10 Spring-Inspired Ideas for Grieving a Loss

Did you lose a loved one in the springtime? Or was spring your loved one’s favorite time of year or when they were born? Whatever the reason the season reminds you of your loved one, these spring-inspired ideas for grieving a loss can help you cope. 

Whether you want something adventurous and outdoorsy or a more low-key activity, we’ve brainstormed ten ideas to help you get started. 

Check out these blog posts for some inspiration for other seasons! 

• 10 Summer-Inspired Ideas for Grieving the Loss of a Loved One 
• 10 Winter-Inspired Ideas for Grieving a Loss 
• 10 Fall-Inspired Ideas for Grieving the Loss of a Loved One 

1. Help Children Grieve by Doing Outdoor Activities 

There are many outdoor activities that your family can do with your children to help them grieve. One idea is to use chalk to draw something that reminds them of their loved one. Whether it’s a picture of their loved one or one of their favorite things, there are no wrong answers. It’s a creative way for them to express their thoughts and emotions that they may not know how to put into words. Then, you can take pictures of their drawings, so they last forever. 

2. Plant Flowers 

What better springtime activity is there than planting some flowers? Whether they were your loved one’s favorite kind or are types that grow well in your climate, it’s a beautiful way to let their memory live on forever. You can plant them in your own yard or somewhere in your community with permission.  

For example, reach out to your local funeral homes to see if they’d like some flowers to brighten up their landscape. It could even be a community event for everyone to honor their loved ones who have passed away.  

You also could pick some of the flowers to make memorial crafts with, such as a frame-pressed flower or dried flower potpourri.  

3. Visit Their Gravesite or Ash Scattering Location 

If you planted some flowers, you could bring some to place on your loved one’s gravesite or ash scattering location. While you’re there, you could also clean up the area, have a family picnic, or just sit and think about your loved one. If you want to add any decorations or plants to their gravesite, just be sure to double-check the cemetery’s rules. 

4. Plant a Garden 

Along with flowers, you could also plant a fruit and vegetable garden. You could include your loved one’s favorite produce or ones that grow well in your area. If you don’t have space in your own backyard to grow your garden, you could see about starting a community garden! Or there may even already be a community garden in your area. If your loved one was an avid gardener, this is the perfect way to honor their memory. 

5. Bake or Cook a Springtime Treat 

Use the fresh fruit and vegetables from your garden to make a delicious springtime treat! You could even bring it to your family picnic. If your loved one enjoyed cooking, you could make one of their favorite recipes, or these are a few spring-inspired treat ideas: 

• Sweet fruit salad 
• Refreshing watermelon salsa 
• Tasty rhubarb pie 

6. Try Bird Watching 

Did you know that cardinals are a sign that a loved one is watching over you? This may bring you some comfort while grieving your loss. So, if you want a more relaxing activity, bird watching may be right for you. Try going for a walk on a local trail and seeing what birds you can find. 

7. Do Some Spring Cleaning 

Spring cleaning can be both productive for staying organized and a way to look back on cherished memories. By going through your loved one’s possessions, you can find items for a memorial craft project. Or you can find something special to pass down to younger generations in your family, so they have something to remember your loved one by. 

8. Get Outside and Enjoy the Fresh Air 

If the previous activity suggestions aren’t your thing, there are many other ways to grieve a loss while spending time outdoors. Below are a few ideas! 

• Did your loved one enjoy playing basketball? Or could you always find them watching the latest baseball game? Honor their love for the sport by gathering your family members for a game. 
• You don’t have to do something active to enjoy the fresh air. For example, you can lay in a hammock while reading a book. Or you can listen to your loved one’s favorite songs. 
• If you’re looking for a more relaxing group activity, set up an outdoor movie! Check out this list of movies with meaningful messages about grief. 

9. Take a Trip to the Zoo 

Another way to enjoy the fresh air is to take a trip to the zoo. When grieving a loss, this may be just the trip you need, since according to health.com, animals can help you reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. If you can, spend time in an area where you can pet and interact with the animals. 

10. Donate to a Cause That Was Important to Your Loved One 

An honorable way to pay tribute to your loved one while improving the lives of others is to donate to an important cause. It can be a cause that was special to your loved one, or if they died of a disease such as cancer, it can be to raise funds for cancer research. You also can see if there are any upcoming events in your community, such as a walk/run you can put together a team for. 

What other spring-inspired ideas do you have for grieving a loss? Share them in the comments!