The spring equinox, occurring around March 20th or 21st, is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature. With day and night in balance, it’s a wonderful opportunity to help children feel more in tune with the changing seasons. By engaging in outdoor activities, we can foster curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging in the natural world.
But, what is the equinox?
The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is the moment in the year when day and night are almost perfectly equal in length, symbolising balance. The spring equinox can fall on either March 20th or 21st due to the way Earth’s orbit and calendar systems work. Earth’s orbit around the sun takes about 365.25 days, which is why we have a leap year every four years to account for that extra quarter of a day. Because the Gregorian calendar has 365 days in a normal year and 366 in a leap year, the exact timing of the equinox shifts slightly each year.
In addition, Earth’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle; it’s slightly elliptical, meaning the speed at which Earth moves around the sun varies slightly. These factors cause the equinox to drift within a narrow window, generally landing on either March 20th or 21st, though occasionally it can fall on March 19th in some time zones. Over centuries, small adjustments to our calendar keep these dates aligned with Earth’s position in its orbit.
The Spring Equinox marks the official start of spring. On this day, the sun crosses the celestial equator, meaning it rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west. For ancient cultures, the equinox was a significant event, often celebrated as a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings—a theme we can still connect with today by observing the changes in nature around us.
1. Plant a New Beginning
There’s something magical about planting seeds during the spring equinox—it’s a hands-on way to represent growth and new beginnings. Whether it’s wildflower seeds in a garden (like we explored in our random acts of kindness blog) or bulbs in pots, planting connects us to the earth. As children care for their plants, they develop responsibility and a deeper appreciation for nature. I am in my 40s now but still remember the wee broadbean seed I planted back in primary school. You could even encourage them to keep a plant diary, noting each stage of growth and observing how the seasons impact their environment.
2. Nature Walk: Signs of Spring
Head outdoors for a spring-themed nature walk. Ask the children to look for early signs of the new season, like budding trees, fresh green shoots, or birds returning after winter. We have pulled together a scavenger hunt for you, see it at the bottom of this blog. You could turn it into a fun scavenger hunt and see who can find the most, or simply use it as a quiet time to observe and reflect. This activity not only helps children connect with their surroundings but also encourages mindfulness, making them more aware of the subtle changes in nature.
Noticing the changes of the seasons helps us slow down and tune in to the natural rhythms of the world around us. By observing how the days grow longer, buds begin to bloom, and wildlife becomes more active, we develop a deeper connection to nature and a greater sense of place. This mindful awareness of seasonal shifts not only fosters respect and care for the environment but also supports our well-being. It grounds us, helps reduce stress, and reminds us that change is a natural and constant part of life—something we can embrace and learn from. This grounding skills is something that children can use for years to come to calm themselves.
3. Build a Spring Wreath
Get creative by building simple spring wreaths using twigs, evergreen leaves, and early blossoms if available (encourage the children not to pick flowers as the bees really do need them at this time of year!). As children weave their wreaths, they can reflect on the beauty of the changing seasons and how everything in nature is connected. This activity is a great way to encourage teamwork and an appreciation for seasonal materials, even when supplies are limited.
4. Sun and Shadow Exploration
Since the equinox marks a balance between light and dark, exploring shadows is a fun and fitting activity. Take the children outside at different times of the day to trace their shadows and observe how they change. To do this remember and mark where the children’s feet are at the start of the day so they can be sure to stand in the same spot facing the same direction. This simple exercise helps them understand the movement of the sun and how it affects our daily lives. You could even link it to ancient cultures that used the equinox to track the seasons.
5. Spring Equinox Storytelling
Stories have always been a powerful way to connect with one another and with nature. Gather the children outdoors and share tales about the spring equinox from various cultures, focusing on themes of balance, renewal, and new beginnings. Then, invite them to create their own spring-inspired stories or poems. This activity helps build a sense of community while encouraging creativity and storytelling skills. You can research stories like The Tale of the Cailleach and Brigid but here’s one I do love which comes from Orcadian (Orkney) folklore.
The Tale of Sea Mither and Teran: A Scottish Spring Equinox Story
Long ago, before people roamed the land, the sea and the sky were ruled by two mighty spirits—Sea Mither and Teran. Sea Mither, known as the “Mother of the Sea,” was kind and gentle. She brought calm waters, warm breezes, and the soft touch of summer. Teran, on the other hand, was fierce and wild. He stirred up storms with howling winds and crashing waves, making the seas dark and dangerous.
Each year, as winter came to an end, Teran grew stronger. He roared across the sea and sky, bringing fierce storms and icy winds. But as the days grew longer and spring approached, Sea Mither began to awaken. It was her time to bring peace back to the seas and warmth to the world.
“It’s time for balance,” Sea Mither said, her voice like a gentle wave lapping at the shore. She rose from the depths of the ocean, her presence calming the raging waters. Teran, seeing her rise, growled like thunder. He didn’t want to give up his power over the seas.
And so, every year at the spring equinox, the two spirits would battle. Teran whipped up fierce winds and towering waves, determined to hold onto winter. But Sea Mither, with her steady strength and gentle warmth, calmed the winds and soothed the waves. She didn’t fight with anger; she fought with kindness and patience, knowing that spring and summer were meant to follow winter.
This year was no different. Teran summoned his wildest storm, but Sea Mither brought a peaceful breeze that slowly quieted the chaos. Bit by bit, her warmth melted the last traces of winter, and soon the seas were calm, and the sky was bright.
“You win again, Sea Mither,” Teran grumbled, his voice fading like a distant storm. “But I will return when the days grow short, and winter will be mine once more.”
Sea Mither smiled. She knew that Teran would return in autumn, but for now, the balance had been restored. The seas were peaceful, the winds gentle, and the warmth of spring began to spread across the land.
From that day on, people noticed how the seasons changed. When the seas were calm and the days grew longer, they knew Sea Mither was watching over them. And when the wild storms of winter came, they remembered Teran and waited for Sea Mither to return once more.
And so, every spring equinox, we can still feel the spirit of Sea Mither as the world awakens from winter’s grip. The balance of light and dark reminds us that change is always coming, and with it, new beginnings and the gentle promise of spring.
Additional Activity Ideas
- Equinox-themed art: Paint or draw scenes inspired by spring and balance.
- Bug hunt: Search for early spring insects and discuss their role in the ecosystem.
- Outdoor yoga: Practice simple balancing poses to symbolize the balance of light and dark.
- Weather diary: Start a daily log of weather changes and observations.
- Create nature poems: Write short poems inspired by the sights and sounds of spring.
Why the Spring Equinox Matters
The spring equinox isn’t just another day—it’s a reminder of nature’s cycles and our place within them. By celebrating this moment, we encourage children to respect the environment and appreciate the balance of life. Engaging in activities that highlight growth, connection, and renewal helps them feel more grounded and inspires a lifelong love of the outdoors.
The spring equinox is a chance to embrace the changing seasons and all the new possibilities they bring. Whether it’s planting seeds, exploring shadows, or sharing stories, these simple activities create lasting connections with nature. So, let’s get outside, celebrate the balance of light and dark, and welcome the fresh start that spring offers.
