Spring is upon us and it’s the perfect time to convince the young ones to go with you and spend some quality time together. Not that you barely see each other but it would definitely be nice to do some outdoor spring activities with your kids. In fact, springtime is the perfect time to introduce your children to the great outdoors. If you’re lucky, the kids agree with your idea of fun.
Picnic
If you just want to send the day with the family, a picnic at the park seems like a swell idea. Such simple outdoor spring activities allow you to get out of the house and enjoy nature a bit even if you don’t have that much time to spare.
To make your picnic a success, you need to plan it out. Of course, unplanned outdoor spring activities provide a different level of excitement but planning is necessary if you don’t want to deal with hassles later on.
Where to Go
If there’s a nearby park that allows picnics, then that’s one place you could go even for unplanned trips. Once there, it’s important to pick the right spot. Find an idyllic and scenic spot with enough open space for the kids to run around.
You don’t want to be too close to other people if you wish to have a little bit of privacy. Be wary of groups that are too noisy or rowdy. If you’re the one who’s too loud, remember that the park is a public place and you should respect other people.
A good spot to pick is one that’s under a shade. Look for a place with trees and a nice foliage. Set up your picnic under one of these trees.
What to Bring
Skip the wicker basket unless you’re doing a photo shoot. It’s pretty, yes, but quite impractical. Use an insulated bag instead, especially one that has lots of storage space and compartments. You’ll also want a bag with padding so you don’t have to worry about breaking your grandma’s precious glass plates or something.
Of course you need food to keep inside your insulated bag. Bring something that’s easy to prepare and eat. You’ll likely be eating on the ground so think of something you can eat with your bare hands or at least with one hand holding the plate and the other the fork. Bring a cooler to keep your drinks cold. If you’re having dessert, a cooler will also do you good. Make cakes or puddings in Mason jars. They’re easy to handle and won’t spill. You can also put salad in the jars.
What’s a picnic without a picnic blanket? Choose one that has a thick enough cushion to keep you comfortable. Before spreading your blanket, insect the ground, get rid of rocks and other protruding items. Bring throw pillows so you can be comfy when you lie down.
You won’t be running out of things to do on a picnic. The kids, most especially, can spend the rest of the day just wandering around and exploring. Of course, you need to keep an eye out for them. You can also bring board games, books, crossword puzzles, and other relaxing ways to waste your time. If you wish to be more active, you can play catch, throw a Frisbee, fly a kite, or play tag.
Camping
If a day-long picnic is not enough, choose outdoor spring activities that let you spend at least the night outside. Camping is no picnic but it’s the perfect activity for the whole family.
Where to Go
Camping is a little trickier than going on a picnic. Most times, you have to make reservations long before you go on your camping trip. That’s because a lot of people like to go on such outdoor spring activities. If you failed to boo a prime camping spot in advance, don’t worry too much. You can likely still find one in other lesser known parks.
What to Bring
Packing your gear is perhaps one of the most exciting parts of camping. For true outdoor enthusiasts, nothing makes them feel giddier than new camping gear.
Some of the basic camping gear includes a spacious tent that fits everyone, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, blankets and pillows. A huge part of camping is building the campfire. Pack matches, lighters and other fire starters. Bring tinder as well to make things a lot easier. You’ll need light other than that from the fire. Don’t forget your flashlights and headlamps. A camping lantern is also necessary.
You’ll be cooking your own meals. Bring a cook set, portable oven and utensils. Of course, you need food to cook and later eat. Pack food that won’t spoil easy if you’re spending more than a day outdoors. But if you’re car camping, you can bring a cooler and lots of ice so bringing raw meat is a viable option. You can also keep your drinks cold in a cooler. Speaking of, you must have water filters or treatment tablets in case you run out of clean drinking water.
There is a ton of camping and survival gear you should bring to camp. You’ll need a utility knife, multitool, hatchet, paracord, whistle, and a signal mirror, among others. Bring your phones and power banks, as well.
You need a good sturdy camping bag to keep all your stuff. Aside from these, you must dress accordingly. Bring extra clothes for changing and for when it gets too cold at night.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor spring activities, especially for the older guys. Something about reeling in fish is so appealing to some people. Maybe it’s the relaxing and calming feel of the water and the patience of waiting for a catch. Or maybe it’s the excitement and feeling of accomplishment if you catch a fish. Whatever the reason, you should definitely take your kids to such outdoor spring activities.
Where to Go
This depends on where you live. If you want to go fishing with the kids, simply do some research. Make some calls, go online or ask Siri where the nearest fishing spot is.
To give you an idea, the best fishing spots in the country include the Florida Keys in Florida, North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Bighorn River in Montana, and New York’s Thousand Islands.
What to Bring
Fishing gear, of course! You’ll need a fishing rod, line, extra line, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, line cutter and needle nose pliers. Pack some lures or plastic worms in your tool box-turned-fishing tackle box, as well.
Dress up in fishing attire. This means you need ample protection from the sun since you’ll be under it for quite some time. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. You’ll also need sunscreen.
You may want to take a book with you to while away the time as you wait for a bite. Don’t forget your fishing license, cash, insect repellent, food, water, and a first aid kit. If you’re cooking the fish you catch, bring the necessary gear such as a knife, portable stove, pan, and eating utensils.
Going on a picnic, camping and fishing are just three of the many outdoor spring activities you can do with your kids this year. There are more fun activities such as going to the beach, hiking, and backpacking. If you can recommend other outdoor activities, our readers will definitely welcome them. Go to The Gentleman Pirate for more tips to safely enjoy fishing, camping and other outdoor spring activities.
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