Now that it’s spring, the weather is warmer and the days are longer, there are more opportunities for fun outdoor activities. These outdoor activities are extra special because they each require materials found outside in nature! So let’s learn more about nature and have fun along the way!
Spring Interactive Board
Materials:
- Large piece of cardboard or poster paper
- Markers
- Clear tape (preferably double sided tape)
- Grass, flowers, leaves, sticks, and any other materials found outside!
This fun family activity lets kids explore nature while creating art! Start with a large piece of cardboard (like a cereal box or poster paper). Have your child draw big spring-themed shapes—flowers, butterflies, or the sun.
Next, place tape on different parts of each shape. Then, head outside to collect flowers, leaves, sticks, and grass! Stick these nature finds onto the board to fill the shapes—leaves for butterfly wings, petals for flowers…the possibilities are endless!
As they create, talk about colors, textures, and shapes. Once finished, display their masterpiece at home. A simple, creative way to celebrate spring!
Leaf Art
Materials:
- Plain paper
- Leaves in different shapes and sizes
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Picture frame (optional)
This easy activity is perfect for all ages! Start by exploring your backyard or a park to collect leaves of different shapes and sizes. Fresh leaves work best! Make it fun by turning it into an iSpy game.
Once you’ve gathered your leaves, place one on a flat surface and cover it with paper. Using crayons, gently color over the paper to reveal the leaf’s unique print. Repeat with different leaves to create a colorful masterpiece!
Compare the prints and discuss the differences. Frame the artwork or display it on the fridge for everyone to enjoy!
DIY Terrariums
Materials:
- Container for the terrarium (glass bowl, plastic container, bottom half of milk carton, etc.)
- Seeds (of your favorite plant!) –or- a small plant
- Sterile potting mix
- Decorative elements (gravel, sea glass, beach stones)
Creating a terrarium is a fun way to get kids excited about plants and caring for living things! Start by choosing a container—anything from a glass bowl to a milk carton will work.
Next, pick a plant that fits comfortably inside. Succulents are a great low-maintenance option, but seeds work too! Fill the container with a few inches of soil, then plant your greenery. If using seeds, make a small hole, place them inside, and cover with soil.
For a personal touch, decorate with stones, moss, or shells. Let your child make it their own!
Functional skills that these outdoor activities teach:
Attending:
- Ask your child to repeat instructions before starting each activity
- Model the steps of the different activities alongside your child to make sure they are attending to what you are doing
Fine motor skills:
- Practice using pincer grasp when holding markers to decorate their spring board
- Or using crayons/pencils to make their leaf art
- Manipulating the outside environment to create their spring board
- Using pincer grasp to pluck leaves, flowers, etc.
- Using pincer grasp to add tape and secure items to board
Multi-step directions:
- “First draw your shape, THEN add the tape to the board”
- “Pick your container, BEFORE picking your plant”
- These examples test auditory comprehension skills
Expressive Identification:
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- Picking a specific item (flower, leaf, stick, marker, crayon, etc.) and asking:
- “What color is this?”
- “Is this a flower or a leaf?”
- Picking a specific item (flower, leaf, stick, marker, crayon, etc.) and asking:
Receptive Identification:
- Presenting an array of materials to be used and asking:
- “Show me the yellow flower”
- “Point to the big leaf”
- To make this more challenging you can make additional statements such as:
- “Show me a flower that is NOT white” – This example teaches critical thinking skills
- “Give me the leaf that is small and pointy” – This example requires your child to combine concepts
Size Concepts:
- Presenting two or more similar items for comparison and asking:
- “Which one is smaller/bigger”
- “Which plant is too big to fit in the container”
- “Put them in order from smallest to biggest,” or vice versa
With warmer weather and longer days, spring is the perfect time to enjoy these outdoor activities! Make the most of nature’s treasures, turning simple outdoor finds into creative fun. So get outside, explore, and make lasting spring memories!
