Creative ideas to keep your children entertained this spring

Hello, spring! Goodbye, April showers! The new season calls for more outdoor play, exploring the scenes around us and discovering new ways to keep your little ones entertained.

At CocoRio, we’re passionate about creative activities for children and helping to foster their love of learning, through performing arts, arts and crafts, foreign languages and baking (and so much more). 

That’s why our creative nannies and mentors follow a unique creative learning framework which is aligned with  the Early Years Foundation Stage principles and has been influenced by elements of the Montessori method and the Finnish education system.

So, whether you’re looking for a creative activity to do with your children at home or you want a CocoRio nanny to guide them through developing a new skill, here are our top children’s activities ideas to try this spring…

1.Outdoor art time: get inspired by nature

You heard us, it’s time to bring their art activities outside! Why? Immersing your little ones in the different sights, scents and sounds of the outdoors means they can be inspired by the natural environment (and get as messy as they like!). Unleash their inner Picasso   by painting on an easel, table or picnic blanket. You could even hunt for rocks or leaves and create mini nature masterpieces. Some of our favourite ways to get artistic outside? Painting what they see - ask them to describe the sky, the little ants or birds and then start painting. This encourages self-expression and a deeper connection with nature. 

2.Teddy Bear’s picnic: imaginative play

It’s time for a teddy bear’s picnic! Gather their toys, lay down a blanket and put out a tea set or toy food. Next, enjoy bonding and playing with your child as they pretend to have a tea party with their furry friends. Additionally, try to encourage them to enjoy make believe play and reading story to their toys, which helps to develop their self-confidence, improves their literacy skills and encourages emotional development. This is an easy and fun activity for those sunny spring days!

3.Dance party: let’s show off those moves

A musical disco is always a good idea, right? Correct! Simply switching on some music, whether it’s a salsa, hip hop or classical tune and having a boogie can help them discover rhythm, increase their self-confidence and foster creativity. It’s also heaps of fun, especially when you use props like musical shakers, bells and ribbons. The best part? You can do it indoors or outside, depending on the weather. 3,2,1…it’s showtime!

4.The great outdoors: nature is your playground

Looking for eco-conscious activities to keep your children entertained? Immerse your little ones in nature and take a walk to a local green space. Doing this can provide a sense of adventure and wonder, all whilst helping them learn more about their natural surroundings. Talk to your children about the nature they encounter on their way, such as trees, plants, animals, leaves and flowers.
Or if you’re looking for a fun activity that’s planet-friendly, try recyclable bowling - gather your plastic bottles together, line them up in a triangle, grab a small ball and start playing!