‘hood Magazine is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. 

Spring is officially here! Spring in the Midwest always feels like an incredible gift after a few months of the bitter cold. This is the perfect time to get outside and explore nature with your little ones. After months of chilly weather, the world is waking up with blooming flowers, budding trees, and the cheerful songs of birds. A spring nature walk is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and soak up the beauty of the season. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your children.

Now, we know that little ones and the spring season often involves a decent amount of mud and dirty clothing. Embrace the season, and make sure to dress your little ones in their not-so-favorite clothing. Having a pair of rain boots (or really any shoes that can simply be sprayed out and quickly dried), can make the aftermath of spending time outside in the spring much more enjoyable as a parent. We love these fun rainboots for kids! They come in lots of fun designs and have handles to make for an easier time pulling on. Sometimes, having fun rain boots can be a motivator for little ones who dislike outside time! 

Whether you’re strolling through a nearby park, hiking along a scenic trail, or simply wandering through your neighborhood, here are some fun ways to make your spring nature walk extra special.

Fun Ideas for a Spring Nature Walk

Spring Scavenger Hunt

  • Create a list of things to find, like a yellow flower, a bird’s nest, a puddle, or a buzzing bee. Let your kids check them off as they go!
  • Check out this cool nature scavenger hunt card game! It can be used year-round and it’s easy to make it fun/accessible to both younger children all the way to adults! 

Nature Sound Challenge

  • Pause for a moment and listen. Can your children hear the rustling leaves, chirping birds, or maybe even a frog croaking? Encourage them to mimic the sounds they hear.

Collect Nature Treasures

  • Bring along a small basket or bag for your kids to gather nature finds like interesting rocks, pinecones, or fallen petals. Just remind them to leave living plants and critters undisturbed.
Girl Exploring Nature in the Spring on a nature walk

Spot the Signs of Spring

  • Talk about the changes that happen in nature during spring. Look for buds on trees, blooming flowers, or new sprouts poking through the soil.

Cloud Watching

  • Find an open space to lie down and watch the clouds float by. Ask your kids what shapes and animals they see.

Bug and Bird Watching

  • Bring along a magnifying glass or binoculars for a closer look at insects and birds. Bonus points if you bring a nature guide to identify species together!
  • For those of you in South Dakota, check out this folding pocket guide to South Dakota Wildlife. A pocket guide packs a lot of great information into an easy-to-use guide that is handy to have on hikes and adventures with kids who love to ask questions. 

Photo Walk

  • Give your child a simple camera or phone to capture their favorite sights. Encourage creativity by suggesting different angles or focusing on small details.
  • If you don’t have a simple kids camera for your family yet, consider getting one! Giving your toddler or elementary aged child lets you have an insight into the things that they thought were worth taking a picture of! Plus, they get so excited to look back at the photos they took! We have this simple kids camera that has lasted through some pretty big toss-arounds. 

Storytime in Nature

  • Find a comfortable spot to sit and read a nature-themed book. Stories about bugs, animals, or changing seasons are perfect.

    Find the Perfect Spot

    Looking for great places to explore? Check out our Favorite Places to Hike Near Sioux Falls and our list of Best Parks for Toddlers in the Sioux Falls Area for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

    Make It a Tradition

    Consider making spring nature walks a weekly tradition. Bring along a picnic lunch, plan a themed walk like “flower spotting” or “puddle jumping,” and enjoy the season together.

    Spring is fleeting, so take advantage of the mild temperatures and vibrant surroundings. Lace up your walking shoes, grab your little explorers, and head outside for a joyful spring nature walk!