Spring is here! The birds are singing. The frogs are peeping. The crocuses and forsythia are blooming away. It’s a time of rebirth and hope (especially this year). It is also a great time to search for fairies with your kids. Maybe you’re a believer in the Magical Folk, maybe you’re not. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that looking for fairies is a wonderful way to spark your child’s imagination and get them observing and interacting with nature. It’s also a great way to get kids outside for hours of independent, creative play.

It’s a great time for a family road trip. A few years ago a friend of mine, Liz Rusch, took a very cool road trip—planned and led by her teen, Izzi—where they went on a journey in search of the Northern Lights. They traveled to Alaska and Montana, hoping to see it, but no luck. They returned home and figured out a way to see the aurora right in their home state of Oregon!

Hooray, Spring is here! The sun is shining, crocuses are blooming, birds are singing and it feels like time to start working in the garden. But wait! There is still snow in the mountains and plenty of months left to teach your kids to ski, cross-country or downhill. While it may not feel like ski time, spring often brings more mountain snow than winter, plus the warmer weather and “bluebird” skies make for perfect teaching conditions.

Your cozy outdoor space needs to work for what you enjoy doing with your friends and family. That could be playing music together. Or eating a family meal. Or roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around a fire. Or, like me, watching movies with friends. Whatever your group passion, create a space where you can do it outside with others.

Here at Trackers, we understand the developmental needs of each child in every one of our camp adventures. Our Guides meet kids where they’re at to have the best camp experience. See our tips on how to pick the right camp for your child.

If you live in a place where there’s snow right outside your door, lucky you! Get out in it every day. If you have to drive to the snow, get your gear organized and make it happen! Getting out in the snow is good for your mind and body, and your kids’ too. Once you’re in the snow, then what? If you’re looking for some low-key, simple fun, here are 7 fun and easy snow activities to do with your kids.