It’s never too early to start planning fun activities for the cool weather of spring! However, it is easy to overspend if you do not plan properly. We’ve compiled inexpensive spring break to-do lists for various age groups so that you can enjoy spring break, a short staycation, or any spring weekend. These activities are great for adults, children, and everyone in between.
Why you should have a spring bucket list of activities
A list is a great way to keep track of the fun activities you’d like to do in the spring. It’s also an excellent way to get your family or children involved in the springtime by making a list of tasks to try together this year. In this way, you can remain financially responsible.
Making a list also saves you money! Keeping children occupied can be expensive without proper preparation. There’s no foolproof method of blowing your budget than going to the mall or Target because there’s nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon.
25 Fun and budget-friendly spring bucket list ideas
Here are some tips for great spring bucket lists to keep you occupied and entertained with friends and family.
1. Dine outdoors
One of the best ways to enjoy the warmer weather is to dine outside. Set up a backyard early this spring so you can prepare food and enjoy meals outdoors. You can also enjoy the fresh air at your favorite restaurants in the spring.
Bonus tip: Springtime patio dining is less crowded than summer, so you get more privacy and room.
2. Feed the ducks
If you have small kids, be sure to add feeding the ducks to your spring bucket list. When I nannyed, feeding the ducks was such a fun activity that brought plenty of squeals and smiles from the children.
Now that my children are visiting the ducks is one of their favorite activities. We are fortunate to have a neighborhood with plenty of bike paths and small ponds. It’s always exciting to watch flocks of ducklings and mallards.
Also, be careful of the dos and don’ts of feeding wild ducks. Avoid bread and crackers as they have nothing to offer them and may cause malnutrition and severe deformities. Provide cracked corn, oats, rice, birdseed, peas, lettuce, or grapes to the ducks instead. Happy feeding!
3. Fly a kite
Spring brings warm breezes and sunny days, making it the perfect time of year to fly a kite. Kiting is a budget-friendly outdoor activity that your family should add to your spring bucket list, especially if you have children.
All that kite-flying time allows the kids to get some sun and exercise while building hand-eye coordination. Kite flying is also good for strengthening dexterity. Get those kites and go outside for some fun in the sun.
4. Go pick some berries
There’s no need to miss any berry picking opportunities when the warmer weather starts. Add it to your spring bucket list ideas. Strawberry-picking season runs from early March to late June.
Springtime is also an excellent time to start looking for berry picking spots. However, fruit doesn’t ripen until late May or early June.
If you are going to a fruit stand, be sure to check the hours and the availability of fruit before you head out. Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and water, as it can get hot there.
5. Try bird watching
Bird watching can be enjoyed year-round because different species migrate through each season. Spring and fall migration are peak seasons for bird watching as large numbers of species pass through.
If you are new to birding, download a field guide or buy a birding app. The Merlin Bird ID and Audubon Birds apps are free help you get started.
Why not add bird watching to your spring bucket list? Connect with nature. Discover these magnificent creatures, otherwise known as the last of the dinosaurs!
6. Hike a new trail
Walking is something that doctors frequently advise to boost wellness. It increases circulation, tone, and muscle mass, all of which benefit patients.
Here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for. Visualize it — the radiant sunlight on your face, the cool wind, and the sounds of nature all around you. Here’s your invitation to get out there and experience everything this spring has to offer. Just make sure to check out a trail map before setting out so you know what to expect.
7. Take a road trip
Is there a place you always dreamed of visiting? Would you like to go visit friends and family? If so, you should consider making the trip into a long road trip this Spring. Travelling is half the fun! So, be sure to involve the kids in the planning if you are traveling with them.
To reduce the cost of the trip, list your expenses, make a budget, and begin saving. Next, get a map and plan your route and stops. Then, make a list of games, entertainment options, and what to pack for the trip.
8. Visit a farmer’s market
A farmer’s market is a wonderful place to pick up fresh produce in the spring. If you haven’t or rarely shopped at a farmer’s market, add it to your list of things to do this season. You will be served fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown locally, and you will get the chance to help local farmers and local businesses.
9. Plant a garden
You can plant a garden in the spring and attempt your hand at planting vegetables, herbs, or flowers. If you would like to grow and herbs, you can begin planting them in March. Peas, lettuce, beets, and broccoli are also excellent choices for a spring garden.
A spring flower garden would look great with pansies, daffodils, and tulips. You may also want to attend a local garden center or nursery if you need help picking out plants that are appropriate for your region.
10. Go fishing
Did you know that fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the US? It’s true! In fact, more women and children are taking up fishing as a hobby.
So, why not join them and include fishing on your spring bucket list ideas this year? It’s a great way to spruce up your outdoor hobbies and enjoy time with your family and friends. Regardless of whether you’re checking out something you haven’t done in years or trying it for the first time, make sure you read up on what you require to prepare.
11. Go to the zoo
The zoo is an excellent springtime day trip destination. But most of all in the spring, when animals and people wake up from being cooped up all winter, it is a spectacular place to visit.
It is a favorite pastime for my family. I enjoy watching my son or daughter’s delight and amazement at seeing the animals up close. Why not add a trip to the zoo to your spring bucket list? Meet up with the animals that come out of hibernation. It will be fun!
12. Go stargazing
There’s a whole universe out there, literally! And you don’t need much to enjoy it properly. You can go to a good viewing area or stargaze on your own land.
Check the weather forecast for a clear night. Bring some blankets, hot cocoa, and a flashlight. You’re all set. So, for a quiet and affordable activity, make sure you add stargazing to your spring bucket list ideas.
13. Take new family pictures
Spring is also a good time to take new family photos. Unfortunately, my husband and two sons have no interest in doing so. That’s why I learned how to be proactive and schedule family photo days.
Picture days also gives me a reason to get dressed and get my hair done and get my kids into cute clothes. Win-win! You might also want to add it to your spring bucket list, and have fun!
14. Have a water balloon fight
You may want to consider participating in a water balloon fight if you are looking for something to do that is fun, keeps you moving, and allows plenty of shrieking. Check out the 1500 water balloons available from Amazon! Invite some family members and friends for a balloon water fight.
15. Have a family camp out in the backyard
My favorite spring bucket list idea is camping out in the backyard. This is also a fun staycation option.
I can tell the campers that we’re going camping without having to pack the car and drive anywhere. No one will be bothered by having to go potty in the bushes, either. I’m in!
So, this summer, Pitch a tent, make a fire, and camp in your backyard. Make s’mores, hotdogs, and tell scary stories for an unforgettable experience.
16. Have a family game night
Have some fun with your friends and family by playing fun, silly games. This is a stress-free spring bucket list idea that doesn’t require a lot of effort. Pick a game and compete against other teams.
Pick a game that everyone in the family can enjoy. Keep track of scores or make the rules more flexible to make it about playing together rather than winning. Either way, get ready for an exciting game night!
17. Attend a local outdoor festival
Another fantastic addition to your spring bucket list ideas is to discover what your area has to offer. Visit an outdoors festival as tourist in your own city and experience the local flavor of your city. Look into your library or search “Events in Your City” on Google Search for local festivals.
18. Catch the opening game of a sport you love
Opening games are exciting whether you’re an avid fan or a first-time attendee. Most sports leagues also host events and raffles during opening ceremonies. It’s always a festive event to go to.
19. Invite family and friends for a picnic
Spring is also a great time of year to have a picnic in the park with friends and family. You can make wonderful memories while enjoying a delicious meal. You may also bring a Frisbee or plan some games and make a day of it.
20. Go on an Easter egg hunt
A springtime to-do list cannot be completed without an Easter egg hunt if you have a young family. You could go to a public event, or you could host your own egg hunt.
Set up some pastel balloons and Easter decorations. Prepare plastic eggs ahead of time and fill them with small toys, candy, or numbers that correspond to larger prizes, if you like.
Prizes may be stuffed animals, chocolate bunnies, or gift certificates. You could also decorate the table with pastel tablecloths and streamers to match the Easter theme.
21. Make spring crafts
Get your children excited about spring by crafting with this theme. Find ideas from this list for simple spring crafts for children. We also have many great suggestions for our money-making craft list! Or you could dye some Easter eggs and decorate Easter cards for family and friends with them.
You can also get a wooden birdhouse. You can find them at craft shops and online. Then, get your children to paint them with acrylic paints and display them in your front yard or backyard.
22. Bake something spring-themed
With such a wide variety of fruits in season for spring, you have the greatest number of options for what you want to make. Think about recipes using apricots, cherries, rhubarb, and berries! This list of 55 springtime recipes contains some delicious new ideas.
23. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Nature scavenger hunts are great for keeping children active and outdoors in the springtime. So, whether you have toddlers or teens, make sure to add this activity to your spring to-do list ideas. Write down whatever you need for them to find, and then you’re all set to go.
24. Spring clean your home
Spring cleaning is a must for every spring bucket list! It’s also the best time of year for it. Try to inspire you and your household to get rid of items you no longer need.
For example, you can make it into a game by setting a time limit and having the kids race to see who can get their room cleaned first. Put some music on, set a time, and come up with creative pathways to incentivize your children to help.
25. Volunteer for a cause you care about
This is yet another item to add to your spring bucket list. It is absolutely crucial that every community has volunteers ready to help out. You do not have to need a charitable organization to help or make a difference in your local community.
Are you interested in helping others or getting your children to volunteer? There are many opportunities to do so in your community.
Make your own budget-friendly spring bucket list
Here you go Our favorite budget-oriented spring bucket list ideas. We hope we have given you some inspiration for your own list. Go out this spring and enjoy yourself, doing new things!
