Spring can feel like a real breath of fresh air after long days of being cooped up inside. The warmer weather, lighter evenings, and bursts of colour are an invitation to slow down, step outside, and enjoy simple spring activities for kids that spark joy and connection.
However, for single mums, finding time (and money) for fun outings with the kids can sometimes feel like another challenge on the already full to-do list.
Fortunately, spring activities for kids don’t need to look Pinterest-perfect or come with a hefty price tag. Often, the best memories grow out of the simplest things: the laughter during a game, the mess of a hands-on craft, or the togetherness of a shared adventure. Consider incorporating paintable wood blanks for crafts from Michelle's aDOORable Creations into your crafting activities to spark creativity and fun.
Choosing screen-free, low-cost activities that invite presence and play can make this season one your children will remember with a smile—and one you can enjoy too.
1. Easy Spring Activities For Kids That Don’t Require a Screen
I get it - it’s tempting to reach for the tablet or TV when you’re stretched thin, but some of the most rewarding moments come when we step away from screens. In fact, low-prep activities don’t just keep kids occupied—they invite creativity, movement, and connection, without the overwhelm of complicated setups.
One of the overlooked gifts of childhood is boredom. It might not always feel comfortable at first, but when kids have the space to “be bored,” their imagination often blossoms. They’ll invent games, build stories, and see possibilities in the simplest of things.
So, here are a few easy, no-tech spring activities for kids you can try, whether you’ve got a few minutes before dinner or a whole afternoon to fill:
- Bubble painting: A bowl of soapy water, a few drops of food colouring, and some straws can turn into a magical art project.
- Chalk art: The footpath or driveway becomes a canvas for endless possibilities. From hopscotch to sidewalk chalk murals, this encourages movement and expression. And the best part? It washes away with the next rain!
- Backyard scavenger hunt: Write a short list of things to find—a smooth rock, a spring flower, something shaped like a heart. This simple scavenger hunt activity works just as well at the park.
- Printable activity sheets: Printables are a lifesaver on busy days. From colouring-in pages to simple puzzles or spring-themed bingo, they’re quick to set up and give little ones a chance to practise fine motor skills while having fun.
Ultimately, these fun spring activities are simple, affordable, and most importantly, meaningful. Because at the end of the day, your kids won’t remember whether the activity was perfectly executed. They’ll remember the laughter, the shared focus, and the joy of being together.
2. Outdoor Activities That Keep Them Curious And Active
Spring is the perfect time to nudge kids outside gently. The sun lingers a little longer, the air feels lighter, and nature itself seems to invite exploration.
For mums balancing so many responsibilities, it’s easy to feel pressured to plan elaborate outings. But the truth is, kids don’t need complicated schedules. They thrive on curiosity, movement, and the freedom to discover.
So, encouraging simple outdoor play can spark that sense of wonder while giving you a chance to exhale. Here are a few ideas to have lots of fun:
- Nature scavenger hunt: Search for a feather, a blossom, or three different colors of leaves. Noticing these small details is a fun way to spot the signs of spring.
- Puddle jumping: On rainy spring days, throw on gumboots and head outside. The splashes, the squeals, and the inevitable muddy socks are part of the fun.
- Fairy houses: Gather sticks, pebbles, and flowers to create a tiny fairy garden together.
- Obstacle courses: Rope, chairs, and balls make a fun spring challenge. Let kids design part of it themselves—it’s a fantastic way to keep them moving.
- Outdoor games: From tag to hide-and-seek, these are perfect activities for spring afternoons. After all, outdoor games are a fun way to support your child’s motor activities.
It’s more than okay if things get muddy, messy, or a little chaotic; that’s often where the magic happens. Those imperfect moments are the ones your kids will remember and retell with a grin years later.
3. Nature Walks That Spark Wonder And Conversation
Springtime offers endless opportunities for gentle discovery: the first flowers poking through, new bird songs, or the earthy smell after rain. For the little ones, these small details can feel magical when we take the time to notice them together.
Think of nature walks not as “exercise” but as a connection. You don’t need a strict plan or long trail. The goal isn’t distance or pace, but presence. So, enjoy the spring weather and make your walks special by adding little touches:
- Spring sensory journals: Encourage your preschooler to draw what they see in a notebook.
- Collect with care: Collect petals and leaves for arts and crafts projects later.
- Spot the spring season: Spot caterpillars, birds, or a rainbow after rain. These are wonderful spring-themed discoveries and a great way to create a learning environment for toddlers.
Not every outing needs a destination. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from slowing down and simply enjoying the spring air together.
After all, these fun spring activities for kids are about creating space for conversation that might not happen in the rush of everyday life.
4. Rainy Day Spring Activities for Kids Using Things You Already Have
Rainy days are perfect for slowing down, staying cosy indoors, and making space for creativity. The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies or expensive kits. Everyday items, such as egg cartons, scrap paper, cardboard boxes, and even mismatched socks, can become the foundation for hours of fun.
Here are some spring-themed arts and crafts kids will love:
- DIY kites: Lightweight frames and string make a fun way to welcome the first day of spring.
- Sock puppets: Those lonely socks without a pair finally get a purpose. Add buttons, scraps of fabric, or markers, and suddenly you’ve got a puppet show.
- Recycled art collages: Old magazines and cardboard create colorful kids art projects.
- Egg carton critters: Turn cartons into a caterpillar, ladybug, or even start a container garden.
- Playdough creations: Homemade playdough in different colors encourages sensory play and fine-motor skills.
For extra variety, try spring bingo, spring worksheets, or even science activities like color-changing flowers. These screen-free, low-cost spring activities for kids are perfect when the weather keeps you indoors.
5. Family Games That Bring Laughter To Any Spring Afternoon
Sometimes, the perfect activity for kids of all ages doesn’t need special equipment or a big budget to create moments of family fun that bring everyone closer.
A few classic games (with a twist of imagination) can turn an ordinary afternoon into something unforgettable. So, here are some easy indoor and outdoor games for children of all ages:
- Charades: Act out animals, movies, or everyday activities.
- Hide-and-seek: Works just as well indoors as outdoors.
- The floor is lava: Scatter cushions or chalk marks as “safe spots.”
- Made-up games: Encourage your kids to create their own rules, even if they don’t make sense.
- Educational activities: Sneak in sight words or math practice for early learning. Get more ideas from Toymate’s collection of educational games.
Ultimately, what makes these spring activities for kids special isn’t the structure or the outcome, but the joy in the moment. Plus, laughter acts as the ultimate reset button—lifting moods, easing stress, and reminding everyone that togetherness matters more than perfection.
6. Planting And Growing Together, One Small Seed At A Time
Gardening is a timeless hands-on experience that blends play, patience, and wonder. You don’t need a big backyard or fancy equipment; even a simple flower pot on the windowsill can become a little world of its own. It also makes a great sensory play opportunity for toddlers and preschoolers.
Here are some easy ways to get started on your springtime garden:
- Windowsill herbs: Little ones love snipping basil or parsley.
- Flower seeds: Use recycled pots and watch them hatch into blossoms.
- Backyard veggie patch: Plant cherry tomatoes or beans—it’s a fun spring activity to share.
- Garden sensory bin: A tub of soil, toy tools, and pebbles makes a safe garden sensory bin for kids.
- Cute garden crafts: Try a paper towel sprout experiment or build a fairy garden together.
The beauty of gardening lies not in perfection, but in the process. It’s slow, sometimes messy, and always full of wonder — much like parenting itself. Each petal, each blossom, and each sprout is a way to teach resilience.
Final Takeaway: Fun Spring Activities for Kids
Spring doesn’t need to be filled with grand adventures or a packed calendar to feel meaningful. Often, it’s the smallest things—muddy hands, a rainbow after rain, or giggles during sensory play—that make the season shine.
When we take the pressure off ourselves to “do it all,” we create space for connection. And connection is what our kids remember most: the laughter, the cuddles, the shared stories, and even the messy moments that become the best family tales.
These small, everyday experiences are also some of the simplest ways to build a better relationship with your child, showing them that your presence matters more than perfection.
So this season, let it be about connection, not perfection. The favourite spring memories you make in the in-between moments are the ones that stay forever.
