Sign Them Up for a Recreational Sports Team

Kids love to be active and play games, and joining a sports league is an excellent way to do both. There are recreational teams and leagues for a wide range of sports, so you are sure to find one that suits your child's personality. Whether she wants to take up skateboarding or buy a wooden baseball bat and glove, support the choice and give her space to grow.

Try to remember that this is supposed to be fun, not a career stepping stone. As long as your kids are having a good time, it's perfectly fine if they aren't very good. Let them have a chance to interact with their peers in a healthy and safe environment without you watching over them the whole time. 

Plant a Kid-Friendly Garden

Gardening is an excellent way to get kids outdoors, and spring is the perfect time to get started. Anyone can grow a garden, even if you live in an apartment. For example, fresh herbs, flowers and tomatoes can all be grown in window boxes and patio planters. Otherwise, you might carve a small space out of your yard, add color to existing flower beds or join in a community garden in your town. Here are just a few ways to encourage kids to be an active part of the process:

• Grow edible plants: This teaches kids exactly what is involved in getting their groceries to the table.

• Let kids choose the plants: This helps hone critical thinking skills and empowers children to be an active part of the family garden. It is also a great way to let them be more involved in choosing a few healthy options for dinner.

• Build a compost pile: This can be as simple as a pile in the back corner of the yard. However, kids that are really into creepy crawlies might enjoy a vermicomposting bin that uses worms to make compost. 

Schedule a Family Camping Trip

Camping can be a great way to enjoy the warmer weather that comes with spring. It also gives your family a chance to spend time away from overfilled daily schedules and droves of tech devices.

If the idea of days in a remote wilderness is just too much to handle, you can still enjoy camping. Many state parks have cabins or lodges available for families that want to be a little less rustic while enjoying nature. You'll still have an opportunity to gather around a campfire making smores, hike through the trails and swim in the lakes, but you can retreat to a warm shower and comfy bed at the end of the day. 

Go on an Extended Nature Scavenger Hunt

If you can only commit a day at a time, but you still want to embrace the outdoors, look into nature scavenger hunts. Armed with a downloadable checklist, you can seek out all sorts of natural elements. Some examples include specific types of trees or flowers, animals, bodies of water, and different colored rocks. Be sure that the lists you choose are appropriate for the ages of your children so it isn't either too easy or too difficult.

Build a Backyard Fort

Do you have fond memories of a backyard fort? You are definitely not alone. Having a secure, safe space to retreat to is a great idea for kids of any age. It helps them develop autonomy and allows natural creativity to flourish. Let your kids be involved with the design and construction of their fort. It's a good idea to make sure the design is sturdy and big enough to grow with them.

Let your kids explore their surroundings this spring by registering them for a sports team, planning a camping adventure, or starting a backyard garden. 

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