March Break Garden Activities to Keep Kids Busy

March Break is just around the corner, and if you’re a mom, grandma, or caregiver, you know that keeping kids entertained for a whole week can be quite the challenge. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some March Break ideas for kids that are not only fun but also educational and outdoor-friendly. As the weather starts to warm up (and we all know that’s a reason to celebrate), March Break activities can include hands-on, nature-inspired projects that will get kids excited about gardening and the environment. So, let’s dive into a collection of March Break activities kids will love—and, most importantly, ones that will keep them engaged without turning into an indoor screen marathon.

Seed Starting for Spring

One of the best ways to bring a little green into your home during March Break is by starting seeds. This is an activity that is simple, fun, and educational. Not only does it teach kids about the life cycle of plants, but it also gets them involved in the process of growing food or flowers. All you need are some seeds, small containers (like recycled egg cartons), potting soil, and a sunny window ledge. March Break crafts for kids don’t get much more rewarding than this!

Step-by-Step:

• Choose the Seeds: Let the kids pick the seeds they want to grow—be it flowers like sunflowers or vegetables such as tomatoes or peppers. You can even try herbs like basil or thyme!
• Planting Time: Fill the containers with soil and have the kids plant the seeds. Encourage them to gently press the seeds into the soil, leaving enough space for them to grow.
• Watering and Watching: Water the seeds lightly and place the containers in a warm spot with plenty of sunlight. Kids can track the progress of their seeds by making a “growth chart,” marking the height of the plants each day.

Pro Tip: If you’re gardening in zones 3-5, keep in mind that many of these seeds may need a bit of indoor TLC until the frost passes.

March Break ideas like this bring the excitement of the garden right into your home. By the end of the week, kids will have sprouted little green miracles to look after and watch grow!

DIY Garden Markers

After planting your seeds, it’s time to help kids create personalized garden markers. This is one of the easiest March Break crafts that can be made using things you already have around the house. Not only does it add a personal touch to the garden, but it also helps kids keep track of what’s growing where.

DIY Garden Marker Materials:

• Wooden craft sticks (you can also use spoons or old popsicle sticks)
• Paint or permanent markers
• Old newspaper or magazines (to create designs or cut out pictures)
• Glue
• Small pots for holding the markers

Steps:

1. Paint or decorate the craft sticks with fun designs. Kids can colour them or cut out pictures from magazines to glue on the sticks.
2. Once decorated, write the plant name on each stick (e.g., “Tomatoes,” “Sunflowers,” or “Basil”).
3. Insert the markers into the soil of the planted containers, helping the kids remember where each plant is.

These markers also make a fun and useful project for the March Break camp themes you might be planning with friends or in a community group. Plus, they make great gifts for friends who enjoy gardening!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

If the weather allows, why not take advantage of the fresh air and set up a nature scavenger hunt in the garden or backyard? This is a fantastic March Break activity to keep kids moving and exploring. Plus, it encourages them to connect with the natural world around them.

How to Set Up the Scavenger Hunt:

• Make a List: Write down simple items kids can find in the garden or backyard, such as “find a red leaf,” “spot a ladybug,” “pick up a smooth rock,” or “see a bird flying overhead.”
• Explore: Have the kids explore the area with a magnifying glass or just their keen eyes to see how many things they can tick off their list.
• Prizes: For an extra dose of excitement, you can reward them with a little prize (a garden sticker, a tiny plant they can add to their container garden, or a bookmark).

This activity will keep the kids busy while giving them a healthy dose of outdoor time. It’s a great way to turn March Break ideas into an active, educational adventure. Plus, you’ll be surprised how many kids love the idea of “hunting” for things outdoors!

Build a Bird Feeder

Another way to engage kids in March Break activities that involve the outdoors is by building a simple bird feeder. This not only helps our feathered friends but also gives children the chance to craft something they can use for weeks to come.

Materials:

• A toilet paper roll or pine cone
• Peanut butter (make sure it’s safe for allergies!)
• Bird seed

Steps:

1. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter onto the toilet paper roll or pine cone.
2. Roll it in bird seed until it’s well-coated.
3. Hang the finished bird feeder on a tree or bush in your yard and wait for the birds to visit!

This is a great way to engage kids in March Break crafts for kids while also teaching them about wildlife and the importance of caring for animals. Plus, it’s so simple that younger children can get involved too.

Create a DIY Terrarium

A DIY terrarium is a perfect March Break craft that combines creativity and gardening. It’s like having your own little indoor ecosystem. The best part? It’s low-maintenance, so kids can enjoy watching their mini garden grow without needing to tend to it daily.

Materials:

• A clear glass container (old jars, fish tanks, or even old light bulbs work!)
• Small pebbles or rocks
• Activated charcoal (to keep the terrarium fresh)
• Potting soil
• Small plants like succulents, moss, or air plants

Steps:

1. Layer the pebbles and charcoal at the bottom of the container for drainage and freshness.
2. Add a layer of soil on top of the pebbles.
3. Plant small plants or succulents in the soil.
4. Decorate with small figurines, colourful rocks, or even a bit of glitter!

This hands-on project teaches kids about creating and maintaining small ecosystems. Not to mention, it makes for a unique gift or decorative piece for your home.

March Break Camp Themes for Home Gardeners

If you want to really get into the March Break camp themes, why not set up a garden camp at home? Create little “stations” with different gardening activities for the kids to rotate through. For example, one station could be planting seeds, another could involve building birdhouses, and another could be crafting decorative pots. Kids will love the variety of activities, and you can make each station interactive and educational. It’s a great way to host a March Break camp in your own backyard!

Here are some possible station ideas:

• Planting Station: Kids plant different types of seeds in small pots.
• Crafting Station: Design and decorate garden pots or make garden markers.
• Birdwatching Station: Set up a cozy spot for birdwatching with binoculars and a nature journal for kids to record what they see.
• Cooking Station: If the weather permits, you could also do some simple gardening-themed baking, like making flower-shaped cookies or baking bread in the shape of carrots.

Create a Springtime Garden Collage

This March Break craft is perfect for kids who love to get creative with art materials. A spring garden collage lets them use their imagination to design a garden scene, combining art and nature. It’s an ideal way to keep kids busy while also sparking their interest in the environment and gardening.

Materials:

• Construction paper or cardstock
• Magazine cutouts (flowers, plants, insects, etc.)
• Glue
• Markers or crayons
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Start by choosing a large piece of paper as the base for your collage.
2. Kids can cut out pictures of plants, flowers, animals, and insects from old magazines. For example, look for pictures of sunflowers, bees, and butterflies.
3. Glue the cutouts onto the paper to create a spring garden scene. Encourage kids to arrange them in layers, so it looks like they’re part of a real garden.
4. Add some extra details with markers or crayons—maybe a blue sky, green grass, or a sun.
5. Once the collage is complete, display it on the fridge or frame it for a beautiful reminder of spring!

This craft allows kids to reflect on what they would love to see in a garden, and it’s a fun way to teach them about the plants and wildlife that make spring so special. March Break ideas like this are not only visually pleasing but also provide a fantastic way for kids to engage with the environment.

Plan a Kids’ Garden for the Backyard

One of the best March Break activities kids can get involved in is designing their own garden. Let them take the lead and plan a section of the backyard that they can plant in the spring. This not only gives them a sense of ownership but also helps them learn about garden planning and the types of plants that grow best in different seasons.

Steps to Plan a Kid’s Garden:

1. Measure the Space: Start by measuring a small section of the garden or yard where the kids can plant. Even a small raised bed or a few containers will work.
2. Choose Plants: Let the kids pick out what they’d like to plant. You can guide them toward easy-to-grow options such as sunflowers, zinnias, or tomatoes.
3. Design the Layout: Give them graph paper or let them draw a plan for their garden layout. Have them think about how much sunlight the area gets and how much space each plant will need to grow.
4. Plan for Care: Discuss what the plants need to thrive, like water, sunlight, and occasional weeding. This can also be a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of sustainable gardening practices.

This is a wonderful way to turn March Break activities into something long-term. The kids will feel like they’re part of the whole process, from planning to planting, and they’ll be excited to see their work pay off once the plants start to bloom or bear fruit.

Garden-Themed Storytime and Writing Activities

Incorporating a bit of March Break crafts for kids and reading is always a hit. A garden-themed storytime is a peaceful activity that encourages imagination and can even spark new ideas for gardening projects. It’s a great way to calm down after a day of more hands-on activities while still keeping kids engaged with the gardening theme.

Steps:

1. Pick Garden-Themed Books: Choose books that highlight gardening, nature, and the environment. Some great options include:
   • The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
   • Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
   • The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
2. Read Aloud: Read the books aloud to your kids and encourage them to ask questions about the plants, animals, or garden scenes in the stories.
3. Creative Writing: After the story, have the kids write their own garden-inspired tales. For younger kids, they can dictate their story to you as you write it down. For older kids, encourage them to write about a fantastical garden where flowers talk, or they can create a story about a seed that goes on an adventure.

Bonus Idea: After reading, kids can illustrate their stories and create a little “garden book” to keep. This can be a lovely way to inspire both writing and artistic expression, while keeping the gardening theme alive during March Break.

This type of March Break activity is ideal for children of all ages, and it provides a calm, reflective moment to balance out the more energetic outdoor activities. Plus, it strengthens literacy and creativity while reinforcing the love of nature and gardening.

Benefits of Gardening Activities for Kids

Final Thoughts

With these March Break ideas for kids, you can turn what might seem like a daunting week into an enjoyable, garden-themed adventure for the whole family. These activities are not only fun but also serve to introduce kids to the joys of gardening and nature. Whether it’s starting seeds indoors, building a bird feeder, or creating a DIY terrarium, the opportunities for hands-on learning are endless.

So, embrace the season, make the most of the March Break, and enjoy the outdoors with your little gardeners. You’ll not only keep them busy but also nurture a love for nature that can last a lifetime. Send us a picture of your March break gardeners over on our social media pages.