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[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts

[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts

Last updated:2025/5/6

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

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

Spring “sensory play”: a cherry blossom sensory bottle #cherryblossom #babytoys #sensoryplay #hanami #shorts #sensoryplay #educational #kids

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!

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Easter egg hunt

Let's enjoy an egg hunt for Easter!

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.

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Strawberry-picking pretend play

“Playing Strawberry Picking” [Age 2] | Gakuenchō Yūiku-en [Nursery/Kindergarten Event]

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.

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Soap bubble play

[1- and 2-year-olds] Let’s play outside to our hearts’ content! Bubble play!

Soap bubble play

Wrapped in the warm, pleasant weather and with more days at comfortable temperatures, spring makes you want to head outdoors and play to your heart’s content with the kids, doesn’t it? How about incorporating bubble play into those outdoor activities? Fill a basin with plenty of bubble solution and use things like fans or hangers to enjoy making big, dynamic bubbles.

In the spring sunlight, the bubbles will likely sparkle and shine.

I can just picture the children happily running around with the bubbles.

Give it a try for some inspiration!

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Color water play with flowers

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.

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My one-piece dress

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.

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Color search card

In the springtime, when flowers and plants burst into vibrant color, a perfect activity is a color-hunt card game.

Hand out cards with colors like red, blue, and green, and have the children find items that match.

As they collect dandelions, cherry blossoms, and more, they’ll really get a feel for the spring season.

If bringing the actual items is difficult, they can take photos or report their finds to the teacher instead.

It’s an idea that’s especially fun in spring, when colorful hues fill the town after the cold winter.

Why not try it at a kindergarten or nursery school park, or along a walking path?

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