Springtime in Australia is the perfect season to get your little ones outdoors. The weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming, and there are plenty of fun activities for toddlers and kids to enjoy. If you're a city dweller, on a farm, or near the beach, there are endless possibilities for adventures that are both fun and safe. Here’s Marmalade Lion’s list of creative springtime activities, along with some helpful tips for keeping your kids safe, clean, and happy!
1. Gardening Fun
Springtime is all about nature, so getting your kids involved in gardening is a great way to teach them about plants, insects, and the environment. You can start with easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers or herbs. Toddlers can help dig small holes, plant seeds, and water the garden. They might even have fun picking the first flowers or fruits when they bloom.
What you’ll need
- Small gardening tools that are safe for little hands (plastic trowels, watering cans, and gloves).
- A kid-sized garden apron to protect their clothes from dirt.
- A hat to keep them shaded and safe from the sun.
Mess prevention tips
Gardening can get messy, so consider using an old shirt or a waterproof apron to cover your child’s clothes. Also, keep baby wipes handy to clean their hands after handling soil and plants.
2. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts
Taking your kids on a nature walk can be a simple yet exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. You can make it even more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt. Give them a list of things to find, like a leaf, a rock, a feather, or a flower. The kids will love running around and ticking things off their list, plus it’s a great way for them to practise their observation skills.
What you’ll need
- Comfortable shoes for walking (preferably sneakers for the little ones).
- A small waterproof kids’ backpack for carrying their finds.
- A list of items to spot (you could print it or make a fun, colourful checklist).
- A magnifying glass to get a closer look at nature’s details.
Mess prevention tips
Be sure to have sunscreen on hand and apply it to your child before heading out. It’s also good to have some baby wipes for quick clean-ups after they’ve picked up leaves or other outdoor objects. If it’s a particularly sunny day, make sure they have a hat to protect their face.
3. Bubble Play
There’s something magical about bubbles that never fails to make toddlers and young kids giggle. In spring, you can blow bubbles in the yard, at the park, or even at the beach. Let them run around trying to pop them or even chase after a giant bubble. You can get creative and make your own bubble mixture or use special bubble wands and machines.
What you’ll need
- A bubble wand or bubble machine.
- A large container of bubble solution.
- A hooded kids’ towel or blanket for the kids to sit on after their bubble adventures.
Mess prevention tips
Although bubbles are fun, the soapy residue can sometimes make things slippery. Make sure the kids play on a grassed area or soft ground. Wipe down their hands if they start to get sticky, and if they’re in clothes you care about, consider a quick change afterward.
4. Picnics in the Park
What better way to enjoy the lovely spring weather than with a picnic? Pack a basket with some easy-to-eat snacks and head to a local park or green space. Kids love the opportunity to run around, play with a ball, and have a tasty meal outdoors. You could even bring some outdoor games like a frisbee or a kite to add more fun to the day.
What you’ll need
- A picnic mat or blanket (large enough for everyone to sit comfortably).
- Sunscreen and Sun hats for protection.
- Snacks that are easy to eat and clean up afterward (fruit, crackers, and sandwiches are great).
- A cooler to keep drinks and food fresh.
Mess prevention tips
Pack some napkins or wipes to clean up any spills or sticky fingers. Having an extra set of clothes for the little ones can save you from those “oops” moments, especially if they decide to roll around in the grass.
5. Springtime Crafting
Spring is a time of renewal, so why not get crafty with your little ones? You can make art using nature’s treasures – like leaves, flowers, or sticks – or even do some simple painting with bright spring colours. Craft activities can be done indoors or outside on a sunny day.
What you’ll need
- Non-toxic paints, crayons, or markers.
- Paper, glue, and scissors (for older kids).
- Nature items like flowers, leaves, and pine cones for nature collages.
- A plastic or vinyl tablecloth to cover surfaces for easy clean-up.
Mess prevention tips
To keep the mess under control, consider doing this activity outside, or have kids wear old clothes or aprons. Have plenty of paper towels and wet wipes nearby, especially if you’re using paint. If it’s an indoor activity, cover tables with disposable tablecloths to prevent any damage to surfaces.
6. Outdoor Water Play
Water play is perfect for warmer spring days. If you have access to a hose or a kiddie pool, let the kids splash around and cool off. You can set up a little water station with cups, sponges, and small plastic toys for endless fun.
What you’ll need
- A small kiddie pool or a sprinkler for water fun.
- Buckets, cups, and sponges for extra activities.
- A towel and a change of clothes for after the fun.
- A sun hat and sunscreen for added protection.
Mess prevention tips
Water play is bound to get messy, so keep towels close by for drying off. Make sure the play area is on soft ground like grass to avoid injuries. If you’re using a kiddie pool, be sure to empty it when playtime’s over to avoid any stagnant water.
Springtime in Australia offers endless possibilities for fun activities that kids will love. By being prepared with the right gear and keeping a few tips in mind for mess and safety, parents can fully enjoy the season with their little ones. If you choose to garden, play outdoors, or do crafts, the key is to have fun and let the kids be kids!
