5 Things to Do with an Extra Hour of Sunlight

The tulips are blooming, and the birds are chirping. For many, Daylight Saving Time is synonymous with spring, symbolizing new beginnings and growth. And the extra hour of sunlight (almost!) makes up for an hour of lost sleep. What can you do with that extra hour of sunlight that comes with springing forward and the days becoming longer? We’ve rounded up five of our favorite ways you and your family can celebrate that extra hour of daylight that accompanies spring.

1. Host a themed family dinner, al fresco.

Extra sunlight makes everything merry and bright. Dust off the good china, your colorfully embroidered napkins, and cozy deck furniture and plan a themed dinner for the whole family. Host a DIY pizza party, crazy hair, or even a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Sun makes all more joyful, and your nearest and dearest will be delighted you chose them to spend your extra hour of daylight outside for a delicious, light-hearted meal. Ah, spring.

2. Grow a garden.

The joy of putting your hands in dirt, swishy mud underfoot, and planting seeds can be underrated. It can be a unique experience for them to watch the seeds they’ve planted sprout and grow into plants. Make a ritual out of it by checking on the garden and seeing how it’s changed every day. Introducing kids to gardening is rewarding and fun, too. And come summertime? Tomatoes galore!

3. Frolic in nature!

Embracing nature can look how you’d like it for your family, and be accessible in different ways. Going on an after-school hike or exploring a new park is great for getting the extra energy out. Lay a cozy quilt in the backyard and challenge everyone to find the shapes in the clouds. This activity will inspire your little one’s imaginations and connect them to nature, too. There’s evidence that spending just two hours a week in nature can improve your overall well-being. Introducing the whole family to the beauty of nature with the extra hour of sunlight March brings? Priceless.

4. Get in the game.

Basketball, tennis, capture the flag, anyone? After the after-school snacks, gather the kids and head outside. Getting sunlight can help you and your littles bond and sleep better. Playing a game outside with your extra hour means you’ll all win. These are the spring days you’ll all remember! Just don’t forget the SPF.

5. Set a family intention for spring.

There’s something magical about setting intentions — it brings them to the forefront of our consciousness, allowing us to seek out opportunities in our worlds to make them come true. What are your kids hoping to do this spring as the air gets warmer and the nights get longer? Play a new sport, try a new craft, learn grandma’s classic chocolate chip recipe? Whatever it is, setting intentions together can become a tradition. Sit down in that extra hour of sun, somewhere comfortable, and help guide the conversation. Bring out the poster board and glitter and have the kids brainstorm ideas for what they want to do as the days get warmer.

And as a bonus, we recommend our most beloved pastimes — taking an afternoon nap. Set the scene with calming music, open the window to feel the breeze, and let the sun warm the blankets. Kick-off your shoes and lie down for an hour of relaxation in the extra light; you’ll be glad you did.

However you and your family choose to spend your extra hour of daylight when we spring forward, we hope that it warms your soul, inspires you, and gets you ready for a night of rest!