March into some outdoor family fun

With March in sight, we’re sure your entire family is showing signs of cabin fever and craving some time in the good ole’ outdoors. We’re right there with you, just waiting for that much-anticipated break in the weather. Believe it or not, daylight savings time starts on March 10th, so get ready to set those clocks ahead. Believe it or not, the first day of spring is on March 20th. There are plenty of outdoor family events happening throughout our area in March and April. Here are just a few ideas.

10 ways to celebrate early spring outdoors in NEPA

  1. Bundle up and head out to a St. Patrick’s Parade. You have several to choose from, starting with the Pittston parade kicking off at noon on Saturday, March 2nd. That’s followed up by the famous Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade on Saturday, March 9th at 11:45am and the Wilkes-Barre parade on Sunday, March 10th at 2pm. Check for updated information on family activities surrounding each parade online as the dates near on the individual city/parade website.
  2. Visit the SPCA of Luzerne County Pet Expo. Love to support your furry friends? Then head on over to the Kingston Armory on Saturday, March 30th between 10am and 6pm or Sunday, March 31st from 10am to 4pm for this 2-day event, which benefits the SPCA of Luzerne County. Admission is only $5 and children under 12 are admitted free. Best of all, you can bring your furry family members to this event. Yes folks, bring your pets! You will enjoy food and craft vendors, animal product and services, animal welfare organizations, adoptable pets will be on site, plus face painting, basket raffles and more. Best of all, you’re helping the adorable little critters at the SPCA. Tap to learn more.
  3. Take me out to the ballgame; take me out with the crowd. Believe it or not, the RailRiders season opener is only a month away on Thursday, April 4th in Buffalo. The team is then home for a 7-game stretch from Thursday, April 11th through Wednesday, April 17th. They play Buffalo from the 11th through the 14th and then Lehigh Valley from the 15th to the 17th. Tap to see the RailRiders season schedule, as well as information on family nights, other promotions and giveaways.
  4. Be on the lookout for local Easter Egg Hunts. Nothing beats a good ole’ fashioned Easter Egg Hunt, and there are usually plenty held throughout Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. You may also find several breakfasts with the Easter Bunny events. Keep your eye out for an Easter event near you.
  5. Pack a lunch and go fishing! Yes, April 13th is first day of trout fishing in NEPA. Introduce your children to the fun of fishing. It’s a great activity for the entire family. Don’t forget to pick up your license before the big day.
  6. “Do it for the Kids.” The Wyoming Valley Children’s Association Kids that is. Not a fan of fishing? Then take a walk. The WVCA’s 27th annual “Do it for the Kids” Walk-A-Thon is on April 13th as well. This family friendly event features a 2.5-mile walk, food, music, raffle prizes, family activities and more, all to benefit the WVCA programs. The walk begins at the WVCA at 1133 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort. Tap for details.
  7. Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kirby Park. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 11am to 5pm in Kirby Park. There will be food, crafts, rides, games, music and more.
  8. Ride a bike. Your child may have gotten a brand new bike for Christmas, but haven’t had an opportunity to get out much in the cold weather. There’s no time like early spring to enjoy the outdoors with a family bike ride.
  9. Celebrate Earth Day by starting a garden. They say April showers bring May flowers after all. Earth Day is April 22nd and it’s the perfect time to teach your children how to garden. The Farmer’s Almanac offers some suggestions for planting timeline for a Wilkes-Barre climate.  You can start seeds outdoors for vegetables, such as beets, carrots, onions and spinach in April. It will also give you suggestions for a timeline for starting seeds indoors and transplanting them. You can start seedlings indoors as early as March, so be sure to check it out. Start seeds early for flowers and herbs indoors as well. This is an activity your children are sure to love as they watch their vegetables and flowers grow all summer. Need a few more ideas to celebrate Earth Day, how about taking a hike or building a bird feeder for your yard.
  10. Fly a kite. The breeze of springtime makes it’s a great time to teach your child the joys of flying a kite.

Building Blocks Summer Camp for Kids

Spring is a great time to begin to discuss the Building Blocks Learning Center Summer Camp with your family as well. Our summer camp runs mid June through mid August. It includes fun projects, sports, STEAM activities and more. Breakfast, lunch and a snack is provided, as well before and after care. Building Blocks summer camp for children is a fun and interactive way for kids to spend their summer. You can learn more by calling 570-793-1725. Building Blocks is here for all of your summer camp, pre-school and daycare needs.

Most importantly, enjoy the beauty of spring with your entire family. Whatever you do, do it together. Follow us on Facebook  to see more family fun ideas like this and information on what’s happening at Building Blocks Learning Center.

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Ruth Corcoran