Sustainable Springtime Activities for Families
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” This notable line comes from Sonnet to Orpheus, a collection of poems written by Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Spring has arrived in our neck of the woods, and with it comes the opportunity to shake off the winter blues, breathe in the fresh air of revival, and capture the budding spirit of childhood, hope, and resiliency.
This spring, take the time to turn off your electronics and technology and head outdoors for some educational family fun. Here are a few sustainable springtime activities for families. You can easily enjoy all the natural recreation Mother Nature can offer without involving heavy waste or consumption.
Go on a Nature Hike or Walk To the Park
Walking is good for the environment and good for the soul. This outdoor recreational activity is perfect for explaining the basics of sustainability while enjoying the great outdoors together. Whether your family likes to hike, stroll through nature preserves, or walk to the park, you’re sure to hear the birds chirping and smell the distinct sweetness in the air.
While you’re all out there, you can identify plants, hug trees, bird-watch, collect rocks, fly a kite, search for signs of spring, look for wildlife, or scavenger hunt for natural crafting materials. Depending on your chosen location or activity, you can enjoy both the action and stillness of the natural world.
Have a Picnic Together
Picnicking carries no colossal cost and can be done just about anywhere. When you hit the trails or head to the park, bring along a picnic lunch or dinner. Or, even simpler, take your meal out back, lay down a blanket in the grass, and enjoy the natural sights of your yard when munching.
Picnicking is one of the best sustainable springtime activities for families because there is no disturbance to the natural environment. Instead, you can enjoy nature from a safe distance while soaking in the sounds and sunshine. Don’t forget to use biodegradable or reusable tableware items and pick up all your waste before heading home.
Planting: Grow a Garden or Flower Bed
A lawn has significant environmental impacts depending on how you use it and take care of it. Whether you plant vegetables, native plants, or spring flowers for beauty or bee food, you can’t go wrong with involving your kids. Whether they’re getting messy in the fresh soil, on garden hose duty, or learning about different foliage and plant life, they can easily enjoy a sustainable spring with this activity.
Outdoor Adventures in the Community
A variety of outdoor adventure activities are available to you within your community. You can take your family on volunteer opportunities, on bike rides, on canoe rides, or even trips to the local farmer’s market or a nearby butterfly conservatory. Even sustainable recreational fishing trips can educate your kids about eco-friendly behaviors and install a deep love for the outdoors for years to come.
