Blossoms, Bubbles & Bare Feet: Spring Play Ideas for Kiwi Kids
Spring in New Zealand has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re layering up your toddler up with a thermal, top, jumper and jacket, the next they’re bolting barefoot across the lawn, trailing half the garden into the kitchen. The days stretch a little longer, the sun feels a bit warmer, and suddenly the great outdoors is calling again.
After a winter of indoor forts and “Muuuuum, I’m hungry” on repeat, spring feels like a deep breath of fresh air. And yes, your toddler will probably want to try eat grass at some point! Don’t panic, they usually spit it out...
One of my favourite quotes and such a beautiful reminder to slow down and be curious comes from Bruce Williamson:
“Walk in the rain,
smell flowers,
stop along the way,
build sandcastles,
go on field trips,
find out how things work,
tell stories,
say the magic words,
trust the universe.”
-Bruce Williamson
Spring is the perfect season to live this out with our tamariki.
Time to Get Outside Again 🌸
Spring is bursting with natural invitations to explore. I’ve learnt, both in the classroom and at home, that children notice the tiny things we often rush past; a bee hovering on a flower, a monarch butterfly stretching its wings, a feather on the ground, or our toddler desperately wanting to “cuddle” the seagull that quickly flaps away.
Ideas to try:
- Blossom spotting: see how many colours you can find before your toddler insists on climbing the park bench.
- Leaf collecting: pockets full of “treasures” guaranteed (check pockets before doing the washing!).
- Mini bug hunts: a magnifying glass adds magic, and little ones love discovering wiggly friends hiding under leaves and stones. Bring a small jar or tray so they can proudly show off their finds before setting them free again.
It’s those small stops along the way that matter. Following their lead builds focus and wonder and gives you a chance to actually drink that coffee while it’s still warm.
Bring the Toys Outdoors 🧺
Sometimes the best “new” play space is just… the backyard! Lay a blanket on the grass, plonk down some toys, and watch the play unfold.
Ideas to try:
- Spring-themed puzzles: try something cheerful like the Tender Leaf Snail Whirls Wooden Gear Puzzle, a colourful, nature-inspired option that feels perfectly seasonal.
- Pretend picnics: invite the dolls, teddies, and apparently half the sandpit toys. Or set up shop outside with the Tender Leaf Supermarket Grocery Set market time under the trees!
- Block building: uneven grass adds an extra challenge to building block towers that may tumble down faster than anticipated! The QToys Wooden Bouncing Stacking Rings add a whole new layer of wobbly fun outdoors.
- Rolling play: a favourite for blanket time is the QToys Track-a-Ball Rack simple rolling joy that somehow keeps little ones mesmerised while you sip your cuppa.
Changing the setting makes familiar toys feel fresh again. Plus, there’s less chance of stepping on a block inside when they’re all outdoors. Win-win.
Sensory Spring Play 🌿
Spring gives you sensory play without the need for plastic tubs or complicated setups, nature already provides all the textures, colours, and surprises your child could wish for.
- Flower & leaf bins: scoop, sort, smell… and then scatter across the deck.
- Mud kitchens: add herbs or petals for “special soups.” Just don’t agree to taste-test (toddlers are very generous chefs!).
- Afternoon water play: buckets, scoops, cups, and a child who will inevitably tip half the water on themselves.
Pro tip: Put down a towel for quick clean-up. Or just embrace the mess... baths were invented for days like this.
Warmer Days Mean… Water Play! 💦🎉
YAY! Sunshine = splash time. Warmer days are the very beginning of all things water, and toddlers know it. Think giggles, wet sleeves, and lots of squeals. Toddler: “More bubbles! More water! Again, again!”
Fun water play ideas:
- Toy cleaning station: give them a bucket, some warm soapy water, and an old toothbrush. Suddenly Duplo and toy cars are sparkling clean.
- Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!: trays of bubble mix, bubble wands, and chasing bubbles across the lawn.
- Mini car wash: trikes, scooters, or even a doll’s pram lined up for a good rinse.
It’s messy, it’s noisy, and it’s pure joy, the kind of play that feels like summer has already arrived. Just remember to keep a towel (or two) nearby for the inevitable soaking and probably a change of clothes for you too!
Gardeners in the Making 🌱
Spring is also planting season in New Zealand, and toddlers adore being part of the action. Early spring is a good time to get peas, spinach, carrots, and even strawberries started. These grow well in most Kiwi backyards and give children a chance to see results fairly quickly.
Invite your child to help scoop soil into pots, sprinkle seeds, or gently pat the dirt down with their palms. They’ll love having their own “patch” to water and check on each day. Watching peas climb, spinach sprout, or strawberries turn from green to red becomes a magical little science lesson right outside your back door.
And don’t worry if the rows are crooked or the watering gets a little enthusiastic (the dog, the deck, and their shoes might all get watered too) it’s about the joy of being involved, not perfection.
"A flower blossoms for its own joy." -Oscar Wilde
Spring isn’t just about warmer days, it’s about fresh starts, curiosity, and giving kids the space to explore. Whether you’re heading to the park, setting up a backyard picnic, or letting them dig in the veggie patch, you’re making memories that stick.
And as Bruce Williamson reminds us, sometimes the magic of childhood is simply found in walking in the rain, smelling the flowers, and trusting the universe. Children, too, play for the sheer joy of it and that’s more than enough.