It's spring! How to entertain little ones during this change of season? Here are nine simple and fun activities to welcome the nice weather.
Learn to garden
Don't wait for the snow to melt to garden: it's the perfect time to sow seeds. Sowing seeds isn't rocket science. It requires a little attention... and a lot of patience!
Got vegetables in your fridge? Don't throw away the hearts or bulbs. Lettuce, celery and the like will re-root in water and you can then plant them outside or in pots. Expose them to the sun in the meantime!
We also love the Mano Verde garden box , which contains everything you need to introduce children to gardening, as well as being a pretty greeting card.
Make a sugar shack at home
One of the most popular spring traditions is going to the sugar shack: eating (too much) maple taffy, taking a ride in a sleigh and dancing in a plaid shirt!
Good news: some maple groves have been able to reopen their dining rooms (in the orange zone). But if you prefer, bring Ma cabane à la maison . This great Quebec initiative encourages local businesses by ordering a gourmet box.
Jumping in puddles
Has it rained? Has the melting snow created puddles? Have fun! Equipped with rain boots, a raincoat and sunglasses , little ones always love jumping in puddles. Have a competition by jumping on one foot and avoiding splashing the others, of course!
Because after the rain comes the good weather, we love Izipizi sunglasses.
Sorting children's clothes
The arrival of spring means a big clean-out of closets and wardrobes. It's time to put away winter mittens and overalls (but don't store them too far away, in case a last snowfall falls!) and to take out lighter coats, rain boots and cotton hats.
We take the opportunity to sort through everyday clothes and give to someone else those that are too small.
Looking for something new? The new spring collections are currently arriving in stores, with bright colours and patterns that herald the warmer months. New brands are also making their appearance, such as Jamie Kay .
Have a picnic outside
No need to wait for summer to eat outside! Whether it's a family outing or simply in the backyard, the idea of having a picnic is always a hit with kids. Don't worry: opt for an easy snack to eat with your hands or a light snack.
If you are going out, choose reusable containers and a sturdy thermos, in order to have a zero waste snack. Don't forget to bring a thick blanket to wrap yourself up in or sit comfortably.
Among our favorites, I have been using the Drink in the Box juice boxes for several years, every day in my children's lunch boxes. They are still as durable.
Practice your balance on a bike or scooter
Have you seen the asphalt that is coming up at the end of the driveway? As soon as the driveway or street is clear, you can take out the bikes and scooters so that the children can ride at their ease. This is the right time to introduce toddlers to the three-wheeled learning scooter or the balance bike (we like the 2-in-1 wooden ones from Kinderfeets !). They will quickly gain confidence and will be more skillful during the beautiful summer days.
Drawing with chalk
Another activity to do on smooth, dry asphalt is to draw with chalk. Children can draw flowers, hearts, and rainbows, practice tracing the letters of the alphabet, or create cooperative games like hopscotch or a maze.
Explore nature
Have you noticed the buds forming? Nature is coming back to life. Equipped with a magnifying glass, observe insects and elements of nature. Or organize a small rally in the forest. It can be very simple: invite the children to spot near the house or in the park a birch bark, a shiny pebble, a squirrel or even animal footprints. Be imaginative!
Have an Easter egg hunt
Are you ready for Easter? The traditional Easter egg hunt is more relevant than ever. Little ones will have fun finding the eggs hidden around the house or outside. We love Pico Tatoo 's idea of inserting temporary tattoos into Easter eggs, so the activity is a little less sweet!
Cover photo: @charlotteb123
