The winter chill is starting to fade, and the October school holidays are the absolute best time to shake off that cabin fever! It is time to pack away the heavy coats and make the most of the warmer spring weather across the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore.

Here are five simple, low-cost ways to get the whānau outside and enjoying nature this spring break:

• Spot the Spring Lambs at Shakespear Regional Park: Spring means new life! Take a family walk through Shakespear Regional Park and see who can spot the most newborn lambs or native birds in the sanctuary.
• The Beach Clean-Up Treasure Hunt: Head down to Orewa, Red Beach, or your favourite local bay. Challenge the kids to find interesting driftwood and shells, but add a twist: whoever collects the most pieces of washed-up plastic to pop in the bin wins a treat!
• Plant a "Pizza Garden": Take advantage of the spring soil! Grab some seeds or seedlings from your local garden centre - think cherry tomatoes, basil, capsicums, etc and spend an afternoon getting your hands dirty planting a family vegetable patch to harvest in summer. If you don't have room in the garden grab a couple of free pots and use those!
• The Spring Photo Scavenger Hunt: Head out with the phone or camera along with a checklist of spring sights. Some examples could be -
  • A blooming yellow flower
  • A busy bumblebee
  • A new leaf bud
  • A funny-shaped cloud
  • A brightly coloured garden bug
  • Plus there will be lots more items you can think of to add to your list
• Driveway Chalk Obstacle Course: Grab a bucket of colourful pavement chalk and transform your drive or footpath into a giant obstacle course complete with spinning zones, balance lines, kangaroo hops and hop scotch.

No need for bored kids these holidays!