One of the most rewarding experiences a parent and child can share together is planting and watching something grow out of the fruits of their own labor. Starting a family garden with your children is not only valuable bonding time, but is also a green way to teach your children about where foods come from, how to care for plants and how much better organically grown foods are for you. Regardless of how much space you have to work with or how much time you have on your hands, starting a garden with your children is relatively simple and can be done in a way that is convenient for you and your family.

Rainy Day Activities used to literally refer to what to do with children kept from their usual outdoor play pursuits. Nowadays, for many parents, it’s a struggle to get the kids to play in the sun and leave the video games behind. But all parents still have those days when space is limited and the kids get bored and restless. Parental and magazine websites are filled with options and ideas, but if your need for rainy day activities is “precipitated” by the loss of electrical power too, you’ll need to check out these sites now while your entire computer Internet equipment works.

Spring is a beautiful time of the year that’s all about celebrating new beginnings. Feeling warm sunshine for the first time in months or splashing through shower puddles are moments that parents and kids look forward to as winter passes. Now that spring is starting to awaken, it’s a great time for curious young minds to be outside and explore Nature’s gifts.

Enjoy teaching your children about the wonders of springtime with these low-cost and creative nature activities for kids:

Start an outdoor or indoor garden

Most kids like playing in the dirt. They’re also enchanted by unusual things. Creating an outdoor garden can be a fun way to enjoy both while teaching them about plants. At your local nursery or home and garden center, look for seeds or starter plants with interesting names such as Moonflower or Snapdragon. Add varieties that can be fun to touch, such as Bunny Tails – an ornamental grass whose blooms resemble powder puffs. Your little ones may also enjoy “Tickle Me” plants, which curl up when touched, or scented herbs such as mint that smell and taste like peppermint, chocolate, orange and other flavors.