3 Things to Love About Spring

By Alicia Harper, REDBOOK

It's beginning to look (and feel) a lot like spring time! Although we've had a pretty mild winter here in NYC, I can't help but be excited for the warmer temperatures. As beautiful flowers replace bare trees, people seemingly emerge from their winter hiding spots. Although I absolutely despise my springtime allergies, I must say that spring is one of my favorite seasons. Here are three reasons why:

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1. Playgrounds

There's no doubt about it: Playgrounds are the cheapest and most fun places to go with your kids. This past weekend after Aiden's swim class he hopped on his scooter, and we headed straight to a local playground. I packed a few snacks and drinks for him in case he got hungry or thirsty. I also brought a ball, sidewalk chalk, and a few racecars that came in handy when Aiden no longer wanted to use the playground equipment. We had a great time, but do you know what I loved more? It was a completely free outing-you just can't beat that!

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2. Free child-friendly activities

The amount of free, child-friendly activities tends to increase exponentially in the spring. Chalk it up to the warmer weather, but it's almost like magic the way that invitations for free or very inexpensive activities start popping up in my inbox. I love it because as a single mom, I am always looking for ways to save money.

3. Outdoor dinners and rooftop happy hours

You didn't think this article would be entirely kid-based, did you? Can I have a Single Mommy Moment? I've stated before how much I enjoy clubbing , but once there's warmer weather involved, nothing beats dining outdoors with my gals or meeting up for after-work drinks to dish about our week. It's adult fun and company that I've found to be crucial for maintaining my sanity as a single mother who tries to balance all that I do.

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What do you like most about spring in your town?

Alicia Harper, M.A., Ed.M. is a single mother, freelance writer, blogger, and recent graduate of Columbia University who's now a mental health therapist. Her life is filled with all things pink, except for the one bit of blue-her rambunctious 4-year-old son. Together they make a great pair, and Alicia chronicles the trials and triumphs of being a young, single mother living in NYC at Mommy Delicious. Find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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