There are few words that inspire a happiness boost more than “spring.” Winter is (finally!) behind us, the snow has melted, and you don’t need to wear that darn heavy coat anymore. With grass turning green, birds singing, and flowers coming to life, it’s time to celebrate in a big way with these best spring activities that are sure to keep you busy all season long. While there are plenty of solo things you can do on your own, you can also share these fresh and fun experiences with your partner or your little ones.

Some activities were made for sunny days, like bird-watching, hiking, bike-riding, and planting flowers. And if it rains, which it often does throughout the springtime months, you’ll also be covered with rainy day activities that takes the entertainment indoors. And don’t forget—you can always pull on your wellies, grab an umbrella, and head out for a walk in the rain! You’ll get bonus points for jumping in puddles.

Spring is also a time to shake things up and get some of the stagnant energy from winter out of your life. Think: spring cleaning, making breezy crafts, hosting outdoor soirees, and baking spring-themed treats. With so many ways to mark the changing of the seasons, here are 35 spring activities that will carry you all the way to summer.

Make the springtime season truly sweet by baking a variety of spring cakes straight from Ree’s kitchen. From carrot cake to pastel frostings to bright lemon flavors, these treats are perfect for spring.

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Now that we can *finally* enjoy the outdoors again, host a cocktail party or dinner right in your backyard. Set up a table with fresh decor and foods that nod to the season. And don’t forget the punch or lemonade!

There’s nothing quite as breezy or fun as going for a long bike ride on a gorgeous spring day. Explore a new path in your area, pack a picnic, and wear your springiest biking outfit. Make it a date by going with your special someone.

Research hiking trails in your area that are known for showcasing stunning spring wildflowers. Pack a bag and plan a day of savoring the great outdoors and breathing in the scents of those amazing blooms.

Now that many birds have returned from their winter travels, it’s time to break out the binoculars and celebrate their return! Robins, geese, and chickadees are all back just in time for warm spring weather.

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Spring is the ideal season for slowing down and enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer. Put away your phone and head to the front porch for a lazy afternoon, spent in a rocking chair with some iced tea and a good book.

As soon as it’s okay to plant springtime flowers (be sure to check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to find out the best time to plant), make a plan for your backyard garden. See if you can try some new florals this year and further punch it up by including adorable garden decor.

Close that GPS app on your phone and head out to the country for a meandering drive. Explore places you’ve never seen before, take pictures of newly-green fields dotted with cows, and stop at a charming place for lunch.

Now that you’ve packed away all those cardigans and turtlenecks, it’s time to introduce those springtime dresses back into your wardrobe! In light materials like cotton and linen, you can feel your prettiest on a balmy spring day.

Just because it’s pouring doesn’t mean you should stay inside snoring! Instead, get out your most colorful umbrella, don a raincoat and boots, and head out for a walk on your own or go on one with your whole family. And don’t forget to jump in the puddles!

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Spring is such a fun time to get your DIY on since your interiors could probably use a bit of freshening up. Whether you’re creating an Easter tree, making the perfect handmade Mother’s Day card, or just looking for ways to shake up your spring decor, you can gather up your pals and spend an afternoon crafting away.

Arboretums, public gardens, and other greenspaces are finally in bloom again, so now’s the time to visit. Catch tulips, daffodils, and flowering trees in all their springtime glory.

You’ve spent pretty much your entire winter indoors—now take those indoor activities outdoors! That means reading with your kiddo in the garden, flipping through The Pioneer Woman Magazine amid springtime breezes, and doing some solo reading on the porch.

Be a kid again and head out to those glorious fields of wildflowers to frolic and pick beautiful blooms. Just be sure it’s OK to pick flowers there, whether you have permission from a neighbor or you could head to a U-pick wildflower farm.

Is there anything better than an oh-so-fresh springtime salad? Ree’s got plenty of recipes you can try, whether it's a strawberry spinach salad or a barbecue chicken salad.

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The treadmill and elliptical machine have seen enough action all throughout winter. Now take your workouts outside! Get out for a run, do some yoga in your garden, or join a group exercise class in the park.

Block a springtime afternoon in your calendars—because you and your partner are going on a date. Eat lunch on an outdoor patio and go for a stroll to see newly-green trees and flowers at their best.

Whether it’s a road trip to Washington, D.C. or another regional spot, find out where to view the very best cherry blossoms. With their intoxicating fragrance and sumptuous pink petals, you’ll take pictures galore and soak up the beauty of springtime, too.

While we certainly love throw blankets, plaid patterns, and cozy textures around here, now that it’s spring, swap out those heavy decor pieces for ones that are light and bright. Think: light wood finishes, vases of flowers, and pops of color.

Those spring breezes are begging for kite-flying! Find one at a local store or head online to score one that’s bright and colorful. Go to an open field or park and send up that kite, which is sure to make your little ones smile from ear to ear.

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It’s good to slow down in the midst of a busy day, no matter what season it is, but spring is especially magical. It takes the phrase, “stop and smell the flowers,” to a whole new level, since spring flowers are the best-smelling blooms all year! Whether you’re walking to a work lunch or need a midday break, be sure to pause for those blossoms.

If you’ve already decorated your interiors for spring, don’t forget to show a little springtime love to your front door, too. Put out pots of freshly-planted flowers and hang a spring wreath that you made yourself.

While summer tends to be everyone’s go-to season for camping, don’t overlook spring. Those cool evenings will feel amazing when compared to sultry summer nights, and it’ll help you emerge from your winter cocoon and enjoy the outdoors once again.

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning! Winter can leave our homes feeling dusty and cluttered. Now’s the time to clear out winter coats, dust those shelves, and clean the windows to let in all that lovely sunlight.

It’s finally golf season again! Dust off your clubs and hit the links with friends to make the most of a spring day.

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You probably walk your best furry friend year round, but in the spring, plan some extra-long walks with your pup. Pick a beautiful trail to amble on together, then head to the dog park for some muddy fun.

Celebrate spring by making sweet bouquets for your closest friends. Even though it’s not an official holiday, unexpected flowers will show your BFFs just how much you care.

Spring is definitely the “cutest” season around because of all those baby animals! Wee ducks, tiny bunnies, and fuzzy baby birds abound this season, so get out there with your own little ones to see how many you can spy.

Now that the snow and ice has melted, it’s time for some exterior home maintenance. Hose off dirty patios and decks, repaint chipped spots, and be sure to plant some flowers, too.

With stars overhead and moonlight bathing the flowering trees, go solo or make it a family affair by enjoying a springtime evening in the backyard. Set up lanterns or even have a bonfire for more ambiance.

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If you aren’t planning a vacation this spring, be a local tourist and see your town at its springtime best. Maybe there’s a boat tour you’ve always wanted to take or an outdoor festival you’ve never been to.

There are few things as fresh and delicious as a newly-picked spring vegetable. Several tasty veggies are currently in season, like asparagus, arugula, and snow peas. Dream up new ways to add them to your dishes.

Garden centers are bursting with ideas this time of year. Discover new plants and flowers to add to your garden, pick up a fountain or other garden decor, and make it a date by going with your main squeeze.

Whether you’re dressing up an Easter brunch table, beautifying a spring wedding, or simply desire a centerpiece that can stay on your table all spring long, it’s time to work your DIY magic.

Since it’s a pretty muddy season, it’s a good idea to put on some wellies! They’re a whole lot cuter in bright colors and patterns, and it’s just fun to wear them, too.

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