Bunchland

When it comes to the most magical time of the year, we know how to romp

Spring really is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” Flowers are sprouting, the breeze is warm and trees are ripe for the climbing. We’ve rounded up our most stellar ideas to help you and your kids to take full advantage of the season — we’ve got you covered, from picnic basket pointers to mud puddle musts.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FROLICKS AND SHENANIGANS

Want to get outside and give back to your community? Here are five cool ways you and your kids can volunteer this spring. Restoring murals, community garden drop ins, and park clean ups — these ideas are way cooler than a bake sale.

Robins and Cardinals are now hopping all over the place. We put our feathered thinking caps on and came up with some ways you can help a bird build its nest from natural materials.  Read more...

And pack up your pic-a-nic baskets

With a crazy long winter and then a seemingly endless string of grey, drizzly days, it seemed like spring was taking forever to get here. (And even when we caught a glimpse of spring with a warm, sunny day, a downpour soon followed. Cue sad trombone.)

Fortunately, in the last few weeks, spring has been out in full force. Craving some vitamin D, we’re heading to the park and packing a picnic. We suggest you do the same.

And in 2011, it basically goes without saying, but if you’re not packing all reusable containers, dispose of garbage and recycling responsibly. We don’t want to see any Mad Men Draper Family picnics in our parks!

You’ll need:  Read more...

• Cooler (cooler bags are easier to carry)
• Ice packs (optional, but help keep salads etc. cold in the cooler)