By Jack Berning, Contributing blogger
It’s time to shake off the winter blues!
After a long season spent inside, spring has officially arrived across the country. There is no better feeling than longer days, warmer temperatures, and blooming foliage; you’ll want to be sure to take advantage!
In this article, we’re giving you 5 springtime adventure ideas that the whole family can enjoy.
Grab your backpack and don’t forget your rain jackets — we’re headed out to explore!
1. Wildflower Hunting
No matter what region of the United States your in, beautiful wildflower blooms are just a short road trip away!
Enjoy hikes with the family and stunning views at these special spots:
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: If you’re on the east coast, Shenandoah is a must-visit to see bloodroot, violets, and geraniums! You’ll be blown away.
- Chapell Hill, Texas: Everything is bigger in Texas, and the bluebonnet fields of early April are no exception. From Breham to Chapell Hill the Bluebonnets stretch on for 80 miles, and they’re simply amazing!
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee: If you haven’t made it to the Smokies yet, wildflowers are your perfect excuse! You’ll see everything from trillium to violets, and enjoy all the amazing offerings of the national park.
- Mima Mounds, Washington: With Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens providing the perfect backdrop, Mima Mounds is located just outside of state capitol Olympia and provides some of the best wildflowers around! Visit in early May for a stunning display.
None of these locations close to you?
That’s okay! A quick google search will provide great destinations for flower hunting near you. Just make sure to be picnic-prepared with a trail pack!
2. Rain Party
Since when does rain have to be an inconvenience?
With the right rain gear, there’s nothing better than a puddle splashing party with the family.
Collect rain in containers, listen to the drops hit metal or glass containers to create a song, and float a boat made out of paper, twigs, and leaves!
Your kids will love it, and it certainly beats spending another long day inside. Embrace the rain and the life it brings — the sky will give you a natural shower!
3. Plant a Garden
There is no better way to get your child off the screen and into the natural world than planting a garden.
Instead of framing the garden as work, frame it as magic. A little tiny seed can grow into a beautiful plant, serving as a family activity for everyone to attend to as your garden sprouts!
Try planting plant nectar and pollen-rich flowers that will attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
What could be a better spring day than one spent in the garden tending to plants and chasing butterflies? Saturday mornings are officially taken care of!
4. Wildlife Excursion
No matter where you live, there are outdoor regions to be explored that are bursting with wildlife.
Head to the nearest wooded area and make a game out of animal searching. Watch for birds in the trees, check under rocks for creepy crawlies, and look out for rodents scurrying across the trail.
At the end of the day, talk about what animals you saw and rank your favorites. (Bonus points for finding tracks!)
It’s a great way to organically educate your kids on the natural world and help them develop an appreciation for the animal kingdom that exists all around us.
Just make sure everyone has got the right footwear so that mud and sore feet don’t intrude on the day!
5. Stargazing
What could be better for a kid than staying up past bedtime?
Make it an occasion by getting out of the city to look up at the stars. Try to pick out planets and constellations to discover the magic of the night!
If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a shooting star. Check out the meteor shower calendar for your best odds — the lyrids are due in April.
At night the weather can still get pretty chilly in the spring, so toss on a fleece and give yourself permission to forget about the world for a night with the family!
We’re Here to Make Your Spring Fantastic
Finally! Spring has sprung. And here at Avalanche Outdoor Supply Company, we’ve got all the gear, clothing, and accessories you need to make any adventure into a lifelong memory.
We’ve got you covered! Here’s to an amazing springtime full of exploring. Check out our new arrivals today!
