It’s time to get out there! Spring is just beginning to bloom, which means warmer days and extended afternoons. After a long winter of being indoors, kids (and parents) are ready to venture outdoors and explore parks, main streets, and spring festivals.
Spring in Auburn and Opelika is bustling with activities and events for the whole family. In this month’s calendar, you’ll find various outdoor events to check out. Looking for a fun and educational event for the kids? Be sure to visit with the local birds of prey during this spring’s Wing Fling shows. There will multiple chances to watch eagles soar and hawks swoop on April 7 and 8 (A-Day Weekend) and May 5 and 11 at the Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater, off Shug Jordan Parkway. Each year, Auburn Parks and Recreation hosts CityFest at Kiesel Park, so mark your calendar for April 29 to experience tons of entertainment and live music, arts and craft booths, food vendors, a children’s fun zone, and so much more. Another great outdoor event is the Global Community Day Festival, to be held on Auburn University’s intramural fields on April 15. You’ll discover tastes of the world, fashion from other countries, arts and crafts unique to various cultures, and explore international products and services. Spring also brings back Saturday farmers markets to our area. O Grows in Opelika will feature all the local farm fresh produce, plants, and canned and baked goods. You might even see a few farm animals too.
Thinking about exploring spring and having family fun, this is an excellent time to remind moms to get out there too. If you are like me, 95% of our time is spent on our children’s schedules and their daily needs, leaving us at the bottom of the list at times. When was the last time you took a moment to connect with other moms outside of the everyday interactions with moms also on mom duty? In this month’s feature article, Finding Mom Friends: Tips for Getting Out There, the author suggests that stepping outside your comfort zone and making new connections can be a great way to recharge for your family and make lasting friendships that add to your support system. A great start would be to find like-minded women while doing some of your favorite hobbies. Think about what recharges your batteries. Do you enjoy hiking, sewing, baking, group exercise, or reading the newest novels? How about taking these interests and finding other moms who are also interested in baking classes, book clubs, yoga classes, and nature exploring? Be purposeful in adding activities that connect you with other moms with similar interests. The first step is always the hardest, but start small and find your people in the places that naturally fit your interests. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zones and be the first one to initiate conversations and plan get-togethers. Before long, these connections could grow into some of your closest friendships.
The trees are budding, and flowers are blooming, luring us to come outside into the warm, beautiful outdoors! Spend your spring weekends enjoying markets, art shows, and park days. From one parent to another, get out there and bloom too.
