Warmer weather is on the way, and with it comes the urge for everyone to get out of the house and into the sunshine. You’ve made it through the spring fever phase, and now it’s finally nice enough out for you and your family to get back into the great outdoors! While many outdoorsy activities may cost a bit, there are plenty of free and inexpensive options for you and your child to get out into the fresh air! Here are just a few fun, affordable, and simple ways to get outside with your child.
1. Picnics in the park
Grab some snacks or sandwich fixings and an old blanket, and head out to your local park! Settle down under a tree or at a pavilion and enjoy being out and about. Remember to pack some bug spray to avoid any unwelcome guests to the picnic, and sunscreen to protect your skin from any extra sun. Bring plenty of drinks too (especially water!) so everyone stays well hydrated and having fun. To make it extra exciting, try including some friends or family in this outing!
2. Find a fun way to exercise outside together
Ride bikes, go for walks, pick up a new sport that you can play with public park equipment in your area – the opportunities are endless! Another great option is to go hiking around some local public trails, try taking a different path each time and see how many places you can explore together. Getting outside and exercising are both great mood boosters, so these are perfect activities for the end of a stressful day or week.
3. Start a garden this spring
Try planting a small garden this spring with your children! Let them each pick out a plant starter or a pack of seeds, and a small pot from your local home improvement store. This is a great opportunity to do something together that will last, and teach age-appropriate lessons about caring for God’s creation and being responsible. Teach them about the importance of fertilizing, weeding, and watering their plants on a daily basis, and learning how to take care of each individual plant in the way it was designed to be cared for. Just imagine how excited your child will be when their flowers bloom or they get to pick fruits and vegetables from what you planted!
Now, you are ready to go into spring with some fun, frugal ways to enjoy the best parts of the season with your child!