Our Favourite Spring Activities for Kids

spring activities for kids

Fresh air, sunshine and playtime. Hello, spring!

After a long, indoorsy winter, the sun’s out and the backyard is practically shouting your name. If your kids are bouncing off the walls (and the couch!), now’s the time to channel that energy into fun, creative outdoor adventures.

Spring is all about fresh starts. For families, that means more giggles, muddy shoes, grass stains and memory-making. From bug hunts to backyard obstacle courses, we've packed this list of spring activities for kids with ideas that will get your little ones running, laughing, and loving the great outdoors.

Nature play: curious minds welcome

Kids are natural explorers, and spring is their season to shine. Everything’s greener, buzzier and bursting with life; perfect for pint-sized adventurers.

1. Backyard scavenger hunt

Make a list of treasures: a red leaf, a snail shell, something soft, something that smells good. Hand out egg cartons or paper bags and let the kids roam free.

Extra fun: Add time limits or challenges like ‘find something smaller than your thumb.’

2. Bug detective

Flip rocks, peek under leaves, grab magnifying glasses and sketchbooks. Beetles, snails and butterflies become the stars of the show. You’ll be amazed at how long a single bug can entertain a child.

3. Plant a mini garden

Let little green thumbs dig, water and watch magic happen. Sunflowers, radishes and lettuce grow fast enough to impress impatient kids. No space? Go vertical with pots and hanging baskets.

Funky tip: Use your Funky Monkey Bars frame as a garden hub; hang pots or train climbing beans along the bars for a playful twist.

Funky Monkey Bars hoop attached to a backyard play frame

Backyard fun: burn energy, build skills

Forget pricey outings. Your backyard is the ultimate adventure zone. A few props (or the right play frame) and you’ve got an instant mini park.

4. Obstacle course challenge

Pool noodles, chairs, balls and your Funky Monkey Bars frame = a ninja course kids will beg to repeat. Add silly rules like ‘hop like a kangaroo’ or ‘walk backwards' to crank up the giggles.

5. Classic ball games with a twist

Set up mini soccer, netball or DIY bowling with bottles. The best bit? Let the kids invent new rules. (Fair warning: you’ll probably lose.)

6. Swing into spring

Nothing beats the classic swing. It’s soothing for some kids, thrilling for others and brilliant for balance and coordination. Add a trapeze or Roman rings if you want extra squeals of delight.

Creative crafts: bring nature to life

Take the mess outside and you’ll thank yourself later.

7. Painted rocks and story stones

Collect rocks on a walk, then turn them into ladybirds, superheroes or story starters with some paint.

8. Nature collages

Armed with glue and cardboard, kids can transform sticks, petals and seeds into masterpieces. Bonus points if they decorate their cubby or backyard fort with the results.

9. Bird feeders

Smear peanut butter on pine cones or citrus halves, roll in birdseed, then hang them up. Instant bird-watching station.

top bar of a Funky Monkey Bars frame

Splash and sensory play: messy equals magical

Spring means warmer weather, so bring on the splashing and squishing.

10. DIY splash zone

Buckets, sponges, cups, funnels. Add some flowers or a splash of food colouring. It’s chaos, in the best way.

11. Order up

Give the kids a bench, bowls, spoons and soil. Stand back and let them whip up dirt soup, leaf lasagne or ‘chocolate’ mud pies.

12. Foam and bubbles

Foam pits, bubble machines, shaving cream art. The messier, the better.

circular swing attached to a Funky Monkey Bars frame

Family outings: soak up the season

Not every spring activity for kids needs a backyard. Sometimes adventure is just around the corner.

13. Picnic in the park

Pack sandwiches, a rug and a frisbee. Find shade, let the kids run wild, and enjoy a coffee in peace (hopefully. We can dream).

14. Bike rides and bushwalks

Follow a trail, count butterflies, or challenge the kids to spot the most kookaburras. Perfect for tiring them out before bedtime.

15. Botanic garden bingo

Print a bingo sheet with flowers, statues and animals to spot. The winner gets first dibs on dessert.

Why spring play matters for your kids

Outdoor play in spring is more than just fun. It’s essential for your child’s growth and well-being.

It helps build physical coordination, sparks imagination and boosts their mood after months inside. And let’s be honest, more sunshine means less screen time. That’s a win for everyone.

Safety first, always

Spring play is all about fun, but it should always be safe, too. Pop on sunscreen every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy), keep water bottles handy and encourage regular sips, and always keep an eye on water play, no matter how shallow it looks. 

It’s also worth giving your backyard equipment a quick once-over to make sure everything is stable, secure and ready for action.

nest swing and climbing net attached with a Funky Monkey Bars frame

Keep the spring vibes going strong

With the right setup, outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop when spring does. Our Funky Monkey Bars are designed for Aussie backyards and built to last; modular, height-adjustable and crafted from certified-safe steel that can handle year-round play.

From toddlers finding their balance to older kids chasing their ninja dreams, our frames grow with your family and turn everyday moments into big adventures. They’re the perfect base for all your spring activities for your kids and will keep them climbing, swinging and smiling well into summer and beyond.

Explore our range of equipment, or give our team a call today and bring your outdoor space to life