I live in Canada, but I don’t like the snow and cold. Oxymoron? Perhaps. But it’s true. I’m just as proud to call myself a Canadian as the next Canuck, but freezing cold temperatures and I just don’t mix. The other three remaining seasons, however? I can dig those.
Spring is one of my favourite times of year. Lighter and longer days, warmer temperatures, the sound of birds singing, and people and animals all coming out of hibernation. Can I get a Hallelujah? It’s like a breath of fresh air to not have to bundle up in 700 different layers just to take a little walk. So when my good friend Spring rolls around, we celebrate this glorious season in its entirety.
To get all technical on you, the first day of this season is technically called the Vernal Equinox aka Spring Equinox. It’s a time of more light, longer days and warmer weather, so it’s a great time to connect with the natural world. After this, the sun will climb higher in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere where we will eventually get summer, but it will sink lower in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere, heading towards winter.
If you’re over on my side of the planet, make sure you welcome this season with open arms by using some of these spring equinox celebration ideas for the whole family.
Celebrating the Spring Equinox
Splash and Play in Puddles
Get your rain pants and rain jacket on, pull on those boots and go have fun in the puddles. K has been coming home from his childcare each day with a new pair of pants on due to the fact he’s been puddle jumping with his friends – could there be anything more fun to do with those big melting puddles of snow? Make some paper boats to bring along as well, especially if you’ll be near a little stream.
Start Your Seedlings
It’s time to start thinking about the garden. If you’re planning to start a garden this year, some seeds, like peppers and tomatoes, will need to be started indoors if you’re in the northern hemisphere like we are. We’ll be planting our numerous varieties of tomatoes and peppers in yogurt cups this year, but there are tons of other fun ways to get started and teach the kids all about plant life and gardening. I cannot wait for the fresh garden bounty. Be sure to plant lots of bee-friendly plants as well so we can help save those precious insects.
Get Outside!
Go for a hike or walk and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! Make a list and have the kids look for signs of spring – green grass, robins, worms, melting snow. When you’ve been buried deep in snow like we have for the past few months, any signs of spring are always such a perfect welcome. KC Edventures with Kids has a fun early Spring scavenger hunt post with a free printable!
Read about Spring
Get the little ones learning about all the changes that occur with the vernal equinox. Birds flying back from the south, animals emerging from their hibernation, and many new animal babies being born. Spring is a time for new beginnings and new life, and we’ll also be adding to our brood in the spring so we’re all looking forward to that exciting time. Check out the list of our favourite children’s books about spring to get kids learning all about the wonder and changes of this season.
Easter Activities
Get into the spirit of Easter. K has already been excitedly talking about the eggs that the Easter bunny will leave around the house, and so we’ve begun our annual Easter crafting. We’ve created a beautiful watercolour Easter egg garland, and are planning on some more fun crafts this weekend. I have a Pinterest board full of fun Easter ideas, as well as Easter ideas just for the kiddies.
Dye Easter Eggs
Perhaps the most quintessential Spring and Easter activity there is: dying eggs! We normally make natural dyes from fruit and vegetables, which I’ll be posting about soon. This awesome post from The Kitchn explains how to naturally dye eggs with fruits and veggies. Nell over at Rhythms of Play has a post on how to dye natural brown eggs. However you do it, Easter egg dying is so much fun for everyone.
Make a Yummy Spring Treat
Making baked goods and desserts is one of my favourite pastimes. Fortunately I’ve passed on this interest to K, who absolutely loves to help out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to making delicious treats. Some simple, healthy treats that are favourites of ours and perfect to celebrate the nicer weather are Dreena Burton’s Lemon-kissed Blondie Bites, her raw Lemon Lime Cheesecake with mango, or Minimalist Baker’s Meyer Lemon Poppyseed muffins. We’re also kind of obsessed with smoothies over here, so I’m thinking this blueberry cheesecake smoothie will be a nice addition.
Visit a Sugar Bush
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a maple syrup sugar bush, they all normally open right around the Spring Equinox, with many of them having their annual pancake and maple syrup festivals. I know that we’ll be headed to our local maple sugar joint for their annual party right around this time.
What is your favourite way to celebrate the coming Spring season? I’d love to know!
For more inspiration on the Spring season, come join me on Pinterest
We love these fabulous ideas – thank you for joining in with the frugal family linky – hope to see you joining in again soon!
These ideas are great. I am excited to celebrate spring with my kiddos this year. We live in Seattle, so it will most likely be by playing in the puddles:)
That sounds like fun. We still have snow and cold temperatures where we are…hoping Spring weather makes an appearance soon!
Such wonderful ideas! I really need to think about starting a small garden this year.
I love starting our garden each year. It’s such a welcome addition after the winter. I hope you get a chance to start a small one too!
I love the idea of making lemon-y treats! In fact, I think that’s going to be today’s nap time activity. Sounds yummy!
Great ideas! This is the first year we’ve really celebrated the start of spring but like you I’m so pleased to get winter done it’s worth celebrating!!
Makes everyone excited for spring. Yay!