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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.

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!

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Little Leapers is open to all children 6 years old or younger!

Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

You’ll love watching your child bounce, climb and explore in a safe environment while interacting with similar age children and learning about sharing, teamwork, and other important social skills.

Bond, make memories and watch your Little Leaper thrive.

OH WAIT! Did we mention parents jump free?

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Registration is required. The class is free! 

Age: recommended 3 to 5, with adult

Dates:  Wednesday, January 22, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m and Wed, 12 February 2025 10:00 AM- 11 AM.

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• Do I have to do preschool before Kindergaten?
• How will my child benefit from Preschool?
• How do costs compare to daycare?
• Are there waiting lists?
• Does my child have to be potty trained? 

We have the answers!

Join the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Admissions team and one of our very own preschool teachers to learn more about our preschool options and get all your other questions answered! 

For more information feel free to call us at 605-575-3341 or email us at admissions@ogknights.org

No RSVP required! 

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Related Reads:

• 25 Family Activities that are Screen-Free
• Summer Reading: Why it Matters

But we also know that technology is very much a part of our lives. Our children growing up learning how to use it wisely is a gift we should all strive to give them. The screen time we give them can be a great mix of fun and educational! 

Here’s a roundup of the best phone apps for younger kids that are both fun and educational, ensuring that your child enjoys their screen time while learning something new.

Khan Academy Kids

Age Range: 2-8 years  

Platform: iOS, Android

Khan Academy Kids is a free, award-winning educational program designed to inspire young children to become learners for life. It features thousands of interactive activities, books, songs, and games that cover a wide range of subjects, including reading, math, and social-emotional development. 

ABCmouse.com

Age Range: 2-8 years  

Platform: iOS, Android

ABCmouse.com is a comprehensive early learning app that offers a full online curriculum for preschool through 2nd grade. It includes thousands of educational activities! They have interactive lessons, games, puzzles, and songs. Subjects covered include reading, math, science, and art. The app tracks your child’s progress and puts them on their own path for learning. 

Duolingo Kids

Age Range: 3-7 years  

Platform: iOS, Android

Duolingo Kids is a fun and effective way for young children to learn new languages. The app offers courses in Spanish, French, and English, with interactive lessons and games that make language learning enjoyable. Duolingo Kids uses a game-like approach to keep children motivated, offering rewards and achievements as they progress through the levels.

Endless Alphabet

Age Range: 3-6 years  

Platform: iOS, Android

Endless Alphabet is an engaging app that helps young children build their vocabulary and phonics skills. The app features fun monster friends who introduce kids to new words through fun puzzles and animations. Each word is explained with a short video, making it easier for children to understand and remember. 

PBS Kids Games

Age Range: 2-8 years  

Platform: iOS, Android

PBS Kids Games offers a collection of educational games featuring characters from popular PBS Kids shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Wild Kratts. The app covers various subjects, including math, science, reading, and creativity. Each game is designed to reinforce learning through play, making it an excellent resource for fun and educational screen time.

Starfall Education

Age Range: 2-8 years  

Platform: iOS, Android

Starfall Education is a well-loved app that offers a range of activities to help children learn to read and develop early math skills. The app features interactive books, songs, and games that cover phonics, vocabulary, and basic math concepts. Starfall is especially popular for its reading resources.

These apps not only provide entertainment, but they also ensure that your child is learning valuable skills along the way. By incorporating these fun and educational apps into your child’s routine, you can make screen time a positive and enriching experience. Happy learning!

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