![[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/5WswdHdEZNM/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts
In spring, when the warm sunlight feels pleasant, colorful grasses and flowers bloom and insects become active, giving children more chances to go outdoors and connect with nature.
So this time, we’re introducing fun play ideas that are perfect for spring.
We’ve gathered lots of engaging ideas that spark children’s curiosity—from nature-based activities unique to spring to fingerplays, eurhythmics, and crafts.
As a new school term begins, let’s incorporate plenty of play so children can spend each day freely and joyfully.
Let’s enjoy spring to the fullest!
Please note: In this text, items made by the children are treated as “works,” so we refer to them as “seisaku (制作).”
[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Physical Play, and Crafts (1–10)
Sakura sensory bottle
When you see cherry blossoms in full bloom, your heart suddenly feels bright and cheerful, doesn’t it? How about making a sensory bottle using those cute pink cherry blossoms? Just put liquid starch (or clear glue) and cherry blossoms into an empty bottle or jar, then secure the lid with adhesive—and it’s done in no time.
Feel free to add beads or glitter if you like.
You’ll be soothed for sure by the gently drifting blossoms each time you tilt the bottle.
It’s a craft that both adults and children can enjoy, so give it a try!
Strawberry-picking pretend play
A play activity themed around strawberry picking—eating strawberries grown on a farm.
It can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, so it’s perfect for various spring childcare settings.
First, crumple colored construction paper or origami paper and put it into plastic bags.
Next, hang leaves and strawberries to create a farm-like setup, and you’re ready.
Give the children buckets or boxes and let them pick strawberries freely.
After strawberry picking, spreading out a plastic sheet for a picnic is also recommended.
It’s a fun activity that promotes fine motor skills and provides physical exercise.
Easter egg hunt
This is an Easter-themed activity named after Eostre, the goddess of spring.
Why not try an activity that celebrates the arrival of spring? Make small cuts in a toilet paper roll and fold it into a round shape.
Then, glue on colored paper to complete the egg.
The key is to prepare colorful origami so children can use their creativity freely.
Place the eggs throughout the room and have the children search for them.
You can also add a twist by putting candy inside the eggs.
A bookmark made with cherry blossom petals
Let’s try making a bookmark using cherry blossoms.
First, freely arrange cherry blossoms on top of a piece of milk carton cut to bookmark size.
Stack a towel, the bookmark, and a pressing cloth in that order, then press firmly with an iron from above to make pressed flowers.
Be careful not to overheat, as the flowers can scorch—check frequently while ironing.
Once the flowers have adhered to the milk carton, apply packing tape over the top, and glue your favorite patterned wrapping paper to the back.
Finally, punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon to finish.
It also looks cute if you use other flowers like white clover or dandelions.
Please handle the iron with great care.
Flappy butterfly
In the spring season when nature is in full bloom, why not make a fluttering butterfly? You can create a cute item that flaps its wings just like a real creature.
First, cut colored construction paper with the butterfly’s silhouette in mind.
Next, use pens or paints to draw your favorite illustrations on the paper.
Then, attach a straw along the center of the colored paper so it pinches the middle—and you’re done.
You can flap it around indoors, or take it outside and enjoy the spring breeze as it moves.
Try making a butterfly that’s fun not only to create but also to play with.
Color water play with flowers
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO6L2SfJLy1/For the spring season, when many plants bloom, a great recommendation is making colored water.
It lets you appreciate the beautiful hues of flowers and helps children experience the richness of spring nature.
First, put water and flower petals into a resealable bag and seal it.
Next, crush the flowers with a rolling pin or similar tool, then squeeze out the color.
Finally, remove the flowers and pour the tinted water into a cup—done! You can use spring-blooming flowers like cherry blossoms, violets, and tulips, or opt for richly colored flowers like pansies and morning glories.
Try this craft idea to help children learn flower names and colors together.
My one-piece dress
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClgMAM2psjn/These are items inspired by the picture book “My Dress.” Why not try a play activity based on the story, where the rabbit’s dress pattern changes depending on where it goes? First, draw a picture of a rabbit on thick drawing paper or cardstock.
Next, cut out only the dress portion.
Finally, attach a straw to the inside of a folded piece of paper, and you’re done.
You can play by holding the cut-out dress area over plants or the sky to change the pattern.
Try making this item to enjoy while walking through a spring park or along a path.