The countdown is on! Believe it or not, spring is at our doorstep. With days getting longer and warmer, now is the time to get outside and enjoy these last weeks of winter before the snow is gone. I love these warmer but still snowy days because we don’t get freezing toes when we play outside, yet we are not yet knee-deep in slushy snow.
This year’s spring equinox falls on March 20th. For families, this means we can dress in lighter layers, that maple syrup season on its way and we can soon start our indoor seed planting. This year is also extra special because we will be treated to a rare full moon between March 13 and 14, called the blood or worm moon. The last moon of winter will appear red due to a full lunar eclipse resulting from the shadow cast by the earth. Its other name, worm, refers to critters that begin to emerge again at this time of year. You can read more about the blood/worm full moon on the Farmer’s Almanac page.
Waterproof gear and changes of mittens
When things warm up, the wetter snow is perfect for building snowmen. As the snow gets wetter, however, it means we get wet quickly too. Kids like to be able to play out in the snow to their heart’s content. My two best tips for spring outdoor dressing for your kids are waterproof pants and multiple changes of mittens. Send multiple pairs of mittens along with your kids heading to school or daycare or when they go on outings. Do your best to dry your children’s mittens out overnight and also remove their boot liners to dry. This will keep them comfortable and help prevent wet, stinky clothing and boots.
Spring snow and safety
This is the perfect time of year for snowmen and snow forts just please beware of the dangers of snow safety when it comes to forts and tunnels. Avoid structures with roofs or areas where children are under the snow. Changing temperatures can make structures unstable and can be very dangerous to kids. Be sure to consult this blog post from the Red Cross on Keeping kids safe during winter activities.
Maple time. Sweet!
I don’t know about you, but I am a huge maple syrup fan. With warmer temperatures the sap in maple trees begins to run. To be able to produce maple syrup, temperatures need to drop below freezing overnight and warm up during the day, ideally between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
If you have sugar maple trees in your yard and have ever thought about tapping them for syrup, it can be a great family activity. Check out these instructions from the Province of Ontario on Backyard Maple Syrup Production. Lufa farms also share an interesting article with great pictures on Backyard Sugarin’. Whether you tap your trees or not, spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the treats of maple syrup, maple butter and taffy.
We are so lucky to live in a city that embraces the joys of the seasons. There is something to do for everyone, at any age. Be sure to check out the links in our latest Family Matters’ e-newsletter for great activities around town this time of year, including some suggestions for March Break.
Hoping you share some sweet times with your family this March,
Jessica