There are few things more pleasurable than a spring or summer hike with your family. Getting the kids out on the trails and spending quality time together costs nothing and yet can often lead to fantastic conversations you would never have otherwise. It's a big win.

Of course, spring hikes in particular can come with some issues, depending on what part of the country you are hiking in. Last year, my kids and I ended up covered in ticks after a fantastic five-hour hike near our lake house in Maine.

If you are prepared, though, a spring hike is about the most perfect way to spend a day. Here are five tips to make your hike as calm and fun and possible:

Let's be honest. Running errands with kids, particularly toddlers, is no easy feat. Not only do you have to wrangle them and pack what feels like a suitcase full of toys, drinks, and treats before you leave the house, you have to wrangle them while you're out and trying to get stuff done. It can be pretty stressful, but most moms have no choice but to take the kids along. The only thing we can do is keep them entertained -- and that's not always easy!

Here are 8 fun ways to keep the littles occupied while you get stuff done this spring. Good luck!

If the sneezing in the next cubicle didn't give it away, it's finally spring! And you know what that means? Time to plan a family camping trip! Think of it as the perfect way to reacquaint your family with fresh air and wide open spaces after being cramped up together inside all winter long. After the winter you've had with them, you deserve it, Mom! 

And what's a camping trip without campfire games? Here's the complete list you need to make the weekend worth it:

The following is a post from our sponsor, Quaker.

Ah, spring! Finally we can say goodbye to cooped-up, dark winter days and welcome the warmth and sunshine that April brings. Well, except for those days of April showers, of course. But don’t worry -- we’ve got ideas for some great activities you can do inside and out to celebrate spring! To maximize the fun, make sure the whole family fuels up first with a hearty breakfast, like Quaker Perfect Portions instant oatmeal. Everyone can make their own custom bowl and sweeten their way. Then you’ll be ready to tackle adventures like these:

There's nothing like spending a beautiful weekend with our loved ones. And with a bevy of sunny, blue sky spring days to look forward to, it's time to start planning how to enjoy 'em to the utmost. Sure, there are tons of summer activities we make time on the calendar for year after year -- hitting the beach, joining the pool -- but who says we have to wait 'til after Memorial Day to get the fun started?

Here, 12 springtime must-dos sure to make for amazing memories for your whole family ...

Ahhhh ... spring is finally here -- and as a mom who lives in the northeast, I'd like to put an extra emphasis on FINALLY.

It's been one heck of a winter, to say the least, and after being cooped up inside the house for what seems like an eternity, getting outside for a breath of fresh air is, well -- a breath of fresh air.

And even though spring is always a welcome season no matter how old your kids are, moms of toddlers are even more ready and willing to embrace it. Because, you know -- trying to keep a little kid entertained inside the confines of your house on a daily basis gets really old, really fast.

It was a long winter, huh, moms? With the cold weather, runny noses, cooped-up kids, and whatnot, it felt like it dragged on and on, and spring has never been so welcome. Maybe it's like that every year, but this year, it feels particularly sweet.

You can feel it in the air, see it in the flowers, and sense it in the cheerful moods of people everywhere. For moms, however, there are some particular things that spring brings -- unmistakable signs of the season that come with children. Most of them are welcome.

Big fan of dining al fresco, are you? Love rolling out a blanket, sitting on covered earth, and eating little salads and fruit from Tupperware? Of course you do. Because you're a mom. And moms have to love picnics because their kids love picnics.

Take the stress out of the endeavour with this handy dandy checklist. From foods to games to that "it" factor your trips to the park have always lacked, this list will ensure you have everything you need for the perfect springtime picnic.