Spring! Can you feel it? All around you, neighbors are shaking off the winter blahs and heading out into the sunshine. Spring break trips are underway, and lawn and garden stores are gearing up for the spring rush. In much the same way, we can use the hope and optimism of spring to motivate ourselves for regrowth in our family. Most people like lists, right? I know I do. So here are ten spring Bucket List ideas to get you started!
- Go for a bike ride – Now that the slush is off the streets and sidewalks are clearing up, pump up those tires and explore your local neighborhood or some nearby trails. Mechanically minded? Give your kids a quick lesson in bike maintenance, or take them to an “open stand” night at a local bike shop. You never know when this knowledge may come in handy.
- Grill out – Nothing says, “Summer is coming” like the smell of grilling. Make something simple like hot dogs or burgers, or show off your skill with a marinade! Make sure to double check your propane tank level before mealtime. Better yet, make sure you have an extra tank handy. My father-in-law would appreciate me saying this.
- Check out the zoo – My family loves going to zoos. If there is a zoo in a town we are visiting, we are there like clockwork. There is so much to see and learn. It really is a great activity for the entire family. If you go more than once during the year, consider an annual membership.
- Hit the parks – You could go to the nearest local playground and push the kids on the swings, or head for a nature center or state park. These venues often hold events on the weekends, on anything from sheep shearing to planting butterfly gardens. They are also great for family hikes or overnight camping trips. We have so many wonderful state parks. I encourage you to consider trying a new one each year.
- Fly A Kite – Everyone needs to try it at least once, right? If you have kids, you could follow it up with a viewing of Mary Poppins or the Disney movie UP.
- Visit a Farmer’s Market – Different markets meet on different days of the week, but Saturday is probably the most popular. If you do an online search of farmer’s markets, you will be shocked on how many there are. Farmer’s markets offer a great feeling of community, and good eats, too!
- Renew your Vows – I should probably have put this first on the list, but let me just say, the decision I made to plan a renewing of our vows ceremony on our ten-year anniversary was by far one of the best decisions I ever made. It helped us remember the commitment we made to each other and it re-connected us emotionally. As a bonus, we had a great celebration party with family and friends.
- Make bird feeders – You do not have to be a woodworker to make great bird feeders. Heck, go buy one. You might want to do some of these activities outdoors, but they are a terrific way to get everyone looking out the windows instead of at their screens.
- Plant something! – Even if all you’ve got is a porch, you can garden. You’d be surprised what will thrive in a planter, and kids who grow their own veggies are more likely to eat them at mealtime.
- Break out the bubbles – Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are about the easiest and least expensive “family fun” win you are ever going to see. And, it’s a quick, at-home activity you can fit in after work.
Be sure and snap some selfies while you are out playing. Make sure to post them to your social media sites and put a few in collage frames to affirm the importance of your time together. The warmth and longer days of springtime make it a perfect time to renew family connections. Get out there, and see how many of these ideas you can check off!
God Bless,
Doug Hedrick