It’s true, spring has sprung!  And the days are getting longer, with the weather warming up and the flora beginning to bloom again.  There are hundreds of fun outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy together, and now’s the perfect time to start planning your spring!

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Fun

For those moms out there who want to ensure their little ones have a blast but also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg doing so, here are some great outdoor ideas.

Kite Flying

Not only is flying a kite fun and easy for kids to learn, but it’s also a great stress reliever for parents as well.  Kites can be pretty inexpensive, and come in different shapes and syles.  With thousands of designs to choose from, kids will have a blast picking out their favorite kite, and won’t be able to contain their excitement on their way to the park to fly it.  For older children, try taking a day or two to learn how to build your own kite.  Be sure to add an outdoor picnic or fishing to the day to make it a relaxing day with the family.

Mini Golf

There are mini golf courses all over the Midwest, meaning there are plenty to choose from, which helps change it up each time you decide to visit one.  There are pirate themed courses, animal or barnyard themed ones, and even a KISS themed course!  Try doing some research on America’s wackiest mini golf courses to see just what’s out there for you and the kids.  Many are or have indoor courses, too, for rainy days.

Horseback Riding

Any reason to get kids outdoors and off their phones or iPads is a good reason, and horseback riding is an exciting distraction for children of all ages.  Though it can get a little pricy compared to mini golf, it is well worth it.  Kids get to learn the responsibility of taking care of a large animal, and how to connect with a different species.  They are taught how to direct the animal while riding, and, if they continue lessons, can even start riding them on trails.  Of course, definitely look into the different ranches that offer horseback riding for children to ensure they are all up to code and provide nothing but safe care for the visiting families and the horses as well.

Canoeing

If your child knows how to swim, canoeing is an extremely exciting adventure for them.  There are a handful of places around the area at any given time that offer cheap or even free canoe rentals for families to paddle around in.  Many even offer classes.  It’s relaxing to be able to get away from the city noise and slowly drift through a quiet body of water, and children love to see the different water wildlife while helping row the boat.  Don’t forget to bring some bread to feed the ducks, as long as the site allows it!

Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market

During warmer months, local farmers set up tents and booths to sell their home grown fruits, vegetables and even meats directly to the public, lessening transport and time in storage, meaning it’s extremely fresh.  You can find these Farmers’ Markets in many areas, and they are frequented by thousands.  Arts and crafts are also sold there, and it’s a great place to take the family for a stroll.  By attending one, you can also teach your kids that supporting your local farmers and business is extremely important.  There are different Farmers’ Markets open at different times during the surrounding areas, so there should be one nearby for your convenience throughout the week.

Visit a Zoo

Zoos may seem like a typical addition to a city, tucked away for that one day in the future that never actually comes, but it’s actually been proven that children truly learn from visiting a zoo.  There are many stations set up at each exhibit throughout each zoo, and some are interactive.  Teaching kids concern for the endangerment of wild animals is one of the many perks of visiting these attractions.  Seeing animals firsthand that can normally only be viewed on a television or movie screen also brings a sense of wonder to people of all ages.  There are fantastic zoos to visit in the Midwest for little to no charge.  Watch as your child compares wingspans and foot sizes of different animals to their own, learns different bird calls, discovers what wild animals eat what and so much more.  A visit to the zoo on a warm day is a wonderful way to spend some quality family time together.

Family Fun Is Always Around the Corner

Planning a day trip with the kids may sound daunting at times, but it certainly doesn’t have to be.  Every activity listed above is better (and much healthier!) than sitting at a McDonald’s as well as cheaper than forking out chunks of changes at movie theaters or waterparks.  Getting the family outside and making sure they keep exercising their bodies and their minds is so important.