Just because April showers bring May flowers doesn’t mean you have to stare out a rainy window all month long. Unless, of course, that’s your favorite springtime activity; and then by all means go for it.

Rainy window lovers aside (represent!), April is actually packed with fun events, holidays and spring activities. The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and most people are eager to get out and do something. So here are a few ideas for fun spring activities to add to your calendar during the month of April.

Visit jazz shows and festivals

Did you know that April is part of the best jazz shows of the whole year? That’s because it’s JAM or Jazz Appreciation Month. Many beloved jazz musicians, such as Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock and Ella Fitzgerald, celebrate their birthdays in April. So it’s the perfect time to put on your favorite jazz playlist or dust off your favorite record.

It’s also the perfect time to go out and see a live show! There will likely be numerous jazz concerts throughout the month at venues near you. Musicians, old and new, will pull out all the stops this month. It’s also a great time to pick up an instrument and feel the rhythm for yourself! You may be surprised how rewarding and enjoyable playing even a few simple notes can be.

Can’t find musicians in your city to put on a show or offer lessons? Just head to New Orleans, one of the jazziest cities in the country. You’ll find people moving to music so overpowering and catchy – it’s like the buildings themselves are singing.

Read poetry

Like jazz, poetry is an art form that allows expression by playing with its structure. It is not for nothing that April is also National Poetry Month in addition to jazz. Poets and artists around the world tend to release their new work to the public around this time.

You can search poetry readings and book signings at your local bookstores. They’ve probably been hosting events all month. And if they don’t, you can throw your own poetry party with your friends! Get together and read your favorite passages from your favorite poets. Or, if you’re so inclined, stretch your own poetic muscles and see what words flow from your own muse.

If you’ve never delved into the world of poetry, there’s never been a better time than April. You will likely find many different workshops, both online and in person. If you try, you’ll find that poetry can offer some comfort against the ever-looming tension of the world.

Celebrate International Children’s Book Day — April 2 and beyond

Poetry readings are not the only kind celebrated in April. That’s because April is also home to International Children’s Book Day, which falls on the second of the month. If you need an excuse to take some time out to read with your kids, look no further.

Don’t know what to read? You can always grab childhood classics like “Frog & Toad,” “Goodnight Moon,” or “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Or open your shelves for new stories like “The Circles All Around Us,” “Busy Betty,” or “Just Try a Bite.” And because April 2 is Children’s Book Day, many new children’s books are released throughout April. You will probably even find live readings that you can take your kids to at your local bookstore or library.

Today there are more children’s books than ever before. If there’s a certain message or kind of world you want to share with your kids, it’s probably there. Reading to your children can really boost their cognitive development. And in any case, it’s a great nighttime tradition that you can look back on fondly later in life.

Do a scavenger hunt, egg hunt or escape room

One of the greatest joys of springtime childhood is searching your world for brightly colored eggs with hidden treasures inside. And it’s one that you can recreate for your kids quite easily. Even if you’re not religious, Easter weekend is a good time to hunt for eggs. It’s a fun springtime activity that you can also invite your kids’ friends to make memories with.

And don’t worry if you don’t have kids, religiosity, or a penchant for neon ovals. You can still set up an old-fashioned scavenger hunt. All it takes to make a scavenger hunt is a good location, a prize, and some clever pun. Gather your best friends, divide them into teams and see who can solve your big mystery.

And don’t worry if you’re not in the mood to make an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine with clues. You and your friends can try out an escape room. Escape rooms are places that make it their job to create elaborate, immersive and fun puzzles to solve. It’s an exciting way to spend an afternoon, especially in good company.

Smile during National Humor Month

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Really – that long? It’s no secret that winter can be rather gloomy, especially in the last months of January through March. Cold, wet and dark days can really take their toll after a while. The world can seem rather grim after all that darkness, so why not lighten things up a bit?

As they say, laughter is the best medicine. Good that then April is National Humor Month! During the month many comedy clubs will be fully booked with shows. There will be plenty of funny people and, admittedly, not-so-funny people testing their wits on stage. Going to a comedy show is a good reason to get out of the house and have a laugh.

And if you’ve been working on your own routine for a while, it might be time for your debut. You’ll never know how good your material is until you get on stage and find out. And even if you bomb, you are not alone. And the only way to get better is to try, fail and try again. April may be your time to shine.

Volunteer for Earth day – April 22nd

At the end of April, spring is in full swing. Trees and flowers, recently buds and bulbs, will bloom with scents and colors. Sweet birds and fanciful insects flutter around in a swirl of sound and life. And you also hear the hard, slimy achoos of many an allergic person who wishes Earth Day was already over.

As beautiful as spring can be, it is also delicate. And as the years go by, protecting and healing the warming climate becomes more and more important. So if you’ve been looking to give back to the planet for a while, April 22nd is your day. Are Earth dayand volunteers around the world will spend their time cleaning up.

Do a little digging online, and you’ll likely find groups organized in your town or city. And even if you can’t find a group project, you can create one yourself. Volunteering on Earth Day is as easy as picking up trash from the side of the road. So invite some friends to put on gloves and pick up humanity’s residue. The birds will thank you with their song.

Make it a party

As social beings, humans love to share their fun with each other. So you could take one of these ideas and make it a party!

Do you have other friends who are parents with children? Get together and do a scavenger hunt sleepover with a book reading session to let things settle down. Love jazz but can’t find live events near you? Have people come over to stream a live event or host a listening party of your own design.

Almost any spring activity that you can enjoy alone can be experienced together. And April 3 also happens to be World Day. There is hardly a better excuse to invite people over and celebrate.

Featured Image Credits: Pexels; Thank you!

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