Here at Tinkergarten, we know there’s something to love about all of the seasons. We love summer for its long days and endless hours of outdoor time. We adore fall for how it carries us from the bright days of summer to the long nights of winter. We appreciate winter for rolling in a different scene -- whether it’s ice and snow on the ground, or the arrival of feathered friends who visit to escape the snow up north. And spring? Well, we really, really love spring.
There’s something about spring that makes us giddy with excitement. The longer days, the baby animals, the clean smell after a good spring rain, and the mud that follows the rain are just some of the reasons we love this season. Plus, it’s a wonderful, steady march to summer.
No matter what part of the country you reside in, the arrival of spring is accompanied by noticeable changes in the natural world. It might be more drastic in northern areas than in southern ones, but it’s there nonetheless. There’s so much to notice when spring finally arrives, and the magic show continues each week as it rolls on.
In fact, there are already signs that it’s coming in all areas. Step outside with your kids, and model both noticing and wondering about the changes you see that point to the coming of spring. You’ll not only get kids excited about being outdoors and reconnected with nature, but you’ll show them how to approach the world like a scientist and help cultivate their naturalist intelligence. Getting outside can be as simple as taking a walk in the woods, or it can a little more involved with a seasonal outdoor activity. We have a ton of great activities you can try with your kiddos in your local outdoor space.
With our favorite season just around the corner, we asked our Tinkergarten leaders what they love about spring in their area. From their responses we were reminded just how magical this season is -- all across the country. But don’t take our word for it, hear it from them:
“In Gainesville, Florida you can tell it's spring by the lovebugs everywhere, the later sunset, and the sunny, warm days!” shared Tricia Nelson.
Amy McCarter said, “I am in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and I love the new baby flowers on dogwood trees! They are so tender and pale green -- just lovely. I also love the red buds blooming and daffodils. I look forward to my garden coming alive with signs of growth from the peony and bleeding heart. And I can't leave out the azaleas and laurel. I guess I'm in love with spring here!”
“There is great joy going to listen to the peepers near our house in Pennsylvania. The sound is amazing. My kids love finding them and putting them back,” shared Kelly Shelly.
Lisa Mangan said, “I love spotting crocuses peeking out of the snow in Connecticut!”
“In Texas, I love the spring thunderstorms and bluebonnets!” shared Amanda Turner.
“In Minnesota, we welcome the sight of the melting snow, greening of grass and watching all the tiny buds on the trees turn into leaves. I also look forward to hearing the chirping of birds and the first sight of robins!” said Meghan Doblar.
Hope Hollingworth said, “Sun! I love the smells and the perfect temperatures here in Iowa during spring.”
“The first signs of spring for us here in the Southwest Washington foothills are buds on the Indian Plum bushes, the sound of frogs, and seeing the robins and chickadees out and about more,” said Jessica Becker.
Spring is a wonderful time of color, of growth, and of potential finally realized. It is the perfect season to focus on an essential skill our kids will need to learn with joy and to thrive in our ever-changing world — creativity! We cannot wait to study seeds, learn from our animal friends, celebrate the Earth, and activate all of our senses as we make, build and imagine wonderful things together. If you have a local Tinkergarten leader nearby, join us! If not, don’t forget that we have a wonderful archive of seasonal activities you can try with your kids this spring. Just make sure to experience as much of this phenomenal season as you can!
