17 Spring Holiday Activities for Kids
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Quick answer: 17 Spring Holiday Activities for Kids. This guide gives 17 ideas in 4 sections: Outside in the sunshine; Garden and nature projects; Rainy spring days; Family fun. Budget: Mostly under 拢10. Best for: Ages 3 to 11, in showers or sunshine.
- Time: 20 minutes to a full day
- Budget: Mostly under 拢10
- Best for: Ages 3 to 11, in showers or sunshine
Spring is unpredictable: one morning is bright and warm, the next you are hunting for wellies in the hall. A flexible list of activities beats a fixed plan.
These spring holiday ideas have something for dry days and wet ones. Check the forecast, pack a spare jumper and let the weather choose the plan.
Top tip: Pick one outdoor and one indoor idea each morning and decide after breakfast which to do. Keeping both ready means a sudden shower never ruins the day.
Outside in the sunshine
Make the most of the first warm days.
- Spring scavenger hunt: Hunt for a daffodil, a bud, a bee and something yellow. Tick items off a list and let children take photos. You will need: clipboard and pencil.
- Plant sunflowers: Sow seeds in pots on the windowsill and move outside when frost is over. Keep a growth chart. You will need: sunflower seed pack, compost bags.
- Bug hunt: Turn over logs gently and look for creepy crawlies, then put them back. A magnifier and a pot are all you need. You will need: bug viewer.
- Picnic in the park: Pack sandwiches and a blanket. Look for lambs, ducklings and blossoms along the way. You will need: picnic blanket.
- Bike or scooter ride: Take helmets and plan a short route. Spring tracks are drier and perfect for gentle riding. You will need: kids helmet.
Garden and nature projects
Everything is waking up.
- Plant a pot of bulbs: Look for quick flowering bulbs and plant them in a container. Wash hands afterwards, because bulbs are not for eating. You will need: flower bulbs.
- Make a bird bath: A shallow dish of water in a sunny spot draws birds. Refill daily and clean regularly. You will need: shallow dish.
- Pressed flowers: Press petals between book pages for a week, then glue onto cards. Pick only common garden flowers with permission. You will need: flower press.
- Mud kitchen: Old pans, spoons and a patch of earth make a messy kitchen. Wash hands carefully afterwards. You will need: mud kitchen set.
- Frogspawn watch: If you find a pond with spawn, watch from the edge and never take it away. Photograph the changes each week. You will need: camera.
Rainy spring days
Showers are good for puddles and projects.
- Puddle jumping: Wellies and a waterproof suit transform a drizzle into a game. Count the splashes and measure the depth with a stick. You will need: wellies, rain coat.
- Paper flower bouquet: Cut and fold tissue paper into blooms and wrap them in newspaper for a card for a neighbour. You will need: tissue paper.
- Rain gauge: Cut a plastic bottle in half, mark centimetres and measure the rainfall each day. A tiny weather station. You will need: ruler.
- Spring baking: Lemon biscuits or carrot muffins are lovely. Check labels for allergies and use an adult for the oven. You will need: muffin cases.
Family fun
Spring days that bring everyone together.
- Farm visit: Many farms offer lamb viewing or feeding. Wash hands after touching animals and follow farm rules.
- Garden camp: Pitch a tent for a daytime base and bring snacks. Perfect for reading and games between showers. You will need: pop up tent.
- Kite flying: Choose an open field away from trees and power lines. A breezy day is perfect, and kites are cheap. You will need: kite.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Woodland Trust: guide to British trees: Identify trees, leaves and woodland wildlife on your walks.
- The Wildlife Trusts: Find local nature reserves and ways to help wildlife near you.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
Frequently asked questions
What should we pack for spring days out?
Layers, waterproofs, wellies and a spare set of clothes. Sun cream and a hat are useful too, because spring sunshine can surprise you.
How can I keep children busy in a rainy week?
Alternate a morning out in waterproofs with an afternoon of crafts or baking. Puddles are free entertainment and fresh air helps everyone.
Is it safe to touch farm animals?
Follow the farm rules, supervise children closely and make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly afterwards.
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