A new spring season brings a much-needed spring into my step after months of staying cooped up through the colder months. From the budding dogwood trees to the sounds of bees buzzing, and yes, even the coat of pollen that casts a yellow haze in the air down here in the South, I love the feeling of everything coming back to life. It restores my energy and gives me a little more zest for everyday activities.

Perhaps my favorite change that comes with the month of April is the pleasant temperature that makes it easier to get outside often with my family. We plan more trips to the playground, enjoy more dinners around a picnic table, and take more walks with our neighbors and friends. As a parent, I love the feeling of tucking my exhausted kids into bed after a long day of playing outside. I find joy in scrubbing the dirt from their feet and treating the grass stains on the knees of their pant legs; it just feels good, and I strive to incorporate as much outside play into their childhoods as possible.

The delightful combination of warm sun and cool breeze that comes with springtime is what inspired our list of favorite finds for April. Each item can be used outdoors to help you savor the season, whether you’re flying solo or with the whole crew. After hibernating all winter, I’m sure I’m not the only one who could use some sunshine, fresh air, and even a little dirt on my hands.

This thicker waterproof mat provides the perfect surface for outdoor tummy time, snack time, storytime, naptime, and every time in between. The fabric easily wipes clean, and the built-in carry handle and foldable design make it convenient to transport and stow away. If you’re looking for something more compact that can be rolled up and tossed into a diaper bag, this pretty printed mat by Wander & Roam is a great option at a lower price point. 

April showers bring May flowers, so be prepared for puddle-jumping with the proper kicks. I immediately fell in love with these rubber rainboots because of the clever smiley face cutout. (Cutouts also make it easier for small hands to pull their shoes on and off.) With all the fun printed socks kids wear, these boots are a great way to show off personal flair. You can find this product in other adorable colors and styles, too, including a kitty cat, bunny, and more.

From the moment they could sit unassisted, all four of my children developed an infatuation with swinging that appears here to stay. The great thing about this innovative swing seat is that it packs four different configurations to best fit little ones from 6 months (use the 5-point safety harness and removable headrest) up to age 8, so you get ample use out of it throughout the years. I particularly appreciate the rubber-sealed straps that help with gripping the sides and preventing pinched fingers.

A mud kitchen is a genius idea because it combines so many things children often enjoy: “working” in the kitchen, playing with water, and the freedom to get messy. The refillable water dispenser on this particular model acts as a faucet for washing hands or dishes, and the included shovel, spoon, egg beater, pots, and other accessories make it feel like a real kitchen.

Whether you’re headed to the park, the pool, or an outdoor concert, chilled beverages are definitely in order. This sleek backpack cooler is ultra-portable for toting plenty of snacks, juice boxes, popsicles, canned cocktails, bottles of vino … whatever floats your boat! And if you frequent the outdoors for hikes or other activities, this bag is also available in an all-weather neoprene.

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