Springtime is a time of change. Consider taking your toddler for a walk to observe the first signs of spring. Look for budding trees, birds returning from the south, the first signs of early flowers such as crocuses, and more.

1. Wind Sock

   Activity for an individual child
   Age group: 18–40 months
   Duration of activity: 20 minutes

   When your child is done with this project, be sure to hang it somewhere it can catch the wind. Do not be surprised if your child wants to make more than one.

   What You'll Need

   • Crayons or markers
   • 1 large sheet poster board
   • Masking tape
   • Hole punch
   • Yarn or twine
   • Crepe or tissue paper

   1. Have your child use crayons or markers to decorate both sides of the poster board.

   2. Roll the board into a cylinder and tape it securely on the edges.

   3. Punch a hole at one end and attach a yarn loop for hanging.

   4. Let your toddler tape strips of the crepe or tissue paper to the other end.

2. Blossom Trees

   Activity for an individual child or a group
   Age group: 18–40 months
   Duration of activity: 15 minutes

   Although they will not smell as nice as real flowering trees, you will be surprised how realistic these trees look. If you don't want to use popcorn, you can have your child make little blossoms by crumpling up small pieces of tissue paper or Kleenex.

   What You'll Need

   • Light-colored construction paper
   • Brown crayon
   • 1 cup popped popcorn
   • White craft glue

   1. Have your child use the crayon to draw a tree trunk and branches.

   2. Show your child how to glue the popcorn on the branches to make the blossoms. It works best if he puts a dab of glue on the paper rather than on the popcorn kernel.

3. Soufflé Flowers

   Activity for an individual child or a group
   Age group: 30–40 months
   Duration of activity: 15 minutes

   This simple activity results in a craft with a nice fragrance that lasts a long time. Perhaps your child will want to make a whole bouquet.

   What You'll Need

   • Paper baking cups or mini soufflé cups
   • Watercolor paints
   • Paintbrush
   • Cotton ball
   • Perfume
   • White craft glue
   • Pipe cleaner

   1. Show your toddler how to open and spread the baking cup out.

   2. Let your toddler paint the cup.

   3. Help your child dab a small amount of perfume onto the cotton ball. When the paint is dry, he can glue the ball into the center of the flower.

   4. Help your child attach the pipe cleaner to make a stem for the flower.

4. Egg-Carton Tulips

   Activity for an individual child or a group
   Age group: 30–40 months
   Duration of activity: 25 minutes

   This creative craft can be used for a festive centerpiece.

   What You'll Need

   • Egg carton (cardboard works better than Styrofoam)
   • Scissors
   • Tempera paint
   • Pipe cleaners or chenille sticks
   • Paintbrush

   1. Cut the carton into individual egg cups.

   2. Let your toddler paint the cups.

   3. When the paint is dry, use the scissors to poke a small hole in the bottom of the cup.

   4. Thread a pipe cleaner through. Pull enough of it into the center to twist a small loop. This will keep it secure as a stem and create a little stamen. Always be sure that there are no sharp wires on the ends of the pipe cleaners.