This post was originally posted in April 2013. Some of the links have been updated.

You may not need another activity to add to an already busy spring, but in case you’re looking for some get-me-going inspiration, here are a few fun activities to share with your family…

Build an Art Spot. The key to success is to make sure your spot is well supplied; and that little artists can utilize it without the need of adult supervision.  This means washable mediums; and place-mats, aprons or old clothes that make clean up a cinch.  If you’re short on room, a low and easy-to-open drawer works well – loaded with paper and compartmentalized, tote-able supply bins.  Want to really go all out with your space?  Here are some amazing ideas to inspire you.

Draw, Draw, Draw. Young Rembrandts has “How to Draw” activities for Spring and all FREE. Click here to print them out today. http://www.youngrembrandts.com/download-activity

No TV Family Nights. Try “Play Night” where the kids or the whole family can dress for the event and put on a play.  Here are some free playscripts to follow. You could also organize a “Kids Choice Night”; kids can pick their dinner and an activity from a parent-approved list; like bowling, a drawing session, or a backyard camp-out!

Spring Scavenger Hunt. Set your young explorer on an adventure that is exciting, ‘mysterious’ and gives an opportunity to get a closer look at nature and use some creative interpretation.   This wonderful twist on the traditional ‘hunt’  is a great way to keep groups of children busy and learning!

Paint Flower Pots. Set up an area indoors or outside where you and your kids can have fun decorating a flower pot. Making each piece unique will add even more beauty to your garden.  

Tree Hunt. Determine the number of trees each person (or team) has to identify.  Have children collect the leaves from the trees and draw a sketch of each one.  Make notes on the characteristics of the leaf – (is it a needle, how many points does it have, is it symmetrical…etc.). Now identify the tree! Use these great sites to help identify: Western Trees or Midwestern/ Eastern trees. The first person (or team) to find, draw, and identify their list of trees wins the scavenger hunt.

Fun Museum Day. Visit a local museum.  Most museums will offer free days or spring discounts! If you’re looking for an “ok to touch” museum – look for an interactive children’s museum these give parents and children a wonderful chance to explore and have fun.

Nature Walk. Stroll around your neighborhood, and scout for flowers, acorns, a feather, an interesting rock, or a cool stick. After you complete your walk, sit as a group and review your pieces. Have fun playing with your kids, learning about each piece and building your collection week after week. 

Mud Kitchen. Create a small patch of the garden for the kids. Plant a few low maintenance flowers and fill the rest with bowls, spoons, baking pans, mixing tools and whatever else your kids like to play with. Like a kitchen, but the ingredients can be found outside! 

Customize Umbrellas. Don’t let rain be a bummer, decorate your umbrellas with these cute ideas. This works for a family activity, but it would also be perfect for birthday parties. Click here to learn more.

Recycled Bottle Flower Sun Catchers  This is a fun project designing flowers from recycled water bottles. The paint creates vibrant reflective streams with the sunlight. Click here to learn more.

Paint with Flowers. Ever tried printing with flowers? Dip and print – it couldn’t be easier. The flower stalks were like little fairy wands, dabbing paint onto the paper. To see beautiful examples click here.

Homemade Kite. Spring is the perfect time to make a kite with your kids! Fresh air and fun exercise for the whole family as you run through the park with your new creations! Click here for ideas.