After a very trying winter season, finally, Spring is in the air. The warmer temperatures will spark new buds and blooms. Plus, the better weather allows for more outdoor activities. Let this list of Spring activities inspire you and your family. It’s time to have a little fun both at home and outdoors this Spring.
1. Go on a Picnic
One of the easiest ways to change up your lunch or dinner routine is to go on a picnic. With very little time or preparation, you can make everyone’s favorite sandwich. Grab a bag of chips or your family’s favorite snack. Then, pick a couple of cans or bottles of soda, juice, or water. Lastly, put everything in a perfect basket for your picnic, find a blanket or sheet, and you’re ready. Be warned: it just wouldn’t be a picnic without the ants.
2. Bake Themed Cookies
There are many ways to spice up your Spring by baking. One of my favorite Spring recipes is for St. Patrick’s Day, which is March 17th. If you enjoy baking cookies from scratch, you’ll love these shamrock cookies. Even if your DNA doesn’t come from the Emerald Isle, everyone’s a wee bit Irish come mid-March. If you aren’t much for baking from scratch, you can always purchase the premade sugar cookie dough at the grocery store. Then, you and the family can decorate with pastel colors. If you have flower cookie cutters, that’s a real hit.
3. Go for a Hike
With the weather getting better and all of us tired of staying at home, it is time to get out your hiking shoes and boots. Depending on where you live, you may have a park nearby with hiking trails or a river or lake with walking paths. Getting outside is a great way to relieve stress and get your vitamin D, which boosts your mood. For more adventurous hikes, make sure to bring plenty of water, a small first aid kit, and the right apparel.
4. Plant a Herb Garden
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can grow herbs. A herb garden is the easiest way to start. You can even do it inside. Purchase a couple of small pots for a windowsill. Then, either use dirt from your backyard or purchase potting soil. Then, plant your chosen herbs seeds or seedlings. The most popular herbs that grow quickly are basil, rosemary, and mint. Be ready for cooking with the fruits of your labor. Basil is ideal for pestos. Rosemary is wonderful for poultry dishes. And, mint is refreshing in beverages such as iced tea, lemonade, and mojitos.
5. Visit a Nursery or Plant Store for Flower Bulbs
When one thinks of Spring, the images of flowers come to mind. Whether it is the cherry blossoms of D.C. or the tulip blooms of the Netherlands, flowers are Mother Nature’s way to say winter is over. So, why not plant some Spring flowers this year. Both Tulips and Daffodils are popular Spring flowers. Typically, they are planted in the fall; however, you can go to a nursery or plant store to purchase bulbs for you to enjoy this Spring.
6. Get on a Bike
It’s time to get out the bikes for a ride. After a long winter staying at home, it’s time to fill up the tires and go for a spin. Riding a bike is an ideal way to get your exercise, but also to see your neighborhood through a different lens. By simply changing the mode of transportation that you take to your local store or the post office, you see your area differently. That’s why changing your routine is important. Watch this TEDx talk about the benefits of adding little adventures to your life.
7. Fire Up the BBQ Grill
It has been quite some time since the weather was nice enough to fire up the grill. Now that Spring has sprung, it is perfect timing to grab your favorite meats and veggies and throw them on the grill. Maybe you can marinate some of your items with the herbs from your windowsill garden. Remember that dessert can also come off the grill. Try grilling pineapple or peaches. They are crowd-pleasers.
Spring is definitely in the air. Take advantage of the change of seasons by doing something different. Celebrate Spring baking cookies, planting flowers, or packing a picnic. Whether you choose one or all of the Spring activities above, you are bound to have a fun time together. Enjoy your Spring!
