring activity is going to the zoo.

  • Cameron Contessa

    March 23, 2017 at 7:28 am

    Going on day hikes…getting ready for backpacking in the summer

  • Annette

    March 23, 2017 at 10:17 am

    I like horseback riding in spring.

  • Cynthia C

    March 23, 2017 at 10:23 am

    I like to do my gardening in the spring.

  • Tari Lawson

    March 23, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I like getting out and going hiking.

  • Stephanie Phelps

    March 23, 2017 at 11:26 am

    My favorite outdoor activity in the spring is to bike riding with the kids!

  • Nancy

    March 23, 2017 at 11:35 am

    We like to play ball outside in the park in the spring.

  • melissaandkeith miller

    March 23, 2017 at 11:48 am

    We love baseball!!

  • Jill Rivera

    March 23, 2017 at 11:50 am

    My favorite thing about Spring is to watch all of the animal and the plants come to life, while going on long walks in Fort Mott National Park or our other town parks.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:40 pm

      Seeing baby animals!! Yes, huge Spring plus. 🙂

  • anna

    March 23, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    walking

  • Nancy Loring

    March 23, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    This winter my kids and I did research on gold panning in our area. We can not wait for the snow to finally go away so that we can try gold panning. We live in northern New Hampshire so we would never get rich from what we find but it seems like a lot of fun.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:40 pm

      No way!!?? That DOES sounds like a lot of fun! Very cool. 🙂

  • Amie B

    March 23, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Hiking is definitely our family favorite! My kids also enjoy getting their Junior Ranger certificates when we visit National Parks.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      LOVE that, and thank you for the reminder about the Junior Ranger program! We haven’t tried that yet, but my kids are dying to hit some regional National Parks. I’ll have to make sure we add that, thanks!

  • mami2jcn

    March 23, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    We love to go strawberry picking in the spring.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      Ohhh…. nothing yummier than a wild strawberry!

  • Joy Wilkins

    March 23, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    We live in Colorado too! What if we’re neighbors? LOL! Our favorite spring time activity (a tradition now that my son is in 5th grade, we’ve gone every year since 1st grade) -we visit a ski town during Mud Season and hike, find a pizza joint recommend by locals and visit a park. My two favorites are Steamboat Springs and Crested Butte.. We also LOVE St Elmo even though it isn’t a ski town because the boys love to feed the chipmunks. okay I won’t lie. I love feeding them tool LOL! Thanks for chance to win these awesome shoes!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 23, 2017 at 1:38 pm

      What a fun tradition! We do similar “Family Adventure Days” where we don’t exactly know what/where we’ll end up. Aaahhh… the beauty of living in Colorado. 😉 I love your idea, we may have to try that too!

  • McKim

    March 23, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    We like riding bikes.

  • nickie

    March 23, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    We love hiking

  • James D.

    March 23, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Ah! Spring is softball/baseball season! But other than that, I like to walk while my kids ride bikes.

  • Sarah Hayes

    March 23, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    i love going hiking!

  • Dericka Buckels

    March 23, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    My favorite outdoor activity in the spring is playing baseball.

  • rust

    March 23, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I like a day spent hiking in a national park, or in the woods near the house.

  • Marissa

    March 23, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    I love going through walks in the Pine Barrens here in NJ!

  • Ellie Wright

    March 23, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    My favorite is going to watch my boys play baseball.

  • wendy browne

    March 23, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    We don’t really have seasons here in Houston. Birdwatching is probably our favorite spring activity.

  • Cami Valenzuela

    March 23, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    We love riding bikes and baseball. We also love going to the park.

  • Peggy Nunn

    March 23, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    I love hiking thru our property. There is so much to see.

  • Liz N

    March 23, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    I like bike riding when I get the chance!

  • Kirby

    March 23, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    We love hiking and nature walks!

  • Tee

    March 23, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    We love to ride bikes, walk and hike.

  • Jen

    March 23, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    At the beginning of spring I’m happy to get outside to do anything but as it warms up I like to go hiking.

  • karenb

    March 23, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    my favorite activity is taking my 3 yr old grandson for walks, and then grilling outside and enjoying our patio, then later a bon fire with neighbors.

  • Richard Hicks

    March 23, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    I like to go bike riding

  • KENNETH OHL

    March 23, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    love to golf

  • Cheryl B

    March 23, 2017 at 11:37 pm

    We like to geocache in the Spring.

  • laura bernard

    March 24, 2017 at 12:35 am

    I love going hiking!

  • Alexandra Oller

    March 24, 2017 at 3:02 am

    I enjoy going on walks in the forest preserve with my daughter in the spring.

  • Erica B.

    March 24, 2017 at 3:44 am

    I like running.

  • Ashley C

    March 24, 2017 at 11:42 am

    We love hiking, fishing and just exploring outside. We also love a good park 🙂

  • Kelly D

    March 25, 2017 at 1:26 am

    I like to go on nature walks near a local lake.

  • Marilyn Nawara

    March 25, 2017 at 3:27 am

    I enjoy walking my 3 dogs out in the woods

  • Jaclyn Reynolds

    March 25, 2017 at 9:46 am

    Gardening and walking trails.

  • Amethyst | One Sage Mama

    March 25, 2017 at 9:55 am

    My family likes going for walks.

  • Vera K

    March 25, 2017 at 11:27 am

    I love going for long walks.

  • katherine Persons

    March 25, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Planting my garden

  • Dandi D

    March 25, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    My children and I love to plant a garden in the spring!

  • Lauren

    March 25, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    We like to go hiking in the spring.

  • Laurajj

    March 25, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Oh we love going for bike rides through our wildlife park area! Oh it is so peaceful and we see so many deer around. Just beautiful!

  • Ashley C

    March 25, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    We love riding our bikes!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

  • cheryl s

    March 25, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    we like fishing once the water is open and free of ice

  • kelly tupick

    March 25, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    I like to take the atv’s out in the spring and take in the fresh air.

  • susan smoaks

    March 26, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    i love to swim in the spring. we live in florida so we can get out there and swim right away!

  • mickeyfan

    March 26, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    On the farm, there are plenty of reasons to get outside. Garden to plant, baby animals to watch frolic, tractors and ATVs to ride.

  • Priscilla Pursell

    March 26, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    I like just getting outside with the sun shining on me and needing a coat.

  • Jennifer Reed

    March 27, 2017 at 5:49 am

    I love to work with our perennial plantings and trees in our yard each Spring to help them be as beautiful as possible each year.

  • Brooke Allen

    March 27, 2017 at 8:33 am

    I like to go hiking, or play Pokémon Go at the park.

  • Brenda Haines

    March 27, 2017 at 3:55 pm

    We love to head to the river or the beach. Swimming and hiking are how a summer should be spent. 🙂

  • Sara S

    March 27, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    I love to play “tennis” on the driveway with my husband and kids. It’s fun because we are all so terrible – and the whole point of the game is to keep the tennis ball out of the holly hedge that lines the driveway. We’ve named the game “hedge ball’!

  • Elle

    March 27, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    I like going for nature walks.

  • Susan Chester

    March 27, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    I loveto walk around the neighorbood and see my neighbor’s gardens.

  • Amy Deeter

    March 28, 2017 at 3:55 am

    My favorite outdoor activity in the Spring is fishing

  • Aaron

    March 28, 2017 at 7:01 am

    My favorite outdoor activity in the Spring is feeding the bunnies and squirrels.

  • Michelle Hill

    March 28, 2017 at 11:30 am

    Preparing my garden beds is my favorite Spring activity! I love clearing the soil!

  • S. Carter

    March 28, 2017 at 11:56 am

    We love outdoor music and art festivals.

  • Rachel Freer

    March 28, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    We like to walk along Lake Michigan in the spring.

  • Rosanne

    March 28, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    I like to get out and walk along the bike path by the Rock River, Baumann Park or Lake Geneva WI

  • Tracy Shafer

    March 28, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    We take a lot of walks

  • Vikki Billings

    March 29, 2017 at 12:22 am

    My favorite activity in the spring is sitting on my porch at night and looking at the stars.

  • Brittney House

    March 29, 2017 at 1:08 am

    We love riding bikes and going hiking together.

  • janine h

    March 29, 2017 at 1:21 am

    my favorite spring activity is hiking

  • Carolyn Daley

    March 29, 2017 at 1:21 am

    I like to go swimming this time of year.

  • Trisha McKee

    March 29, 2017 at 1:42 am

    I love hiking and fishing once the weather warms up enough! Spring is great for that.

  • Michelle J.

    March 29, 2017 at 1:45 am

    Having picnics!

  • Roxann

    March 29, 2017 at 2:45 am

    We like hiking in the spring and playing outdoor games.

  • AEKZ2

    March 29, 2017 at 3:42 am

    I love to hike

  • Sand

    March 29, 2017 at 3:52 am

    Hosting g outdoor parties and hiking!

  • Kids to Parks Day: 32 Ways to Celebrate + a Giveaway! – Outdoor Families Magazine

    April 19, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    […] Colorado Mountain Mom […]

  • Celebrate an Alaska Kids to Parks Day – AK on the GO

    April 21, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    […] Colorado Mountain Mom […]

  • Vanessa Davis

    April 30, 2017 at 11:55 pm

    A stroll trough the near by wood is a way to go with me

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