As winter breaks and spring starts to settle in, the warmer weather is something most people embrace.
Streets burst to life as kids from all over the neighborhood take to their friends’ doors, knocking and asking if their pals can come outside. Through it all, though, the weather continues to change. Before you know it, the fair 70s will give way to blistering 90s. Kids will stay outside in the summer more than they will in the winter, but intense heat makes them much less likely to want to spend time running around in the hot sun.
Before the warmer weather actually arrives, it is a good idea to talk with the family and get an idea about what kind of activities they might like to try once the weather warms up. This way, unseasonably warm weekend days can let you take advantage of all the spring-like weather as possible. Likewise, prioritize what the family wants to do. You might only get one good day, so take advantage of all of your time.
Family hike through the woods in early spring. Photo: Olga Koberidze | Dreamstime.com
As soon as the weather starts warming up, encourage the kids and family unit to get outside. A mild hike, fishing trip and even a simple game of catch are perfect ways to spend some time outdoors. When doing these things with young children, make sure nothing you have planned is too intense. A fun hike can turn into a nightmare for everyone involved when young kids get tired and don’t feel like they can continue.
No matter what time of year, it is important to be mindful of conditions. Rain has the possibility to make a hot day more bearable, but, again, if you are dealing with small children, their temperament might not be able to handle the stress. Even if temperature and conditions are perfect, it might not be a great idea to push the family too hard. Nothing will ruin an activity faster than an unpleasant experience.
Keep an eye on your family’s spirits and temperament. If children are beginning to get unruly and tired, it isn’t a bad idea to pack it in, even if there is much more to do on the itinerary.
Consider moving traditionally indoor activities outside. Story time under a tree in the park can provide enough of a change of scenery to get kids excited about typical tasks and activities.
Most important of all, perhaps, is the eye you keep on the children’s allergies. If your family suffers from allergies and a pollen report is especially tough, it might be a good idea to skip the outside activities that day.
Spring and fall are fleeting. Before you know it, the air conditioner will be on every day and you will have a tough time convincing anyone to do anything outside, so make hay while the sun shines.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 1, 2026Family-Friendly Ways to Welcome Fall in the Finger Lakes
Some of us are still trying to stretch out the dog days of summer, but there is no denying fall will be here soon. Whether ready for it or not, it’s time to look for ways to welcome the season that will be fun for the family. Luckily, New York’s Finger Lakes region has plenty of ways to do just that.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Destinations / North America
Aug 31, 2026Dude Ranch Experience Coming to Historic Arizona Golf Resort
Later this fall, family travelers are invited to experience one of Southern Arizona’s hidden gems in a true dude ranch setting. Otero Ranch at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa opens for the season Nov. 15, presenting an experience by True Ranch Collection that will feature exclusive dude ranch adventures, such as horseback riding and hiking along the Santa Cruz River valley, playing a round of golf at the 27-hole championship course, trying 3-D archery, exploring the town of Tubac, touring historic Tumacacori Mission, and relaxing at the resort’s spa or pool.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Europe
Aug 31, 2026Le Conquet: France’s Secret Beach Town
At the far western edge of mainland France, the active fishing port of Le Conquet stands in layers of stone buildings rising from the harbor. Houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line the seawall in a tight-packed row, the colorful shutters brightening the stone facades. For travelers, Le Conquet is more than just a picturesque Breton town; it’s a good base for a family beach holiday.
ShareThis