40+ Spring Bucket List Activities

Spring is such a magical time of the year. The weather is getting warmer, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming. It’s no wonder that so many people start to feel refreshed and energized! 

If you’ve been feeling this shift in energy and can’t wait to do all of your favorite springtime activities, I created this family spring bucket list to inspire you.

Why a Spring Bucket List is a Must-Have for Families

I love creating a list of activities for each season because it helps me to be more intentional with my time — as well as my kids’ time. Here are a few ways that having a list of things to do with kids in the spring really comes in handy. 

• Go with the flow. Since the weather varies more in the spring and can change quickly, it can be helpful to have a list of ideas for what to do with kids. This way, you’re prepared for all kinds of weather. My list includes both outdoor activities for when it’s sunny and indoor activities for when it’s rainy.

• Get everyone excited for spring. Just like any other season, there are certain things we only do during spring. Having a spring bucket list ensures you don’t miss your family’s favorite activities and events. It could even be as simple as making a bouquet of your favorite spring flowers before they’re done blooming.

• Encourage outdoor hobbies. It gets really hot here in Houston during the summer, so we like to go outside as much as possible in the spring. A bucket list for spring can include family traditions you look forward to every year — as well as new activities to try and hobbies to foster. My girls and I have gotten into gardening this year and love it! 

40+ Spring Bucket List Ideas for Kids

Animal Fun & Nature Activities

1. Visit a farm to see baby animals. Baby chicks, lambs, goats… Many animals are born in the spring, so this is the best time to go see them!

2. Search for 4-leaf clovers. Kids love the idea of looking for something rare. Plus it’s fun to believe in magic and good luck! You can also turn this into a kid’s craft where you make your own 4-leaf clovers out of paper.

3. Look for a rainbow. April showers bring…rainbows! The best time to look for a rainbow is right after it rains, when the sun is low and behind you. This could also inspire some fun rainbow crafts — or you could make your own suncatchers.

4. Visit a pond and look for ducks. There’s something so sweet about watching ducks in a pond. Plus, it’s easy entertainment! If you love spring bucket list activities that help kids connect with nature, this is a simple one. Just remember not to feed them bread! 

5. Search for bugs. Insects emerge from hibernation during spring, so kids may notice more ants, spiders, ladybugs, and beetles. This bug catcher kit and this one are super fun for kids who love to observe bugs up close. 

6. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Any walk outside can turn into an exciting adventure for kids. Help them explore the outdoors and encourage their curiosity with a simple nature scavenger hunt (or one great for older kids) where you search for flowers, sticks, and more.   

7. Build a bird feeder. Kids are naturally curious and love to observe. Plus, watching birds can be very relaxing! You can build a bird feeder with your kids — or hang up a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Then just watch from the window to see which birds come by for a snack.

8. Visit the zoo — or go on safari. We recently went up to Aggieland Safari and LOVED it. It would be way too hot to visit in the summer, so spring is the perfect time to go. Crocodile Encounter in Houston is amazing too.

9. Celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is always April 22nd. This is a great opportunity to show kids how they can appreciate and take care of the planet. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a list of fun and easy Earth Day activities for kids. 

10. Make a fairy garden. This spring bucket list activity is especially fun for young kids. With nature blooming all around them, they’ll be inspired to collect petals, leaves, twigs, and more outdoor objects for their fairy garden. 
    

Outdoor Activities & Sensory Play 

11. Play outside. A low-pressure activity for your spring bucket list! Going outside is such a great reset for kids — and they don’t need much to have fun, either. If you need some ideas, check out this list of outdoor activities for kids and my favorite lawn games for kids. 

12. Splash in puddles. No one is having more fun than a kid splashing in puddles. Just make sure to have some good rainboots on hand (and hand wipes or a towel if they decide to play in mud).  

13. Play with mud. It may be messy, but it’s also a great sensory experience for kids. You can set up a simple mud kitchen in your backyard if you want a designated spot for the mess. Or just grab a couple tubs or pails, fill them with dirt and water, and set out some scoops. 

14. Blow bubbles outside. Simple, but somehow magical every single time. Bonus points for giant bubble wands! Make sure you’re stocked up on bubble solution, too, so you can easily re-fill trays, bottles, and bubble blasters.

15. Run through the sprinkler. On the first warm day, set up the sprinkler for the kids and you have an instant core memory. You could also put out a small tub of water or set up something larger, like a splash pad or water slide.

16. Chalk the driveway. Sidewalk chalk never gets old. Let kids draw spring scenes, hopscotch, or even create a “welcome spring” mural. Just set out a big bucket of chalk and let their imaginations take over.

Farms, Fresh Produce, & Outdoor Dining

17. Check out the farmer’s market.  My kids’ school does a 2nd grade project called Farm to Market. And we’ve been hooked on going ever since! There is a huge market on Saturday mornings by our house, and the kids love spending the mornings there. They also have fantastic coffee, popsicles and other fun things to buy.

18. Go strawberry picking (or any in-season fruit). Depending on location, this is such a core memory kind of outing. Just check your local farms for their u-pick schedule and mark it on your calendar so you don’t miss it!

19. Grow a veggie or herb garden. Similar to planting flowers, kids will love helping you plant a vegetable garden. If you’re a beginner, the easiest vegetables to grow are lettuces, zucchini, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and rosemary. If you have the space, raised garden beds are a game changer. They’re easier to manage, more organized, and make it simple for kids to help.

20. Make a spring dinner. As the weather warms up, you’ll notice a natural shift from the heavy, rich foods you crave in the winter to the light, fresh meals you prefer in the spring. Think more salads, seasonal produce, smoothies, and meals on the grill. 

21. Enjoy a meal outside. Houston is hot in the summer, so we eat lunch and dinner outside a lot in the spring. For the kids, we do a picnic-style lunch on the lawn with a giant blanket and then use our outdoor table for family dinners. Of course you can always go with this favorite splurge picnic blanket too. 

Flowers, Fields, & Festivals 

25. Plant flowers. This is a fun and easy activity for kids of all ages. Take them to the store so they can pick out their favorite flowers (starts or seeds), then let them help you plant and water. For the best results, choose native plants for your area. They’re easier to grow, require less maintenance, and are better for local pollinators like butterflies and bees.

26. Paint a flower pot. This is an easy, creative activity for kids that they can accomplish on their own. Plus it’s fun for all ages — even babies can finger paint! Just grab some terracotta pots, acrylic paints, and some paintbrushes. You can also use washable paint and a sealant, like Mod Podge.

27. Wish on a dandelion. Dandelions pop up in early spring and bring lots of joy to little ones. They’re easy for kids to pick, and there’s something that will always feel magical about making a wish and watching the little puffy seeds spread through the air. 

28. Make a daisy chain. I love it when little daisies pop up in the spring. This is a simple and creative activity that gets kids to slow down and focus. Not only is it calming, but they’ll be so proud of what they create!

29. Pick flowers. Preferably from your own backyard, of course! There are so many fun and simple ways for kids to enjoy flowers — even if they’re just petals on the ground. Kids can dissect flowers, press them, or use them in art projects and water play.  

30. See your favorite flowers in bloom.  From tulip fields to cherry blossoms and more, spring is the best time to check out local flower festivals and botanical gardens. Make sure to check websites for peak bloom!

Outdoor Adventures & Travel Ideas

28. Plan a fun trip for spring break or summer. Ideally you’d plan a spring break vacation during winter. But you can always do a shorter getaway or day trip somewhere fun. If you didn’t travel for spring, this is a good time to start thinking about summer travel plans. And if you need more support, just check out all of my travel tips and ideas.

29. Do something outdoorsy.  Take advantage of warmer weather by adding your favorite outdoor activity to your spring bucket list. This could be riding a bike, hiking a trail, or going on a run. If you prefer something slow-paced, look for outdoor music or movies in the park.

30. Fly a kite. A classic spring activity that feels nostalgic and fun — while also improving kids’ coordination and concentration. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can build your own kite. Or just buy one! 

31. Go to the park. Parks without much shade are perfect during springtime before it gets too hot. And if you’ve been cooped up inside during winter, this is an easy way for kids to get their energy out and socialize with their friends. 

Easter Fun for Everyone

32. Decorate for Easter. Springtime and Easter go hand in hand. Right after Valentine’s Day, my kids and I love to decorate for a new season and holiday. Here are my favorite spring and Easter decorations, along with easy tips to help you decorate for the holiday.  

33. Dye Easter eggs. Grab an Easter egg dye kit (or use food coloring) and let your kids get creative with their decorating. My kids also love The Eggmazing Egg Decorator for drawing on hard-boiled or wooden eggs. 

Ali’s Pro Tip: Some Easter books, like The Great Eggscape, also include stickers for egg decorating.  

34. Bake a yummy Easter dessert. My daughters and I love to bake! If you need ideas, here’s a list of Easter treats that are easy to make. From carrot cake (our favorite!) to simple no-bake treats, there are plenty of options for you to choose from

35. Go on an Easter egg hunt. You’re never too old for an Easter egg hunt! Set out some eggs with fun snacks, treats, or small toys — right in your own backyard. You can also see if there’s an egg hunt at your local park or a nearby farm. 

Indoor Spring Activities

36. Read a book about spring. It’s time to swap out our seasonal books! About a month out, I replace all of our winter stories and Valentine’s Day books with my kids’ favorite books for spring. This is also a good time to bring out Easter books. 

37. Do a cozy indoor activity. If it’s cold and rainy, add this activity to your spring bucket list. You can watch a movie, play a game, or do a puzzle. If your kids like crafts, you can also set out some art supplies or kits. Here are some fun ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids. 

38. Build a fort. Raining outside? This is the perfect time to build a fort indoors and get comfy! Just drape some blankets over a few chairs. Or you can use a larger play couch to build the sides of the fort. 

39. Make one eco-friendly swap. Along with celebrating Earth Day, you and your family can all choose to make one sustainable change at home. For example, maybe you start using reusable food wraps and silicone snack bags instead of plastic. If you want more ideas, here are my favorite eco-friendly products — plus tips for how to use them. 

Spring Refresh Ideas

40. Start spring cleaning. Spring always feels like a fresh start, which makes it a great time to declutter, clean, and organize your home. Check out my spring cleaning tips for families (plus all the cleaning supplies I use) to help you get started. You can also make this a family activity by making it fun for kids to pitch in. 

41. Make a music playlist just for spring. I love routines that can help your family shift into a new season. Choose songs that reflect springtime, like “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles or “Changes” by Charlie Puth. Depending on your kids’ ages, they can add their own songs to the playlist. 

42. Update your wardrobe. Depending on where you live, you may want to swap out your cold-weather attire for your warm-weather clothing once spring arrives. At the very least, you can store away heavier layers until it’s time to make the full switch. A lot of retailers also have big sales between March and May, so this is a good time to grab some new spring clothes.

43. Pick out new nail polish for spring. This is a fun and simple bonding activity for both kids and adults. Just grab some spring colors and set up a manicure date at home — or paint your nails out in the backyard. 

Slow & Relaxing Activities

44. Lay in the grass and watch the clouds. Call out shapes and tell stories about what you see. This is easy and kind of magical. Little kids, especially, will love it!

45. Watch a sunset together. Simple, free, and surprisingly memorable for kids. Each sunset is different, so it can feel like a unique experience every time to watch the colors in the sky change. It also gives us a moment to slow down, reflect, and take in the beauty of the natural world.

46. Stargaze as a family. Spring nights are mild and clear before the summer haze rolls in. Lay out a blanket, download a free stargazing app, and see how many constellations you can find. It's one of those quiet moments that sneaks up on you as a favorite memory.

Family Spring Bucket List FAQs

How can I keep track of our bucket list activities for spring? 

Download my free printable and check off the spring activities as you go. You can also put more time-sensitive events and activities into your phone’s calendar and set reminders.

What’s an easy way to keep spring activities low pressure?

Focus on easy activities you can do at home or in your backyard. Sometimes the simplest experiences, like splashing in puddles or picking flowers, are the best ones for kids! Remember, there is no rule that says you have to do it all. This list is just meant to inspire you and give you some ideas for fun things to do with kids in the spring. 

What are some fun spring bucket list ideas for families?

A mix of outdoor play, seasonal traditions, simple outings, and a few special memory-making activities makes the best spring bucket list.

Which activities on this spring bucket list are good for babies and toddlers?

Babies can always be part of the fun, even if they’re just sitting on your lap and watching everyone else partake in activities. But the activities that would work the best for kids under four are reading books, observing nature, and sensory play. This includes playing with water, sand, dirt, and bubbles. 

Does this bucket list for spring work for different age groups?

Yes! One thing I love about warmer weather is that it feels easy to set up activities outside for various ages. If you find yourself indoors, you can get out different types of art supplies and books to entertain a mix of ages. 

How can I get my kids more involved?

Show them this list and have them pick their favorite activities. Or brainstorm together as a family to add new ideas. You can also look up local events for spring and see which ones your kids are most excited about. 

What are some cheap spring activities for families?

Spring is the perfect time for inexpensive and even free spring activities! Think stargazing, going to the park, birdwatching, searching for bugs and watching the clouds.