Our Top 10 Spring Nature Adventures

It’s hard to believe that summer is just around the corner. In one month’s time, the big explorer will be enjoying the beginnings of his first summer break. Around here that means spending more time outside exploring nature (cue me doing the happy dance).

But before the cool, colorful days of spring are gone for good, I thought it’d be fun to share a top 10 list of our favorite spring nature activities. After all, there’s still plenty of time to get outside and enjoy!

10. Strolling gardens & arboretums
Right before spring started, we had an amazing day at the Arboretum. In fact, the kids enjoyed it so much that I didn’t think twice about adding a few similar spots to our to do list while visiting Hawaii over spring break.

We were wowed by the rainforest we discovered at Lyon Arboretum, learned a ton about native Hawaiian plants at Waimea Valley and even wandered through the world’s largest garden maze at Dole Plantation. The kids were never bored and the big explorer still talks about the amazing plants and trees we saw during our visit.

9. Gazing at wildflowers
Our morning spent at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve was magical, and well worth the 1 ½ hour drive each way to take the kids to see it. They were as thrilled by the sight of all those bright orange poppies as we were. It was on this adventure that the big explorer learned the difference between wildflowers and flowers people usually plant in their backyards. Since this visit, he has taken to noticing wildflowers both close to home and those we encounter on our travels.

8. Hitting the hiking trails
Not only did we get to see breathtaking views of Hawaii’s southeastern shoreline hiking the Makapu`u Point Lighthouse Trail, but we also enjoyed taking a color walk on a trail closer to home at nearby Will Rogers State Historic Park. Spring is a great time for hiking in Los Angeles because temperatures are perfect, trails aren’t yet crowded and new growths and colors abound.

7. Getting to know farm animals
Pierce College’s annual Farmwalk event was a huge hit with both of my explorers. Not only is spring the best time to meet the newest additions to the farm (like calves, kids, lambs and more), but it also provides an opportunity for kids to learn how we’re connected to plants and animals. And, of course I was thrilled to be able to milk a cow!

6. Picking our own strawberries
This was my kind of way to spend Mother’s Day! Both my little guys enjoyed strawberry picking – especially eating a few while they were at it! We visited a new-to-us spot in Northern California, Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, where the slogan is “it’s always kid season.” Not only did we pick our own strawberries, but we also hung out a bit enjoying the country air and farm environment while devouring still more fresh strawberry treats. Oh yeah, we’ll be back.

5. Taking art outdoors
Since realizing that the little explorer is somewhat of a budding artist (or at least, he loves to color), I’ve been looking for fun ways to bring that joy outdoors. The result? We took the crayons outside and looked to nature for inspiration. We’ve also been creating our fair share of chalk drawings right in our own backyard. And lately the kids have taken to incorporating natural objects into their art. Cool stuff!

4. Exploring nature with treasure hunts
The big explorer is a huge fan of treasure hunts at the moment and nature hunts are no exception. So far this spring, we hunted down each of eight stations in the garden maze at Dole Plantation, took a spring nature scavenger hunt around the neighborhood, searched for specific colored items in nature during a hike and even took a scavenger hunt at the Farmwalk!

3. Building our own bug world
Creating a special place for the kids in a formerly unused space in our backyard was a simple, quick activity that has changed how the kiddos play. Bug World, so named by the big explorer because he hoped the bugs would call it home, has been a hit from the start. And it’s an ever-evolving space that changes depending on mood, weather, interests and whatever the kids can dream up.

2. Planting our first garden
We’re just beginning to see our container garden show signs of life, but we’ve had plenty of fun throughout the planting process. From deciding what to plant (we chose radishes, carrots, sunflowers and tomatoes), to going to the nursery to pick out the seeds, soil and containers, to planting, watering and daily observations, it’s been a wonderful experience. We can’t wait to enjoy our first taste of something grown from our very own little garden!

1. Watching caterpillars turn into butterflies
Thanks to Kidspace Children’s Museum for its Caterpillar Adoption Days. For $10, we adopted two caterpillars, along with enough nectar to help them reach their chrysalis stage. The three plus weeks we had these furry friends in our possession were full of learning opportunities. The kids were excited to watch their growth every day and the big explorer got a bird’s eye view of what a life cycle is all about. The experience is one none of us will soon forget.

How about you – what nature adventures have you enjoyed this spring?