Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander

In Colorado, the transition from winter to spring is messy. A little ugly, even. But it might be one of the most wonderful seasons to spend outside with your kids. Because while the landscape may look dull to adults, to children it’s an entire world of discovery waiting to be explored. Here are 12 delightfully muddy and messy outdoor activities for kids during this transitional season. The days are getting longer, so soak up the sunshine and get outdoors with your kids in all season!

The mornings feel softer and more energized. The light comes earlier and lingers just a little longer. Winter is fading into spring right now. And every year, without fail, the changing of seasons whispers the same truth: Nothing ever stays the same. As the seasons change, it's the perfect time to practice and teach our children to notice. And noticing leads to understanding and celebrating, both the physical seasons and our own spiritual ones. Here's what the seasons teach us about God...

Although the shift from winter to spring is hardly discernable in our mountain home, I love pulling out the nature-inspired spring books this time of year to start dreaming of warmer days. It's one of my favorite ways to welcome in the change of seasons. Here is a selection of our favorite 17 nature-inspired spring books - in no particular order - for slow mornings, muddy boots, and sunshine-filled afternoons., paired with some fun activities to start spending longer days outdoors too.