1. Go on a Nature Walk

From Austin to the Hill Country, this area has no shortage of incredible greenbelts, amazing local parks, and nature reserves. Fill your spring calendar by picking a new park each week to explore. Bring along a nature scavenger hunt checklist with things like flowers, birds, bugs, or different types of leaves - and see what different things you can spot at each park. This is a great way to explore the outdoors, get the family moving, and teach your kids about the world around them.

2. Have a Picnic

Pack a simple picnic basket with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and head to any of the gorgeous local parks - or even set up in your own backyard. Lay out a blanket and enjoy a meal outdoors. Make it active by bringing along a frisbee, kickball, or even hitting up a new playground.

3. Plant a Garden

What better time is there to get your hands dirty?? Teach your kids about gardening by planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs this spring. Not only will it be fun to watch them grow, but it’s a great way to instill a sense of responsibility and patience in children.

Curious what you should plant in your spring Texas garden?

• Late March: snap beans, cucumbers, sweet corn, lima beans, mustard, tomatoes, and squash when soil temperatures are warm enough for each variety.
• During April: tomatoes, snap beans, radishes, cucumbers, corn, lima beans, mustard, peppers and squash.
• Late April: watermelon, southern peas, okra, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and pumpkin.
• May: black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, cucumber, eggplant, green beans (pole or bush type), okra, peppers, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet potato, squash and watermelon.
• Plant perennial herbs in prepared soil or containers anytime during the spring.

4. Fly Kites

Did you know there are multiple Kite Festivals in our area?? There’s nothing more magical than watching a kite soar high in the sky. Whether you buy one or make your own, flying kites is a simple yet thrilling activity for kids of all ages. Catch one of the local festivals or find your own large open space and let the fun begin!

Local festivals include : Zilker ABC Kite Fest April 5th, Cedar Park Kite Festival April 7th, and Devine Lake Kite Festival May 3rd

5. DIY Bird Feeders

Help your kids create bird feeders using simple materials like peanut butter, bird seed, and toilet paper rolls. Hang them in the trees in your yard or bring them to a local park, and watch as birds come to feast. This fun craft is a hands on way to encourage an appreciation for wildlife - and give the kids a chuckle.

6. Go the Farmer’s Market

Austin is home to many great family-friendly markets and festivals- where you can shop for fresh, local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and enjoy the fresh Springtime air. The Texas Farmers Market at Bell and Lakeline Farners Market in Cedar Park, as well as Smooth Village in Leander, are each held every Saturday morning. So get the family out and enjoy a fun, vibrant atmosphere where you can explore, support local vendors, and even catch a relaxed, kid-friendly activity (like face painting and live music).

7. Take a Family Bike Ride

The fresh air and sunshine make spring the perfect time to take out the bikes. Ride around your neighborhood, visit a nearby park, or just explore new paths together. Want to level up the ride? Head to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which loops around Lady Bird Lake and offers stunning views of downtown Austin and the lake. This is an excellent way to get some exercise and enjoy each other’s company. (bonus: many local trails have great picnic areas, so you can double up on your bucket list and get a quick bike break at the same time)