15 Minutes of Family Fun in March

When my daughter was little, I was determined to always make time for family fun. I was a single mom and part of that time I had gone back to university to get another degree. Even once I was out of school, there were times that besides just doing my job as a full-time teacher (which is plenty of work on its own), I had a few side hustles going too.

Then, we were in a serious car accident. I had very little stamina for even the most basic of tasks – like brushing my teeth – much less for entertainment. Despite all of that, I still wanted to be sure we had time to do something special together.

The first and most important lesson I learned? Family fun doesn’t have to take much time. Other related lessons? Fun doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be fun. (Thanks Captain Obvious – but really, it’s worth thinking about).

That’s when I began this monthly series here sharing my ideas for really quick and easy family fun activities. These require little or no planning, supplies, or time to carry out. Easy peasy.

15 Minutes of Family Fun in March

~Go outside and look for signs of spring. You don’t have to go any further than your own backyard. Don’t just look for what you can see; look for what you can hear too! At my house, we already have crocuses popping up through the grass, some noisy birds building a nest, and our friendly neighbourhood chipmunk is hanging out on the back porch after hiding away for the winter.

~Birds have returned but the food isn’t plentiful yet. So, help them out by putting out some birdfeeders. You can easily make some by spreading peanut butter or vegetable shortening on a pine cone, a plain bagel, or even a stale piece of bread. Sprinkle on some birdseed and hang them up outside. Watch for the birds to come and enjoy their treat!

~It might be too early to start planting your garden but you can start planning it. Look online or in gardening catalogs together and pick out your favourites. Depending on what you’re planning to grow, on another day you could plant a few seeds to get some seedlings started.

~March days are unpredictable but often there are some sunny ones here and there. Take advantage of those clear skies and head outside to observe the night sky.

~On a nice day, get out the sidewalk chalk and have some fun creating some works of art on your driveway.

~On a rainy day, put on some rain gear and jump in the puddles together.

~Have dinner in your backyard one evening, picnic style.

~Put on some music and have a dance party in the kitchen. This is a great way to keep everyone occupied while waiting for dinner to be ready. Or to add some fun to post-dinner cleanup.

~If you still live in the city you grew up in, take a drive one evening and show your kids the house you grew up in.

~Celebrate Big Bird’s birthday (also the first day of Spring) with yellow frosted cupcakes for dessert one night.

What are your favourite quick and easy family fun ideas?

You can find more ideas for simple, frugal fun here.