Spring brings a lot of celebrations. Parades, festivals, and holidays fill the calendar as people start spending more time outside again.
If you’re looking for something a little calmer than the St. Patrick’s Day buzz, one of the most beautiful experiences you can plan is a visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.
One of our first dates before we had children was actually at the Cherry Blossom Festival, and it’s still one of those memories that has always stuck with us. Walking around the water, seeing the blossoms starting to bloom, and watching people try to capture the perfect picture creates a peaceful kind of energy that’s hard to explain.
This year the festival runs March 20th – April 12th.
You can find more information about the events and bloom updates here:
https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Seeing the different stages of the cherry blossoms bloom can be a beautiful experience. Some people try to visit during the peak bloom, while others enjoy watching the trees slowly transform throughout the season.
Don’t Miss the Kite Festival
One especially fun event during the festival is the Blossom Kite Festival, which takes place this year on March 28th.
It’s a sight to see hundreds of colorful kites filling the sky around the Washington Monument. Families bring their children, photographers line up for the perfect shot, and it feels like the whole area turns into a giant outdoor celebration of spring.
Even if you’ve never flown a kite before, it’s a fun tradition to try.
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Spring Also Means It’s Time to Start Planting
Speaking of flowers, spring is also a great time to start thinking about what you want to grow this year.
Depending on your climate zone, many areas begin reaching temperatures between 55–75 degrees, which opens the door to planting a wide variety of plants.
You may be able to start planting:
- Flowers
- Herbs
- Vegetables
- Decorative plants for your yard
If your area isn’t quite warm enough yet, there are still plenty of plants you can start indoors to prepare for summer.
Some popular plants to start early include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Tomatillos
- Basil
There are also many herbs and vegetables that can begin indoors before being transferred outside once temperatures rise.
Gardening Is a Fun Family Activity
One of the things we’ve always loved about planting is how magical it feels for kids.
Our children always loved digging in the soil and getting messy. Watching their reaction when a tiny seed eventually grows into a full plant is one of those simple but meaningful experiences.
It’s a great reminder that nature doesn’t need screens or entertainment to capture attention — sometimes a small seed and a little patience is enough.
Getting the kids involved in gardening can teach them:
- Responsibility
- Patience
- Appreciation for nature
- Where food actually comes from
If you’re planning to start planting this spring, it helps to have a few basics ready.
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Spring Is a Season of New Beginnings
Whether you decide to visit the Cherry Blossom Festival, fly a kite in Washington DC, or start planting your own garden at home, spring has a way of reminding us that new things are always beginning.
Flowers bloom. Seeds grow. Families spend more time outside again.