Springtime Activities for Children

Spring is officially here and after a rather dreary winter, we know you're ready to get your kids outside to celebrate the warmer weather, sunshine, and budding flowers. Our Raleigh preschool likes to incorporate special spring time activities to do with the kids to teach them about spring in a way that supports exploration, discovery, creativity, and fun. We wanted to take the opportunity to share some of our favorite spring art projects for preschoolers you can easily do at home. 

Spring Activities for Preschoolers

We know you're ready to venture outdoors, so here are some great spring activities for outside. 

Growing Green Beans on Cotton Balls

While this can be done inside, you can also do it outside and then, once the beans get bigger, you'll transfer them into soil. This is a great way to show how plants start from seeds, and because green beans grow FAST, it's perfect for impatient preschoolers!

You'll need: 

• Packet of green bean seeds
• Clear glass or plastic container
• Cotton balls

Instructions: 

• Fill the container with cotton balls so they are fairly snugly packed.
• Place a seed on the side of the jar so you can see it as it sprouts but so it's surrounded in cotton. You can probably do a seed on each side of the jar depending on how large the container is.
• Water the cotton balls until they're damp but not soaking wet.
• Place the jar outside in direct sunlight.
• Water as needed. 

Within a few days, the bean will break open with a root and begin sprouting and soon, a stem will begin to grow and the seed husk will drop away. Once a few sets of leaves have sprouted and there's a complex root system, carefully remove the plants from the container and untangle the roots from the cotton balls, then plant in soil in a sunny location, either in the ground or in a larger container. 

Springtime Nature Walk

Visit Umstead State Park, a local park, or even just walk around your neighborhood and look for signs of spring. You can even make it an "I Spy" type of game where you go out with a list of spring items to find and check them off as your preschooler finds them. Your list can include spotting a yellow flower, hearing a bird chirping, and other sights and sounds of spring.  

Hang a Bird Feeder

Make bird spotting a snap with an easy DIY bird feeder for your backyard. 

You'll need: 

• Empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll
• Long piece of yarn or twine
• Peanut butter 
• Bird seed

Instructions: 

• Poke two holes (or use a hole punch) across from each other near the end of the cardboard roll, run the string through the holes, and tie the ends of the string together.
• Have your preschooler spread a layer of peanut butter around the roll.
• Roll the toilet paper roll through birdseed, thoroughly covering the surface.
• Hang the bird feeder outside from a tree branch or fence post. 

Schedule a Tour of Our Child Care Center in Raleigh 

At Primary Beginnings, we believe that children learn and thrive in a nurturing, caring environment where they can explore, play, and discover in a way that fosters development. From spring activities and crafts to events and experiences throughout the year, you can feel confident that your child's well being and development is our top priority. If you’re looking for a preschool in Raleigh, schedule a tour by calling us at 919-790-6888 for our Spring Forest Road location and 919-785-0303 for our North Hills Drive Center or fill out the form below to learn more.