8 this to do outside this spring

The weather is warming up, so it’s time to kick off those fur boots, shed your winter jacket and start enjoying the fresh spring air. It’s the perfect season to spend some quality time with friends and family in the great outdoors.

From backyard barbecues to picnics in the park, here are eights ways to keep busy this spring:

1. Scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great activity for kids, especially if it’s centered around the outdoors. Keep it spring-themed and have the kids search for things like dew drops, leaves, bees, spider webs, colorful flowers and a bird’s nest. In keeping with the theme, reward the winning team with cookies or cupcakes decorated like a flower.

2. Go camping
Plan a weekend getaway in the woods for you and your family. Take mini day hikes, go fishing, tell campfire stories and, of course, roast marshmallows over an open flame – just like you used to when you were a camper. Invite a couple of your closet family friends, too! You can even camp out in your backyard, but be sure to make a rule that prohibits electronic devices to reflect what it would actually be like in the forest.

3. Grow a garden
Flex your green thumb and start a garden. Pant an array of colorful flowers like tulips, daffodils orhydrangea. Consider sectioning off an area in your garden to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, too. Some of the best herbs to grow in early spring are cilantro, lemon balm, dill and basil. Once your herbs are ready to use, throw them in a homemade dish!

You could also decorate your walkway by lining your porch with some of Teleflora’s Spring Flower Arrangements. For a clean-looking aesthetic, go for potted plants like Teleflora’s Blushing Lilies or Yellow Fellow. Enjoy $15 Off Spring Flowers with Teleflora promo code. Offer valid through April 30.2016!

4. Get in the game
Looking for a way to be more active in your local community? Sign up and join an adult sports league like softball or soccer. It’s a great way for you and your significant other to be more involved in the community and meet new people in the neighborhood. Check to see if there are leagues for your kids, too!

5. Chalk-drawn art show
Kids always love drawing with sidewalk chalk, so gather a group of your neighborhood friends and create an art show for the kids. Draft a flier with the who, what, where, when and why, and pass it out to all of the houses in your subdivision. This is a great way for kids to show off their artistic abilities and interact with their neighborhood buddies.

6. Host a carwash
Want to make some quick cash? Set up a neighborhood car wash, but make sure you check out the weather report first. Be sure to pick a sunny day on the weekend – that’s when you’ll get the most business. Create and pass out flyers a couple of days in advance to advertise the carwash. To make a couple of extra bucks, set up a lemonade stand so patrons can enjoy a refreshing drink while they wait for their cars to be cleaned.

7. Train for a marathon
You’ve always dreamed of being marathon runner, so why not turn it into a reality. You can either fly solo or commission a group of your friends (or even you kids!) and have them run with you. This doesn’t necessarily even have to be running. Look into a bike marathon or an obstacle course.

8. Get artsy
Instead of painting with traditional brushes or even fingers, use water guns instead. Fill the guns with washable paint, head outside and have your kids fire on a blank canvas. Section off certain areas with tape to create unique shapes and interesting designs.