Hello March! The month where I am desperately praying winter is finally behind us (even though I know better). It’s the perfect time to daydream about spring, new growth, and of course touches of green for St. Patrick’s Day! Whether you’re stuck inside during the beginning of spring showers or soaking up those first warm days, here are a few activities to keep the family engaged and excited for the season ahead.
Rainbow Fruit Loop Bracelets
Did someone say snack & activity combo!? This craft is edible, doubles as an easy mid morning snack, and works on fine motor skills without anyone realizing they’re “learning.” Win-Win.
What you need:
– Fruit Loops (or an O shaped cereal)
– Pipe cleaners
If you don’t have fruit loops (or don’t want to use them), rainbow beads are a great alternative
The How To:
– Lay out a couple of pipe cleaners and a bowl of Fruit Loops
– Let them thread the cereal onto the pipe cleaner, sorting by color if they want to create rainbow patterns
– Once its full, twist the ends together to make a bracelet
– Wear it, admire it, and then eat it when snack time rolls around
Coloring Sorting Sensory Bin
This bin is all about sorting colors with items you probably already have in your house. It’s low prep, endlessly replayable, and usually piques the interest of a big age range.
What you need:
– Dried rice, beans, or pasta as your base
– Any filler of different colors:
– Pom poms
– Play fruit
– Buttons
– Beads
– Left over Fruit Loops from our activity above
– Ripped up construction paper
– Small containers, cups, or muffin tins for sorting
– Scoops, tweezers, or tongs
The How To:
– Fill your bin with the base
– Hide or toss the rainbow colors throughout
– Set out the containers for sorting
Want a challenge? Have your child use tweezers or tongs instead of hands to work on fine motor skills or time them to see how fast they can sort all of the colors. Once they’re all sorted, have them count how many of each color they found.
Grow a Rainbow (STEM)
This is one of those activities that looks way more intricate and impressive than the actual effort it requires to set up. You need about 5 minutes of prep and your kids will think you are a magic maker.
What you need:
– Paper towels
– Markers
– Spray bottle or cup of water with dropper
-Tray or baking sheet
The How To:
– Cut out a paper towel sheet in the shape of a rainbow
– Color the bottom part of each end of the rainbow its respective colors with marker
– Lay the paper towel on the tray or baking sheet
– Give your child a spray bottle or water dropper and have them spray the rainbow marker
– As they wet the paper towel, the colors will begin to bleed together and eventually join at the top…MAGIC
Shamrock Pepper Painting
This is one of those activities I saw and thought “why didn’t I ever think of it.” Bell peppers are naturally shaped into that of a shamrock/clover stamp and make the coolest tool for painting.
What you need:
– Bell peppers (any color, green is obviously the most festive, but any work)
– Green paint (add other colors if you want rainbow shamrocks)
– White paper or cardstock
– Paper plate or shallow dish for the paint
– Optional: add stems using markers, paint, pipe cleaners, etc.
The How To:
– Cut the bell pepper in half width-wise (not top to bottom) –-when you llook at the cut end it should naturally form a clover shape
– Pour paint onto plates
– Let kids dip the pepper into the paint and stamp it onto the paper
– Once dry, they can add stems if they’d like
Bonus: cut up the half that isn’t being used and serve as a crunchy snack–they will be so engrossed with painting they won’t even realize the snack they are eating is a healthy veggie!
Spring Scavenger Hunt
This is an activity that can be done inside, outside, or both. It will get your kids moving and practicing their critical thinking skills
What you need:
– A simple list of items to find (I’ll give you ideas below)
– A basket or bag for collecting
– Optional: printable checklist with pictures for non readers
Indoor Spring Hunt Ideas
– Something that smells good
– Something soft
– Something you can plant
– Something that reminds you of spring
– Three things that are green
– Something that grows
Outdoor Spring Hunt Ideas
– Something green
– Flower or bud
– Stick shaped like a Y
– Smooth rock
– Something that makes noise (crunchy leaves, etc)
– Feather
– Evidence of an animal (tracks, hole, nest)
The How To:
– Give them the list and a bag, then set them loose!
– For younger kids, go with them and talk about what you find
– For older kids, make it a timed challenge or have them check items off as they go
Bonus: if done outside, once everything is collected, use the items for sorting, counting, or creating art from nature!
Lucky Leprechaun Trap (For older kids)
Here is a project that kids will get totally absorbed in. It’s part engineering challenge, part creative design, and 100% guaranteed to be enjoyed–especially if you “catch” something overnight.
What you need:
– Cardboard box (shoesize works great, but anything will do)
– Construction paper, markers, crayons
– Tape, glue, scissors
– Random craft supplies (pom poms, stickers, string, etc. whatever you have on hand)
– Bait: gold coins (chocolate or plastic), shiny objects, rainbow items
The How To:
– Challenge your child to design and build a trap that would catch a sneaky leprechaun
– Let them build using the cardboard box as a base
– Decorate the trap with rainbows, gold, and anything else that screams “leprechaun bait”
– Set it out the night before St. Patrick’s Day with the bait inside
Things for your child to think about:
– How will the leprechaun get in?
– What will attract them?
– How will the trap door close?
– Once the base is made, do you need trap doors? Ramps? Nets? Hidden trigger points?
Time for the magic
– While they are asleep, leave evidence of a leprechaun visit (green footprints, gold coins scattered around, overturned chair, a funny note, etc.)
– The key is to leave the trap empty because remember leprechauns are sneaky!
There you have it — a mix of activities for every age, energy level, and whatever March weather throws our way. And the best part? These activities aren’t just fun — they’re quietly helping kids build the skills they need for reading, writing, problem-solving, and independence. Play really is powerful learning! Mix and match based on what your crew needs, and I can’t wait to see what you create. Share your favorites by tagging me on Instagram, and let’s make this March a little more colorful together!
Written by Becca Thiemann and Kelsey Jaspers
Like this blog? Check out these others we know you’ll enjoy!
1. Share the Love: 5 Ways to Play in February
2. Snow Many Activities
3. 5 Activities to Survive the Rest of Winter
