The weather is getting warmer, and it is finally starting to feel like spring! Who is excited to start going outside and letting your toddler explore? This list of spring activities for kids will help give you some quick DIY ideas to entertain your toddler in hopes you can catch a few extra minutes to relax and enjoy the sun.
Create a Spring Playdoh Tray
Lets hop into spring with a new sensory activity. Create a DIY playdoh sensory tray with seasonal objects! What toddler does not enjoy playing with playdoh? It is so inexpensive to produce your own and so easy to create. My daughter was engaged with this activity for at least 15 to 20 minutes. In toddler time, that is a HUGE mom win! I used a tray I got from the target dollar spot for her to put the playdoh on. It is so versatile and can be used for so many different activities! They always have such great finds.
You will also need a small container to hold all the materials. I found a jewelry container on clearance that had removeable compartments at Michael’s. You could even use a reusable tubberware container to store all the materials. I loved using this specific organizer because I can reuse it again for other activities and it allows me to put big or small objects inside. It is also small enough to fit in my diaper bag for outings. It is the perfect activity to bring to a restaurant or to someone’s house if visiting family.
Some other objects to include:
Pipe cleaners
Cookie cutters (any cookie cutter to match the season)
Pom poms
Gems or beads
Mini erasers
Rolling pin
Playdoh- feel free to create your own, I haven’t had time to do this while working full time yet. Finding a good homemade playdough is on my to do list. ( For the time being, I cheated and just used playdoh brand and added glitter and sparkles to it.)
Spring Has Sprung Sensory Bin
Does your toddler love to snack? Try an editable sensory bin with insects! I used chocolate coco puffs for the dirt and added in some insects from the dollar store along with some editable worms. Grab some tools like a magnifying glass and a shovel so they can explore! We love using our flisat sensory table from IKEA all year long. They can be hard to come by, so if you see one in stock, make sure to grab one!
Water Beads
Water beads have been a huge hit in my house. They keep my daughter entertained forever and are such a great filler in a sensory bin. I love that you can get them in almost any color to match whatever theme you are thinking. They can last for a few days, but make sure to toss them after that because they can become moldy. I love to add in seasonal erasers and scoopers. My daughter is so fascinated with either sorting the erasers or pouring and scooping the water beads from one container to another. Which is a great way to practice hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Fun with Bubbles!
Do yourself a favor and grab some bubble wands or a bubble machine! Make sure to stock up on the bubble solution.
If your kids are old enough, you can have them make their own bubble wands out of straws, pipe cleaners, or plastic bottles. I loved doing this in science with my kiddos. We always tried to see who could make the biggest bubble and experimented with making different shaped wands.
Go On a Spring Nature Walk or Scavenger Hunt
Take a walk around the neighborhood and do a color scavenger hunt! My daughter is 21 months old and is starting to learn her colors. Download the free printable here. You can use this outside or inside on a rainy day.
Digging for Treasure
Grab a bucket and a shovel and let them explore outside. My daughter loves digging in the dirt and “collecting treasures.” Sounds so silly, but it is one of the easiest activities you do not ever have to plan for!
What are some of your favorite activities to do during the spring time? Please leave a comment to share.