Spring is finally here—and with the warmer weather and blooming flowers, young children are eager to move, explore, and play! Movement not only helps little ones burn off energy, but it’s also a powerful tool for learning. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or early childhood educator, here are five fun and educational spring-themed activities that get kids moving while helping them connect with nature.
These activities from Project Learning Tree are especially great for children younger than age 6 — and particularly helpful for neurodivergent children who thrive in outdoor learning environments.
1. Leaf & Seed Sorting Adventure
Head outside for a nature walk and collect leaves, pinecones, seeds, and more. Once back inside, turn your findings into a sorting game! Place labeled bins around the room and have kids sort items by type, color, or size. This supports early math and science skills—and keeps bodies moving!
2. Simon Says: Spring Edition
Give this classic game a seasonal twist! Try commands like “Simon says hop like a bunny,” “Be a tree in the wind,” or “Plant a seed and water it.” It’s a silly, fun way to reinforce spring vocabulary and practice following directions.
3. Nature Yoga
Stretch and move with poses like Tree, Rainbow, Frog, or Butterfly. Nature-themed yoga is a calm, structured way for kids to build strength and balance while learning about the natural world.
4. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple springtime scavenger hunt! Have children search for flowers, bugs, bird nests, or different shapes of leaves. You can use a printed bingo board or even hide nature-themed items inside the house for indoor play.
5. Animal Charades
Act out your favorite forest friends! Have kids take turns silently pretending to be an animal—wiggling like a worm, hopping like a frog, or fluttering like a butterfly—while others guess. This activity sparks creativity and builds gross motor skills.
These movement activities are perfect for engaging young children while supporting their physical and cognitive development—all with a fun, springtime twist!
