With warmer weather on the horizon, there are plenty of fun and engaging outdoor activities and programs to enjoy. These interesting pursuits include promoting sports participation to keep children active and healthy as well as preparing for spring holidays such as Easter and Passover. Below are eight family-friendly suggestions to kick-start your spring season.
Take a Nature Walk:
Keep an eye on Cherrywatch, a page monitoring and updating the status of the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The flowers haven’t bloomed as of yet but as the temperature becomes warmer outside, visitors will be able to see them at first-bloom and peak-bloom. In the meantime, families can still visit the venue to take a walk around the gardens and view the current collections on display. Parents and children can also take a stroll around Alley Pond Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, East River Waterfront Esplanade, and others located around the city.
Travel Outside the City:
Spring weather is the perfect time to trek outside the hectic city streets and visit a farmer’s market or go fruit and vegetable-picking. These ingredients can be used to prepare a healthy addition to any meal. Here at the Nanny Authority, our nannies are well-versed in healthy meal planning and preparation. Families can also pack a picnic basket and enjoy a light snack or lunch outside. Check out our blog on “Easy Meals for Kids in Under 20 Minutes,” to accompany you on your picnic this Spring.
Travel Inside the City:
For families that are unable to travel outside the city, there are plenty of outdoor festivals and street fairs to enjoy in your local neighborhood. For instance, Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg in Williamsburg re-opens on April 2nd, where parents and children can sample local fare while gazing at the river. The Fort Green market also opens during the first weekend of April. Additional festivals in the city include the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, taking place during the second week of June in Madison Square Park. To enjoy a picnic, look no further than Central Park’s Sheep Meadow.
Encourage a Green Thumb:
It is easier to take up gardening during the warmer months. Help your children plant flowers such as pansies, lilacs, daffodils, tulips and others. A comprehensive list of spring flowers that can be planted in your garden can be found on Better Homes & Gardens website. Another popular item to build and design is a bird feeder. One of our favorite DIY bird feeders can be found here.
Promote Spending Time Outdoors:
Whether you’re a Mets or Yankees fan, grab tickets to a baseball game and enjoy an afternoon at the ballpark. Additional sports related activities include flying a kite, bike-riding, rollerblading, or playing a game of Frisbee. Even introverted children love going to the park, exploring the city, or playing in the backyard.
Spring Scavenger Hunt:
A scavenger hunt can build teamwork, teach children how to utilize their senses, and help them learn how to explore and discover the world around them. A nanny that is familiar with the neighborhood will be able to design and execute a fun and safe scavenger hunt.
Donate Old Winter Clothes:
One way to celebrate the start of the spring season is to discard some old items, which includes winter clothes your children might have outgrown. Families can donate them to their local Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Holiday Related Activities:
Several holidays occur during the spring season, such as Easter, Passover, and Earth Day! To celebrate the festivities, children can partake in a number of different crafts and pursuits. For Easter, kids can dye and design their own eggs, construct his or her own Passover Seder plate, and build their own watering can for Earth Day!
April Showers Bring May Flowers:
Sometimes children are forced to stay indoors during the season. Some rainy-day activities include designing your own flower crafts or tie-dying t-shirts and other items. In addition to a detailed guide of outdoor activities, games, and crafts to engage children in, our indoor fun and rainy day activities can be found on our website and Pinterest boards.
The Nanny Authority takes pride in placing creative, conscientious, and dedicated nannies with families that are looking for help with their youngest members. Our nannies are well-versed in age-appropriate seasonal activities and programs, and parents can feel comfortable knowing that their children maintain a healthy lifestyle while the parents aren’t around. To learn more about how we can assist you in your search for a professional nanny, contact us via e-mail or call us at (973) 466-2669 today. We offer the support and resources you need to provide the best care for your children.