Spring is such a magical season for little ones. The weather warms, birds return, flowers bloom; and curiosity blooms right alongside them! If you’re ready to shake off the winter doldrums and fill your days with sunshine and smiles, here are five fun, simple ways to celebrate spring with your toddler or preschooler.
1. Plant a Seed and Watch It Grow
One of the simplest ways to welcome spring is by planting seeds in a cup and watching them sprout together. All you need is a clear plastic or paper cup, potting soil, and seeds (grass seeds, beans, or fast-growing flowers are great choices). Help your child fill the cup about two-thirds full with soil, tuck one or two seeds gently just beneath the surface, and give them a light drink of water. Place the cup on a sunny windowsill and encourage your child to check it daily and tell you what they observe as shoots begin to appear.
This simple cup-planting guide is a great starting place
2. Read Spring-Themed Books Together
Here are some favorite picture books perfect for tiny hands and big imaginations:
- Little Blue Truck’s Springtime by Alice Shertle: Perfect for littles who love lift-the-flap surprises and farm animals! In this short, cheerful board book, Little Blue Truck goes for a springtime drive and meets all kinds of baby animals along the way.
- The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle: A classic for curious kids who love nature stories! This beloved picture book follows the long journey of a tiny seed as it weathers winter and bursts into life in the spring.
- Hello Spring by Linka Finch: A wonderful book for children working on their vocabulary and words.
3. Build a Simple Bird Feeder
Spring means birds are busy building nests and looking for food—so why not help them out?
One easy project is a bird feeder made with just a pipe cleaner and cereal rings (like Cheerios). Thread the cereal onto a looped pipe cleaner, twist the ends together, and hang it on a low branch. Birds will soon discover their tasty new treat, and your preschooler will love checking every day to see who visits.
4. Go on a Nature Walk and Make a Spring Scavenger Hunt
Take a walk around your neighborhood or local park and make a spring scavenger hunt list together. Look for:
- Budding flowers
- Chirping birds
- Smooth rocks
- Bugs crawling along paths
- Puffy clouds and blue skies
Toddlers especially love pointing things out, and this kind of walk turns a simple stroll into an adventure full of discovery
5. Celebrate with Crafts Inspired by Nature
Bring the outdoors inside with simple projects! Gather things like leaves, petals, twigs, or even grass clippings and create a spring collage. Glue them onto paper and talk about each piece: “What color is this?” or “Where did we find this?”
Another fun option is to make flower crowns from petals and grass or paint rocks you found on your walk. Crafts like these are all about process over perfection—your preschooler will love the sensory fun and vibrant colors.
Final thoughts:
Spring with a toddler or preschooler is full of joy, wonder, and messy hands—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re planting seeds, reading stories, or watching birds at the feeder, these moments help your child connect with nature, build curiosity, and make memories that bloom long after the season ends.
Happy Spring!