{"id":5961,"date":"2023-04-19T16:56:16","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T16:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/?p=5961"},"modified":"2023-04-19T17:01:01","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T17:01:01","slug":"outdoor-activities-to-celebrate-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/outdoor-activities-to-celebrate-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Outdoor Activities to Celebrate Spring With Family"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5971\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-outside-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-outside-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-outside-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-outside-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-outside-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/>Spring is here! While we\u2019re trading our coats in for T-shirts, let\u2019s swap those computer and TV screens for some outdoor fun. Many organized community sports will start up soon for the summer months, but what can you do to get the kids outside now?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take A Hike<\/strong><br \/>\nHiking in spring is fantastic; you get to watch nature come alive after a winter\u2019s sleep, enjoy the weather without the bugs, and if you\u2019re lucky, find a puddle or two to jump in! Make a game out of your hike by searching for signs of spring.<br \/>\nDid you know the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aurora.ca\/en\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Town of Aurora<\/a> has approximately 62 kilometres of trails just waiting for you to explore? The majority of these amazing trails are multi-purpose with compact gravel surfaces. In our Allegro community there is an inter-connected network of trails that runs through the community, both paved and off-road, that connects directly with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oakridgestrail.org\/moraine\/oak-ridges-moraine-key-trail-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oak Ridges Moraine Trail<\/a>.You can search for all trails in Aurora with the interactive map at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aurora.ca\/en\/recreation-arts-and-culture\/trail-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">aurora.ca\/trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In Midhurst, start by exploring the nature trails and parks right in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/midhurst-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Midhurst Valley<\/a>, naturalized areas and scenic trails like the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.simcoe.ca\/TrailsMedia\/HicklingTrail\/PDF\/HIT.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hickling Recreational Trail.<\/a>&nbsp;It&#8217;s a very popular area for birding as well as hiking, and a great way to explore the outdoors.&nbsp;Also close by is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontarioparks.com\/park\/springwater\">Springwater Provincial Park<\/a> which offers many outdoor activities including 12 kilometres of hiking trails.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5963\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5963\" class=\"wp-image-5963\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Family-Hikes-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Family-Hikes-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Family-Hikes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Family-Hikes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Family-Hikes-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5963\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There are so many things to discover on a family hike<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Go Fly A Kite<\/strong><br \/>\nSpring is the perfect time to go kite flying. The days tend to be windier and that\u2019s ideal for kite flying. Choose a big, open space like a park, the beach or open field away from power lines or buildings. The more space you have the more line you can let out and the higher your kite can fly. Here are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.momjunction.com\/articles\/how-to-fly-a-kite-for-kids_00386279\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">some tips<\/a> for beginners.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5962\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Kite-flying-funtimes-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Kite-flying-funtimes-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Kite-flying-funtimes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Kite-flying-funtimes-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Kite-flying-funtimes-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>For The Birds<\/strong><br \/>\nAs birds are building nests and coming back home for the warmer months, it\u2019s time to get those bird houses in shape. A fun project your kids will enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesprucecrafts.com\/diy-birdhouse-ideas-4161116\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">helping to build<\/a> and to choose the ideal location. It\u2019s also time to plan for the return of hummingbirds. Whether you\u2019re putting out a special hummingbird feeder, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/pollinator-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planting a garden to attract<\/a> these delightful birds, make it a family affair. You can even make your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalbeachliving.com\/easy-peanut-butter-bird-treats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bird feeder<\/a> if you like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5964\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5964\" class=\"wp-image-5964\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bird-feeders-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bird-feeders-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bird-feeders-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bird-feeders-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bird-feeders-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5964\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Different food, and types of feeders, will attract a variety of birds<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Visit A Farmers\u2019 Market<\/strong><br \/>\nGetting outdoors and supporting local business is a win-win. Now that spring has arrived many markets are opening for the season or moving outside.<br \/>\nHere are details on the farmers\u2019 markets in our communities:<br \/>\nAurora <a href=\"https:\/\/theaurorafarmersmarket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a> \u2013 Saturdays from May \u2013 October<br \/>\nSpringwater \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/barriehillfarms.com\/farm-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barrie Hill Farms<\/a> \u2013 Opens in May<br \/>\nPort Perry <a href=\"https:\/\/www.portperryfarmersmarket.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lakefront Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a> \u2013 Saturdays from Victoria Weekend to Thanksgiving<br \/>\nPickering City Centre <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pickering.ca\/en\/farmersmarket.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a> \u2013 Tuesdays from June \u2013 October<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5965\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5965\" class=\"wp-image-5965\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/famres-market-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/famres-market-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/famres-market-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/famres-market-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/famres-market-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5965\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nothing beats the freshness of a Farmers&#8217; Market<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Save For A Rainy Day<\/strong><br \/>\nBuild a homemade <a href=\"https:\/\/www.steampoweredfamily.com\/how-to-make-a-rain-gauge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rain Gauge<\/a>, an activity that will make the kids get excited for rain. Recording the weather throughout the spring, summer and fall also helps the younger ones with their numbers. Another activity is to make a small \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.schlage.com\/blog\/categories\/2020\/04\/diy-childrens-garden-ideas.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kids\u2019 garden<\/a>\u201d for fun discoveries after a rain.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5966\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5966\" class=\"wp-image-5966\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/enjoythe-rain-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/enjoythe-rain-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/enjoythe-rain-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/enjoythe-rain-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/enjoythe-rain-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5966\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">With a little preparation your kids can enjoy the rain<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Never Two-Tired For a Bike Ride<\/strong><br \/>\nA sure sign of spring is getting the bike out of storage and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/home\/how-to-plans\/how-to\/g2594\/9-step-checklist-to-prepare-your-bicycle-for-spring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tuning it up<\/a> for the season. You can use that family bike ride to enjoy the sights around town and discover interesting things in your community. Lead by example and be sure to practise all of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/canadasafetycouncil.org\/safe-cycling-is-not-just-for-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bike safety rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5967\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5967\" class=\"wp-image-5967\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-bikeride-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-bikeride-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-bikeride-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-bikeride-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-bikeride-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5967\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A family bike ride is something everyone can enjoy<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Be The Chalk of The Town<\/strong><br \/>\nWhether it\u2019s a work of art, game of four square, puzzle or making a traffic route, it\u2019s amazing what one piece of chalk can do on the driveway or sidewalk. There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/makeandtakes.com\/sidewalk-chalk-activities-and-games\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cool games and activities<\/a> you can chalk up to a spring day. Wrap it up with a fun game of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parents.com\/fun\/activities\/hopscotch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hopscotch<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5968\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5968\" class=\"wp-image-5968\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/with-a-sidewalkand-some-chalk-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/with-a-sidewalkand-some-chalk-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/with-a-sidewalkand-some-chalk-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/with-a-sidewalkand-some-chalk-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/with-a-sidewalkand-some-chalk-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5968\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">With a sidewalk and some chalk, there&#8217;s no limit to what you can do<\/p><\/div>\n<p>And, speaking of games \u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>Play A Game, Or Three<\/strong><br \/>\nSometimes good old fashioned games like hide \u2018n seek, or skipping, or throwing a Frisbee are simple and easy and can make for a memorable afternoon. Other ideas include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.natureconservancy.ca\/en\/what-you-can-do\/bring-nature-home\/kids-corner\/nature-bingo.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nature bingo<\/a>, a way for kids to look out for special things and be more aware of what\u2019s around them. Kicking around a soccer ball, or playing catch, getting a street hockey game going; these are all family moments you\u2019ll enjoy, while getting your future soccer or baseball star ready for the season.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5969\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5969\" class=\"wp-image-5969\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/playing-catch-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/playing-catch-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/playing-catch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/playing-catch-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/playing-catch-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5969\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There&#8217;s always time to play some ball<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The most important part of getting outside with the family is to make it fun. Set a good example by showing your enthusiasm for outdoor activities. Make it a daily routine, such as after school or on the weekends. Getting kids outside not only keeps them active but promotes a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5970\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5970\" class=\"wp-image-5970\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-kids-outside-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-kids-outside-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-kids-outside-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-kids-outside-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/getting-kids-outside-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5970\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Getting the kids outdoors promotes a healthy lifestyle<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spring is here! Time to trade in coats for T-shirts and computer screens for some outdoor fun. Many organized community sports will start up soon for the summer months, but what can you do to get the kids outside now? <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/outdoor-activities-to-celebrate-spring\/\">READ MORE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5971,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[546,11,189,36,8,191],"tags":[549,295,764,321,436,1049,437,914,84,369,285,176,1048],"class_list":["post-5961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aurora","category-community","category-midhurst","category-outdoor_entertaing","category-outdoor-living","category-sports-leisure","tag-aurora","tag-family","tag-farmers-market","tag-home","tag-kids","tag-kids-activities","tag-kids-fun","tag-midhurst","tag-neighbourhood","tag-outdoors","tag-sports","tag-spring","tag-spring-activities"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5961"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5979,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5961\/revisions\/5979"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}