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Spring activities for families to enjoy together BY METRO Spring is one of the most popular seasons of the year. After sev- eral months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold. Moderate tempera- tures makes it much more comfortable and inviting to venture outdoors, par- ticularly for families with children who might not adapt to the cold as well as adults. The following are some family-friendly activities that make the most of spring renewal. Visit botanic gardens If there's a botanical garden nearby, a visit in spring is a great time to soak in the beauty of nature. That's be- cause an abundance of flowers bloom during the spring, meaning a garden will be in peak form. Visitors can mean- der through rows of rosebushes or tour the labyrinth of trimmed hedges. Beautiful, flowering cherry trees, with their delicate pink or white petals, also are sights to behold in spring. Design a home garden Visiting a garden is one thing, creating one at home is another. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some space to flowers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which flow- ers and plants attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. Many garden centers sell but- terfly and hummingbird mixes to attract wildlife. Go animal watching Flowers are not the only thing on display in springtime. Many animals, including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals are not only adorable, they can be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their young, so it's better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars. Always resist the urge to help a baby animal who seems like it has been abandoned. The parent may be a short distance away gathering food or trying to avoid drawing at- tention to the young to deter predators. Get out on the water A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a fishing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recre- ation. Make wind chimes Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percus- sion items that can cre- ate beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially avail- able kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items such as bamboo or even strung shells. These are just a few family-friendly activities to enjoy this spring. 21 ST SPECIAL EDITION NEW HOMES Beyond the Bay Featuring New Home Communities Beyond the Bay Area UPCOMING 2023 PUBLISHING DATES: Discover what it's like to live in areas outside of the Bay Area. Our special section includes information on property taxes, school rankings, average home value and more for all California counties and beyond! Sunday Bay Area News Group Readership 664,100 * (print + e-Edition) Beyond the Bay For advertising info about Beyond the Bay, please contact Sandy Lek at (925) 847-2135 or slek@bayareanewsgroup.com For more info, visit NewHomeFinder.news March 5, June 25 & Sept. 24 The Mercury News | East Bay Times Marin Independent Journal March 3, June 23 & Sept. 22 Community Weeklies and *Source 2022 R1 Scarborough Research H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section