34 Screen-Free Activities for Spring

Ray Cogan

young children examine seedlings in pots

It’s been a long winter and everyone’s ready to start enjoying the outdoors again. But before you begin soaking in that summer sun, you’ll have to navigate your way through the changing weather of spring.

In the spring, it’s not uncommon to see vast temperature swings. And a warm sunny day can just as easily be followed by a week of cold and rain. To keep your kids busy — and away from the television or iPad — we’ve assembled a list of activities suited for both indoor and outdoor fun.

Here are some ways your family can enjoy the first signs of spring together:

Play a board game. Searching for things to do on a rainy spring day? Pull out a board game and let the fun begin. Whether it’s a quick game of Chutes and Ladders or an all-day Monopoly marathon, some old-school fun may be just what you need to keep everyone entertained.
Learn a new skill. Work with your child to choose a new skill your family can learn together. Whether it’s practicing Spanish or mastering the art of origami, you’ll expand your horizons together.
Clean out your closets. Get a jump-start on spring cleaning by making space in your child’s closet. Let them clear out any clothing they don’t fit in or won’t wear anymore. Then, if you’re able to take it to a second-hand or resale shop, let them keep the money they earn from their old clothes can serve as motivation to get the job done.
Cook or bake. It’s never too early to start teaching life skills to your children. Choose a simple meal like pasta and let them experiment in the kitchen. Or enjoy some homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Read a book. Purchase some books in advance to keep stashed away for a rainy day. A good book can keep your kids entertained for hours — no television required.
Work on a puzzle. Exercise their brain with a jigsaw puzzle. With an endless number of pictures to choose from, you’re sure to find a puzzle to interest your child. Just be sure to pick one with an age-appropriate difficulty level.
Volunteer. Teach your kids the value of giving back to others. Whether you walk dogs at the local humane society or package meals at the food bank, it’s always a good time to help those in need.
Snap some family photos. Allow your kids to show off their smiles or silly faces as they pose for an impromptu photo shoot. Learn how you can preserve those pictures for years to come.
Build a fort. Get creative with pillows, chairs and blankets on a rainy day.
Put on a play. Have your kids demonstrate their artistic prowess with a song, dance or sketch.
Visit a historical site. Chances are there are some fun and educational opportunities right near you. You may even learn a thing or two.
Go bird watching. As spring arrives, so do native birds returning from their winter migration. Whether you set up a bird feeder in the yard or visit a local nature preserve, all you need is a pair of binoculars. You can even start a bird watching journal to see how many species you can find.
Gaze at the stars. Choose a clear night to stay up late and stargaze. While a telescope will give you a closer look at the evening sky, it’s not necessary. Just grab a constellation map and see how many you can find together.
Play tag. Sometimes, the simplest games can be the most fun. Whether they opt for a traditional game of tag, freeze tag or an evening game of flashlight tag, your kids can get in some cardio while having fun with friends and family.
Do yard work. Alright, this may not sound like fun at first. But if you choose a simple job, your kids may just get excited about chipping in with the spring cleanup. Helping with tasks like planting flowers, picking up branches or mulching the flower beds is a way to spend quality time together — while crossing an item off your to-do list.
Go camping. There’s nothing like the great outdoors – even if it’s only your backyard. So grab a sleeping bag and enjoy a night out under the stars. Try one of these 10 camping hacks while you’re at it.
Wash the car. Combine time spent outside and household chores by washing all the winter dirt and grime off the family car. While the hose is out, your kids can wash down their bicycles, too.
Build a bonfire. As the warmth of the sun begins to fade, light a bonfire and enjoy the first s’mores of the season. Roast some marshmallows, enjoy the sights and sounds of a crackling fire — and don’t forget to read our list of safety tips for backyard fire pits .
Play catch. The start of baseball season is one of the first signs that spring has arrived. So grab a ball and stretch your arm with a quick game of catch.
Get out on the water. Skip some stones and enjoy watching the ducks as they swim in a nearby pond. Or take a canoe or paddleboat to enjoy the afternoon at a local lake.
Take a walk or hike. Find a trail system near your home or stroll around your neighborhood. The fresh air will do you good.
Play a driveway game. Enjoy a driveway game of cornhole, foursquare or basketball right outside your home.
Catch some bugs. Have you explored your own backyard lately? Learn together about the critters you see crawling or flying around.
Climb a tree. Find a safe spot on a sturdy branch to take in new views of your house and neighborhood.
Go fishing. Fishing can be a blast – and a great lesson in patience. So cast away, whether you’re at the ocean or a local pond.
Plant a garden. Spring is the perfect time to start planting your garden. Plot the seeds to grow your own tomatoes, cucumber or squash. By helping out with the growing process, your kids may be more motivated than ever to eat their vegetables.
Travel to a national or state park. Experience the beauty nature has to offer at your local park or nature preserve. There’s no better place to enjoy the first signs of spring.
Fly a kite. Take advantage of that windy day by seeing how high you can fly. You can buy a kite from a kit or try making one of your own. Then, help your kids release it into the air in a park or your backyard.
Go on a scavenger hunt. Hide household items around your yard for the kids to find. Then, create a list – and some friendly competition.
Splash in a puddle. Take advantage of those April showers. Just be sure to put on some rain boots or a poncho.
Build a bird feeder. There are plenty of simple plans available online and kits you can buy in-store. Fill it with seeds and watch as birds fly in to feast.
Ride your bikes. Hit up your local bike trail or explore some new areas of your neighborhood. And learn how to stay safe by protecting yourself from bike theft.
Pick fresh strawberries. Food tastes better when it’s fresh from the farm. Find a local strawberry patch and enjoy picking your own healthy snack.
Run in a virtual race. Many fitness apps include sharing functionality. Challenge friends and family to lace up their sneakers to get some exercise together, whether it’s a competitive 5K or a casual 1-mile run.

Spring is the perfect time to celebrate new beginnings. Whether you’re occupying the kids on a rainy day or enjoying the sun’s warmth, the most important part is making new memories together as a family.

At Erie Insurance we want you to relax and enjoy more of what makes you and your family happy, knowing that your home is protected. Learn more about homeowners insurance from ERIE or find an agent in your neighborhood.

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Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • May 12, 2025

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .

How to Switch Car Insurance with Help from an Insurance Agent

By Ray Cogan • April 28, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote. We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.