The weather might keep us on our toes throughout the year, but one thing is for sure: children need activities to keep them happy and engaged! Whether the sun is shining and flowers are blooming or the snow is falling and blanketing the ground, parents and caregivers can always find fun ways to entertain the kids throughout the year. Each season brings its own unique excitement, offering countless opportunities for enjoyable, educational, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a guide packed with seasonal activities to keep the boredom at bay, no matter what Mother Nature has in store!
Spring Activities: Blooming with Possibilities
Pack a Spring Picnic
Pack healthy snacks and head to a local park for a delightful spring picnic! Picnics are such a joyful way to celebrate the season and transform an ordinary activity (snack time) into a fun adventure for the kids. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to soak up some fresh air and sunshine after the long winter. Pack your little one’s favorite snacks or maybe even a fun drink to make your picnic extra special. You can also bring along a soccer ball or a deck of cards to have some fun after you’ve finished munching. Oh, and don’t forget a picnic blanket!
Become Nature Explorers
Take a trip to your local parks or nature trails and dive into the beauty of spring! You’ll find budding flowers, buzzing insects, and chirping birds all around you. Consider organizing a nature scavenger hunt to make it even more exciting for the kids. Challenge them to identify various plants and creatures you come across. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone outside and engaged with nature while learning about the world around them. For school-aged kids, you can even connect your findings to what they’re learning in school to make it an even more enriching experience.
Bring the Outside In with Spring Crafts
Spring has a way of making us all excited to get outside, but let’s be honest—sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate (hello, April showers!). If you’re feeling those spring vibes but are stuck indoors, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun crafts to dive into with your little ones that celebrate the spirit of spring:
- Get creative with some adorable cardboard dandelion crafts. They’re super simple and a great way to bring a piece of spring inside!
- Make your own flowers and bees using recycled egg cartons—it’s a fantastic way to turn trash into treasure!
- Try your hand at some creative hand-print animal drawings for a little artistic fun.
- Grab some paper plates to make your racquets for balloon tennis. That way, you’ll be ready to play when the sun finally decides to show up!
Summer Fun: Soak Up the Sun
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with Homemade Ice Cream
You can turn a favorite summer treat into a fun activity with homemade ice cream in a bag! All you need are a couple of plastic bags, some common ingredients you likely have on hand, and a little muscle to shake things up! You and your little ones will have an amazing time creating this sweet treat together, and it’s the perfect way to cool off after a sunny day of play.
Create a Chalk Obstacle Course
You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment to create an obstacle course your kids will absolutely love! All it takes is a little chalk and some space on the sidewalk. You can mix fun movements and games like jumping jacks and hopscotch with challenges incorporating spelling and counting. It’s a great way to keep the learning going all summer long while being active and having fun. Check out this video for some obstacle course inspiration!
Combine Science and Snacks with Solar S’mores
S’mores are such a beloved summer treat for kids, and the best part is that you don’t need a fire pit to whip them up! You can turn this tasty snack into a fun science experiment with your little ones. All you need is a shoebox, some tin foil, a few other basic materials, and the sun—along with the s’mores ingredients, of course! It’s a great way to combine learning with a tasty summer tradition. Gather your supplies and watch the magic (and science!) unfold!
Autumn Adventures: Fall Into Fun
Create Leaf Print Paintings
It might be getting cooler, but you and your kiddos can still take a lovely stroll outside to collect various leaves for leaf print paintings! Make sure to gather different shapes and sizes. Once you’re back home, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Grab some colorful paints and use the leaves as stamps to create beautiful art. You can go for an abstract collage or even turn the shapes of the leaves into fun objects—let your imagination run wild! This craft is also a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids about the different types of trees in your neighborhood. You can help them learn how to identify them as you use their leaves to create a picture!
Visit an Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch
Who doesn’t enjoy a delightful fall family field trip? Autumn is the perfect time to explore a nearby apple orchard or pumpkin patch for some outdoor fun! Spend the day picking apples together and dreaming up all the yummy recipes you can make when you get home, or choose some pumpkins to carve together later. Many orchards also offer fun activities for kids, like hay rides, making it a great outing for the whole family.
Make a “Thankful Book”
Thanksgiving is a hallmark of fall for many families. This year, your little one can reflect on what they’re grateful for with this fun “thankful book” craft! You can easily recycle some brown paper bags and cereal boxes to create a charming keepsake you both can treasure for years to come. This activity not only sparks creativity but also opens up a dialogue about gratitude. It’s a great chance to connect and share what you’re both thankful for this year.
Winter Wonderland: Embracing the Cold
Get Creative in the Kitchen
Baking is a favorite winter activity for many, and why not get your kids involved? Whether you’re preparing for a special holiday or just want to make some cozy treats, involving your little ones can make it even more special. They’ll love the chance to get a bit messy in the kitchen and, of course, be excited to enjoy the delicious results together! To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, choose recipes that fit their age and skill level. Older kids can tackle more complex recipes, which is a fun way to practice their measuring and fraction skills. Younger children can stick to simpler recipes, like no-bake cookies or these “bears in a blanket.” There’s a recipe out there for everyone!
Cozy Up in an Indoor Fort
Making forts is a classic indoor activity for kids, and wintertime is the perfect season for it. All you need are some chairs, sheets, blankets, and pillows you have around the house. Add some string lights to make it extra cozy–they’ll give your fort a magical touch! This activity keeps on giving, too; not only will your kids have tons of fun constructing their fort, but they can also transform it into a cozy reading nook or a space for imaginative play after it’s finished!
Stay Warm with Winter Crafts
Winter crafts are always there for you when it’s just too chilly outside to go anywhere! Luckily, there are tons of winter craft ideas to try. While creating paper snowflakes is always a favorite, here are some unique alternatives to keep things exciting:
- Make this fun snow globe craft with a paper plate and styrofoam beads!
- If you celebrate Christmas, make a sparkly ornament together, or use Q-tips to make this fun Christmas tree (and help your child practice their fine motor skills).
- Get ready to ring in the new year with this homemade confetti popper!
- Make holiday cards to send to loved ones–they’ll love the personal touch of your little ones!
- Make Valentine cards your kiddo can give to friends, or try this sweet lollipop Valentine’s Day craft.
Keep Kids Engaged All Year Round with Jovie
We know it can be challenging to keep your child entertained all year. Why not let Jovie help? Jovie’s experienced caregivers bring their expertise and creativity to their time with your little ones, so your kids will have fun all year. Our nannies and babysitters receive training and education so they can provide the highest level of care, and we personally match them with families to ensure it’s a good fit for everyone. Plus, Jovie takes care of background and reference checks, making the process hassle-free for busy parents like you. Whatever the season brings, we’re here to make it fun and stress-free–find a nanny or babysitter with Jovie today!
