As a mom of a toddler, the days feel both long and short. With every new season, I’m reminded of how quickly my little one is growing—and how important it is to make the most of the time we have together. Spring is especially exciting because it offers so many opportunities for spring activities for outdoor kids. The days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and the world around us seems to come to life again.
If you’re looking for spring activities for outdoor kids, you’re in the right place! Inspired by the book There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, which reminds us that getting outside in any weather is good for both us and our kids, I’ve come up with seven fun spring activities that make the most of this season’s beauty. Whether you’re a mom new to the idea of getting outside with a toddler or a seasoned adventurer, these activities will help you make the most of spring’s wonders.
1. Spring Flower Hunt
One of my toddler’s favorite things about spring is watching the world burst into color. Early in the season, the first flowers start to bloom, and it’s always a joy to see her marvel at a crocus or daffodil. We love taking a walk and hunting for flowers in our neighborhood or local park.
Sometimes, we don’t even need to pick the flowers to enjoy them. Simply seeing the colorful blooms and watching my toddler point them out to me always sparks her imagination, and when we get home, she often uses the flowers she’s seen for inspiration in her drawings.
A flower hunt is a simple yet rewarding spring activity for outdoor kids. Not only do they get to practice their observation skills, but they also develop an appreciation for nature’s small wonders.
2. Animal Track Exploration
One of my toddler’s favorite activities is discovering animal tracks in the mud or dirt. We’ve done this on a few nature walks, and she’s always amazed when she spots something in the dirt. It’s an activity that’s perfect for spring because rain can create soft, muddy grounds that are ideal for animal prints to appear. Together, we try to identify the tracks we find, whether they’re from squirrels, birds, or rabbits. If we’re lucky, we might even see evidence of a deer or fox passing through the area.
Animal track exploration is a great way to get kids outside, and it makes for an engaging spring activity for outdoor kids that sparks curiosity and wonder.
3. Nature Collection
Spring is a great time to encourage your toddler to collect little treasures from the outdoors. It could be a smooth stone, a leaf, an interesting twig, or even a bird feather. We always seem to come home with little treasures that we find along the way. On our nature walks, I let my daughter pick up whatever catches her eye. When we get home, we often talk about what we’ve found, and she’ll sometimes even use her collection in her drawings or craft projects.
Nature collections are an excellent way to connect with the environment, spark imagination, and teach kids about the world around them. Plus, it’s always fun to come home with a pocketful of treasures!
4. Nature Walks
Taking a slow, meandering walk through a local park, trail, or even just around the block can be a simple yet incredibly rewarding way to enjoy spring. We stop often to look at things: the way the light shines through new leaves, the texture of the bark on trees, or the sound of birds chirping in the branches. Nature walks don’t have to be long or complicated—sometimes it’s just about taking our time and noticing the small things.
I find that nature walks are also a great opportunity to practice mindfulness with my toddler. I’ll ask her questions like, “What do you hear?” or “Can you feel the breeze on your face?” It helps ground us both in the present moment and allows us to enjoy nature at our own pace.
On nature walks, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes for your toddler, and a rain suit is a great idea, especially if you expect some spring showers. A lightweight, waterproof suit keeps your little one dry while still allowing for freedom of movement.
5. Bird Watching
Spring is a magical time for birdwatching, as many species return from migration, and the air is full of the songs of different birds. We have an impromptu game of spotting birds during our walks. I point out common birds like robins, sparrows, and even the occasional crow, and we make a game of seeing how many different birds we can spot in one walk.
Toddlers love using binoculars to scan the trees, even if they’re just simple plastic ones (like these Kids Binoculars for Bird Watching). It really adds a layer of excitement to the experience and helps them focus their attention on spotting things in the distance.
Bird watching is a perfect spring activity for outdoor kids, providing an opportunity for them to learn about nature, develop patience, and enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors.
6. Puddle Jumping
Ah, the joys of spring rain! It’s something I never truly appreciated until I had a toddler who loved to jump in puddles. I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as bad weather—just inappropriate gear. With the right gear, puddle jumping can be an amazing activity, even if it’s a little muddy.
I’ve found that a good pair of waterproof boots is essential for this activity. They allow your little one to jump in and out of puddles without soaking their socks, making it easier to fully embrace the joy of the experience. A rain suit, or at least a waterproof jacket, is also a must to keep them dry (and to make clean-up easier when you get home). For tips on choosing the best toddler boots, check out my post on Bogs Boots for Toddlers.
Puddle jumping is such a simple spring activity for outdoor kids, but it brings so much joy and laughter.
7. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is one of the most engaging outdoor activities you can do with toddlers. Before heading out, I make a simple list of things for my toddler to find—things like a pinecone, a feather, a yellow flower, or a smooth rock. We go on our walk and tick off the items we find. Sometimes we make it into a race, or we might collect our finds in a little bag to bring home.
You can make a scavenger hunt as simple or elaborate as you like. I usually start with obvious items that are easy for a toddler to spot. As she grows, we’ll be able to add more challenging items, like identifying different types of trees or spotting insects.
Having a rain suit and boots on hand ensures that no matter how muddy or wet the day gets, you can still complete the hunt without worrying about soggy clothes.
Must-Have Gear for Spring Activities for Outdoor Kids
The key to making spring activities for outdoor kids enjoyable for both you and your toddler is the right gear. I’ve learned that with a few simple items, we can take on any weather spring throws our way:
- Waterproof boots: These are a must, especially for activities like puddle jumping and animal track exploration. They keep little feet dry and provide comfort on wet or muddy ground. Check out my post on Bogs Boots for Toddlers.
- Rain suit: A lightweight, breathable, and waterproof rain suit ensures that your toddler stays dry while exploring the outdoors. It’s perfect for spring showers and puddle-jumping sessions.
- Layers: Spring can be unpredictable, so I always dress my toddler in layers. A lightweight jacket or sweater is great for when the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.
- Binoculars: For bird watching and exploring, a pair of toddler-sized binoculars can spark curiosity and make nature feel even more exciting. Try these Kids Binoculars for Bird Watching.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Spring Activities for Outdoor Kids
There’s so much joy to be found in the outdoors, especially during spring, when the world feels full of life. As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to get outside with a toddler in tow, but I’ve learned that it’s well worth the effort. Spring is full of opportunities for adventure, and the benefits of spending time outside together—whether it’s bird watching, collecting nature treasures, or jumping in puddles—are immeasurable.
Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather—just the wrong gear. With the right gear and a sense of adventure, your spring will be filled with countless outdoor memories to cherish. So, grab your boots, suit up, and get ready to explore the wonders of spring with your little one!