Peel off the winter coats, toss the gloves in the closet, and get some fresh spring air! Old Man Winter has settled in for a long spring, summer, and fall nap, and it’s time to awaken your senses with the sights and sounds of spring. If your grandkids have been cooped up for the most part, Let those little bundles of energy loose! Take them outside for some fresh air, exercise, and sunshine (and, surreptitiously, some chores!).
Have them help with spring chores OK, that may not sound like fun, but young mechanics can help winterize the snowblower and prep the lawnmower. Little gardeners can put away the shovels and get out the gardening supplies. Make a game out of picking up sticks in the yard—Winner gets a special treat!
Get in the dirt As long as the gardening tools are out, take the kids out to the yard and start a garden together. There’s nothing like the smell of fresh air and fresh dirt. Let them choose an appropriate plant of their own and teach them how to take care of it. The promise of fresh veggies can be a tempting motive to help out and watch new life sprout!
Take a hike I mean that in a nice way, of course! Now that the blanket of snow has lifted off the sleeping ground, there are plenty of things to see, like sprouting plants and early bloomers to animal tracks and fresh burrows. And of course, now that the waterways are not frozen, there are fish and aquatic plants to view.
The Lehigh Valley Zoo lets you visit animals you probably won’t see on your nature hike! Interactive and educational (and fun!) activities abound. Check the zoo website for upcoming events. lvzoo.org | (610) 799-4171
Gaze at the stars Learn what Teddy Roosevelt meant when, after an evening of stargazing, he said to his friend, “Now I think we are small enough.” Look for familiar constellations and planets, or think about the fact that there are manmade objects on the moon and Mars. Visit the NASA website to see if the International Space Station is cruising by! You can also visit the Lehigh Valley Astronomical Society for Public Star Parties and other out-of-this-world programs! lvaas.org
Scribble on your sidewalk or driveway Create your own (temporary) art museum by decorating your property with (washable) sidewalk chalk. It’s also a great way to cheer up needy neighbors and express your feelings! Who knows—you may encourage the next Pavement Picasso!
Camp at the Center The Da Vinci Science Center is taking registrations for their in-person summer camps! “Experienced educators lead hands-on science activities that inspire campers to think creatively, be curious, and learn through their own observations and discoveries. Campers will make new friends, develop lifelong critical thinking skills, and totally have the most fun with science.” davincisciencecenter.org.
