Spring is a season of new beginnings and fresh starts—a time to amble in bare feet, and let the wind tousle your hair. You can watch beauty unfold before your very eyes, and there are so many fun and meaningful spring activities for families to do together!
Because it’s such a stunning time of year, I decided to compile a list of frugal outdoor family activities that will fit seamlessly into any budget!
I especially love activities that encourage connection and reflection, so those are what you’ll find here.
7 Frugal Outdoor Spring Activities for Families
Here are some ideas that will encourage you to breathe deeply, notice the little things, and make beautiful memories with your family this season.
Most of these spring activities for families can be done for free—or for just a few dollars!
1. Prepare a Picnic
Spring is one of the loveliest times of year to be outside, and food tastes especially delicious when it’s eaten in the open air!
On a sunshiny day, prepare a simple picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy. Then, pack your picnic basket and bring it to a nearby park—or just lay a blanket out on your lawn!
There is something wonderfully relaxing and inspiring about picnicking. Breathe deeply and take time to notice God’s creation springing up all around you.
2. Try Bird Watching
Springtime is prime time for bird watching! Spring migration brings a wide variety of birds to admire and enjoy.
All you need to do is set up a bird feeder, birdbath, or birdhouse outside your window—and wait.
We’ve had a blast watching birds splash around in the bird bath we set up in our backyard.
You can even make your own bird feeder on the cheap by simply using a pinecone, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang it from a tree with a piece of twine, and voila!
3. Take a Nature Walk
Visit a local park or trail and take a nature walk. Keep an eye out for budding trees and flowers making their appearances.
You could also bring along a journal for sketching—or a camera for photographing—to capture glimpses of this fleeting season.
Nature journaling is a great activity for kids! A journal without lines and a few pencils are all they’ll need.
Remind them that spring is the season of buds and blossoms—of tender leaves and new growth. The snow has melted and the earth is sending up bright green shoots and delicate flowers.
Help them to spot these things. There are so many little details to take notice of!
And don’t forget about sunset walks! They’re especially gorgeous this time of year. Thunderstorms leave behind cotton candy clouds in stunning shades of pink, orange purple, and blue.
4. Plant a Garden
Plant a spring garden!
This is a fantastic way to welcome spring, whether you’re planting flowers, herbs, fruits, or vegetables—or growing plants in the ground, on your patio, or in your kitchen window!
Even if you don’t end up with an amazing harvest, it’s a great opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty and to take ownership.
Gardening also holds many hidden health benefits, such as stress-relief, boosting the immune system, and increased brain health.
5. Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are a great way to support your local growers, and a great place to find fresh, in-season produce that tastes delicious!
Take your farmer’s market finds home and try out some new recipes that let the seasonal produce shine. Fresh salads greens, peas, asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries are a great place to start!
You can also visit u-pick farms for a completely different experience. Depending on where you live, strawberries will be ready in early to mid-spring, and blueberries might be ready near the end of the season.
Blueberry picking is my personal favorite!
6. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a blast! You can either do a cooperative scavenger hunt as a family, or turn it into a race for some added competition.
The difficulty level of a scavenger hunt can vary greatly. You can easily tailor it to accommodate any age group.
If you’re looking for an easy hunt that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy, check out this adorable printable for a nature scavenger hunt!
7. Play in the Rain
Pretty much every child finds puddles to be irresistible (especially when they’re wearing nice clothes—ha)! Usually, I’m all about avoiding them, but a fresh spring rain can bring out the kid in me!
If you take your little ones outside in the rain just to splash in the puddles together, I guarantee they will have the time of their lives!
Once a spring shower arrives, don your rain boots—or go barefooted—and dress everyone in play clothes. Run outside and get as wet as you can!
Then, once everyone is sufficiently soaked, head back inside to for warm baths and cozying up on the couch with hot cocoa and good books.
Making Family Memories with Springtime Activities
There are just so many things to love about spring—and so many memories to be made!
Get outside with your family. Wander in the open air. Explore the world around you.
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” —Anne Bradstreet
What are some of your favorite frugal spring activities for families to enjoy together?
