Now that the temperatures are rising and we’re shaking off winter’s gloom, it’s time to try out some fun spring activities. Whether you are trying something new or choosing an old favourite, doing a seasonal activity is a great way to welcome the coming season in Ontario.
At Morison Insurance, we want you to enjoy the spring months safely while you have fun. We also recognize you can be overwhelmed with choices after months of being cooped up inside. That’s why our Ontario insurance brokers have put together this list of fun spring activities for you to try. Whether you pick an item below or it inspires you to try a different spring activity, we hope you enjoy yourself this season.
One stereotypical spring activity is to take in the blooming flowers, and in Ontario, there is plenty to look at. In fact, you can probably walk down any street once spring is in full swing to admire the different colours and varieties of plants that are shaking off winter and are coming out in full bloom.
But, if you really want to make your flower viewing trip exceptional, there are still plenty of places you can go for this spring activity. The Royal Botanical Gardens has 27 km of nature trails, 130 acres of cultivated gardens, and more than 242,000 individual plants for your viewing pleasure. Plus, in May, they have an amazing lilac blooming event. Additionally, communities around Ontario host cherry blossom blooming festivals, and Ottawa’s Tulip Festival is a spring activity you won’t want to miss.
Now that things are beginning to grow again, outdoor farmer’s markets will start coming out in full swing. After months of huddling indoors, it’s nice to step out into the warming spring air, look around the different vendors, sample local artisanal products and pick up some fresh produce. While this spring activity can be done all year round, thanks to indoor farmers markets, the first markets of spring really showcase the seasons’ freshest fruit and vegetables, and what’s more, you don’t usually have to travel far from home to enjoy them!
With winter over, birds are migrating back north to enjoy some Canadian hospitality, making spring a prime season for bird watching. While this is a low-key spring activity—you don’t want to frighten the birds away, after all—with the aid of your binoculars, you and your friends and family will be amazed at how many diverse species you can spot!
Want to make a competition out of this fun spring activity? In early May, Point Pelee National Park hosts the Festival of Birds, which comes with a 100 Species challenge for bird enthusiasts. But if you want something more laid back, you can do this spring activity at any one of Ontario’s parks or even your own backyard.
In addition to our avian friends, Ontario has plenty of other animal friends for you to check out as a spring activity. And by that, we mean going to the zoo. With warmer weather now upon us, many creatures are shaking off winter hibernation and coming out, making spring a perfect time to go out and see them before summer’s heat makes them drowsy. With options such as the Toronto Zoo or a local petting zoo, this spring activity is perfect for any animal lover.
If you want to check out more local wildlife, visit one of Ontario's numerous natural parks, or stay local with an outdoor picnic. Just remember to be respectful of local wildlife and tidy up after yourself when you're done with this spring activity.
Dust off your bikes, maps, and outdoor shoes for this spring activity. After months of being cooped up inside, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors! Whether you’re biking one of Ottawa’s recreational bike trails or hiking with friends on a Temagami Island Old-Growth Trail or another one of Ontario’s hiking trails, there are plenty of options available for springtime adventures.
Now that the worry of getting stranded during a snowstorm or spinning out on icy roads is gone, you can start planning the trips you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s to that produce stand an hour away from where you live that has the best berries, a day trip to Niagara Falls, or a scenic drive along Lake Superior’s coastline, road trips can be a fun spring activity and an excuse to get out and enjoy the greening landscape around you. If you have any concerns before embarking on this spring activity, speak to your Morison Insurance broker about road trip safety or your car insurance needs.
Canada may be known for hockey—this is where the best hockey players in the world come from, after all—but that isn’t the only sport we’re good at. With the arrival of spring comes the start of many sports seasons, including baseball, soccer, and lacrosse, Canada’s official summer sport. If your kids don’t play, you can catch a major league game like the Toronto Blue Jays at their home stadium or join a local recreation league to get in on the action yourself.
And if team sports aren’t your idea of a fun spring activity, there are plenty of other options for you as well. Golf courses and outdoor tennis courts will be opening up at this time. Additionally, you can always go for a run around your neighbourhood. But if watching sports is your idea of a fun spring activity, you can organize watch parties for your favourite team with friends and family.
With the start of the growing season upon us, you may be itching to get outside and start digging into the soil. That’s why one spring activity that’s on every list is gardening. Not only does it help increase your home’s overall curb appeal, but it also helps you get closer to nature and gives you a sense of accomplishment, whether you’re planting flowers in a garden bed or starting a vegetable garden. Spring is also ideal for getting caught up on all the garden maintenance you may have missed over the winter months.
Even if you're too big for an Easter egg hunt, there is still plenty you can find in the great outdoors. Get together with friends and family and put together a nature scavenger hunt, taking pictures of things you can find outside your home. From different plants to historical landmarks to bird sightings, it will not only be a fun spring activity; it will be a great excuse to go exploring outdoors.
Additionally, an at-home scavenger hunt is also one of the best spring activities for toddlers to get them into the outdoors. Whether they're finding out whether the daffodils are coming up or identifying a type of butterfly, it's a great way to get them into the beauty of nature.
Ever heard the saying April showers bring May flowers? Well, rain can also wash away winter grime, greenifying your surroundings. So whether you're watching the rain fall with a cup of tea or splashing in puddles, enjoying a rainy day is a quintessential spring activity.
Spring has a few major holidays, with some of the biggest being Easter, Passover, and Holi. Depending on what you observe, don't forget to make time for your holiday celebrations. Whether it's cooking a large meal for family or throwing coloured powder at your friends in good fun, it makes for a time-honoured spring activity.
In winter, you’ve probably enjoyed some hearty meals, but now that it’s spring, it’s time to enjoy some seasonal flavours, such as strawberries, rhubarb, spinach, lemon, blueberry, peas, asparagus, lavender, honey, and carrots. With so many seasonal taste delights, spring baking is a popular spring activity. From strawberry and rhubarb pie to carrot cake, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. And with all the delicious food you’re making, another perfect spring activity is hosting a dinner party for everyone to enjoy your hard work.
Just remember to practice kitchen safety while baking or cooking, so you can enjoy your spring-themed dishes in peace following the safe completion of this spring activity.
No matter what your idea of a fun spring activity is, the team at Morison Insurance has your back. We provide the home insurance, car insurance, and other personal insurance products you need to have the financial peace of mind that you are covered should you get into an accident or a baking activity turn into a failure.
For the insurance coverage or advice you need to pull off your spring activities safely, give us a call at 1-800-463-8074, or fill out our online form for a quote.
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