Best Things to Do In April

Discover fun and interesting ways to celebrate every single day in April with our curated The Best Things To Do series guide! From food to decorating to gardening and more, find the best things to do this month and make the most of April.

April is a wonderful month to celebrate! There are so many amazing things to do. Let’s make every day count.
The monthly Best Things To Do posts have become some of my most popular posts. I hope you find them fun, informative, and inspiring! Happy April!

Let’s start with food this month…

Spring Vegetable Gardening

For anyone who likes to eat seasonally, April is the month in my area when the ground begins to warm up, and we begin planting cold-tolerant veggies. I’ve already planted spinach, and their little green shoots are peeking out of the ground.

Here are some popular early spring plantings you might want to start…

Asparagus: This spring vegetable is at its peak freshness in April. It has a distinct flavor and can be grilled, roasted, steamed, or added to pasta dishes and salads. You invest in asparagus for a few years, and then it returns with decades of spring spears.

Peas: Fresh peas, whether English peas or sugar snap peas, are abundant in April. They are sweet and crunchy, perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed as a snack. They are a favorite thing to plant in my neck of the woods.

Spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green that thrives in cooler spring weather. It can be eaten raw in salads, wilted into pasta dishes, added to smoothies, or used in soups and quiches. Like many leafy tender greens, spinach loves cooler weather. We should be eating baby spinach by the end of the month.

Radishes: Radishes are crisp and peppery root vegetables that are in season during spring. They add a crunchy texture and a burst of color to salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Lettuce: Various types of lettuce, such as butterhead, romaine, and leaf lettuce, are abundant in April. They are perfect for making fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches. I’ll be planting. few varieties this week.

Other spring veggies to plant are leeks, carrots, cucumbers, fennel, zucchini, green beans, beets, green onions, potatoes, parsnips, and onion sets, to name a few more.

It’s also time to find someone who will give you part of the rhubarb plant they are thinning. Rhubarb is a delicious perennial that produces long stalks that can be prepared in many ways.

April is a great month to plant vegetables.

Decorating In April

Because Easter was a bit early this year, decorating in April can be a bit of a conundrum. We might be done with our overtly Eastery spring decor, like bunnies and baskets, but it’s too early to decorate for summer. So, how should we decorate?

My best advice is to slowly put away all the Easter decor. This does not have to be done all at once. Ease out of Easter mode. Keep what feels like spring to you, like pretty pillows and spring faux flowers like tulips or forsythia, but only choose a few of your best seasonal decor. Enjoy your home for a month with minimal seasonal decor, and enjoy experimenting with decor you already have.

I call this type of decorating Lazy Girl Decorating. It’s all about decorating smarter and not harder, my friend! Make sure to check out The Lazy Girl Decorating Guide.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to move decor from one room to another.

If you haven’t already, get out spring and summer bedding and other textiles, like pillows, that work best in warmer seasons. I always think about using light layers when April rolls around.

This week, I’m washing and putting a spring-weight comforter at the foot of my bed and changing out my decorative pillows. Then, I’ll be working on my two guest rooms. I just bought new sheets (finally), and I’ll be washing them along with my lighter-weight guest room bedding.

April is a great month to do a little decorating.

Holidays And Observances

April has more than its share of holidays and observances. Let’s make every day in April count and celebrate!

1st: April Fools’ Day, International Fun at Work Day, National Sourdough Day
2nd: World Autism Awareness Day, International Children’s Book Day,
3rd: Find a Rainbow Day, National Chocolate Mousse Day,
4th: International Carrot Day, National Vitamin C Day
5th: National Deep Dish Pizza Day, National Read a Road Map Day
6th: International Pillow Fight Day, National Caramel Day
7th: World Health Day, National Beer Day
8th: International Romani Day, National Empanada Day
9th: Winston Churchill Day, National Unicorn Day
10th: National Siblings Day, Golfer’s Day
11th: National Pet Day, World Parkinson’s Disease Day
12th: International Day of Human Space Flight, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
13th: International Plant Appreciation Day, National Scrabble Day
14th: International Moment of Laughter Day, National Dolphin Day
15th: World Art Day, National High Five Day

See April 16th-30th’s days to celebrate at the end of the post.

Change The Direction Of Your Ceiling Fan

Did you know that you should change the direction of your ceiling fan to be more efficient in warmer weather? Here’s how and why…

Changing the direction of your ceiling fan in the spring and summer can help improve air circulation and energy efficiency in your home. During the spring and summer months, you’ll want your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise when looking up at it from below. This creates a downward airflow that can help cool the room by creating a wind-chill effect. To change the direction of your ceiling fan, locate the switch on the motor housing of the fan. Most ceiling fans have a small switch located near the base of the fan blades. Simply flip the switch to change the direction of the fan blades. Once the direction is changed, turn the fan on to the desired speed and enjoy the cool breeze throughout the warmer months. Remember to adjust the speed of the fan according to your comfort level and the room’s temperature.

This is an easy and important task to stay comfortable.

April is a great month to change the direction of your ceiling fan.

Is Spring Cleaning Still A Thing

Most of us, I guess, don’t spring clean like our mothers and grandmothers did. We are no longer in winter survival mode, and our homes are climate-controlled. That said, there are a few things worth thinking about cleaning in April.

Vacuum Mattresses: Before you put your spring/summer bedding on your bed, first vacuum the mattress. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust mites, allergens, and debris from mattresses. This helps maintain a clean and healthy sleeping environment.

Dust Ceiling Fans: When you change the direction of your ceiling fan, give it a good cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to clean the blades, removing any dust or buildup that may have accumulated over the winter months. I also like to wipe down my fan with an all-purpose cleaner that cuts grease and grime. These steps will improve air quality and prevent dust from circulating around the room.

Clean Outdoor Furniture: Wash outdoor furniture thoroughly with mild soap and water. Remove dirt, pollen, and other debris to prepare for outdoor gatherings and enjoyment in warmer weather.

Scrub Patio or Deck: Use a pressure washer or scrub brush to clean outdoor patios or decks, removing dirt, moss, and stains that may have accumulated over the winter. This enhances outdoor living spaces and prepares them for summer activities.

Clean Front Porch And Door: To welcome the warmer weather and fresh air, thoroughly clean your front porch and door. Sweep away any debris, scrub the surfaces with soapy water, and wipe down light fixtures and door hardware for a sparkling entrance that sets a cheerful tone for the season ahead. And don’t forget to wash any windows until they also sparkle on and around your front door. Remember to wash a rug that goes under a doormat and check to see if you might need a new doormat.

April is a great month to do a little spring cleaning.

Lighten Up Your Meals

Do you eat seasonally? We do! Eating food that grows in season is not only delicious but smart! Spring produce, such as asparagus, spinach, and peas, is not only at its peak freshness and flavor but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrient-rich foods can help boost your immune system, support overall health, and provide a refreshing change after the heavier, more indulgent foods typically consumed during the winter months.

Visiting local farmer’s markets and farmstands is one of my favorite activities! Getting fruits and vegetables right from our local farms and serving them on our table is one of the best perks about living in Lancaster Co.

If you like the idea of eating seasonally and would like to try new recipes, you might want to check out On The Menu, a weekly series every Friday on the blog that features delicious seasonal recipes and a weekly dinner menu.

April is a great month to eat delicious, seasonal food.

Think About Summer

Although it is only April, it is a good idea to think, at least a little bit, about summer. We can enjoy the month and a half left in spring while thinking ahead. We are women. Multi-tasker’s extraordinary! We can walk and chew gum and certainly think about two seasons without making us feel dizzy!

When considering summer decorating, think about creating spaces that feel light, airy, and refreshing. Here are some things to think about now:

Color Palette: Think about what summer colors you might want to add to your home’s current color story. Thinking about it now will give you a chance to daydream and consider what you want your summer home to look and feel like.

Lightweight Fabrics: Consider swapping out heavy curtains and upholstery for lightweight fabrics such as linen, cotton, or sheer materials. These fabrics allow for better airflow and help create a breezy atmosphere. Spend time now going through your textiles to decide what you will want to use in warmer weather. Doing this will also help you decide if you need to buy anything new for warmer weather.

Outdoor Living Spaces: This is my favorite, as we are rethinking our patio decor. Now is the time to create an inviting outdoor area, such as a patio, deck, or balcony, for this summer. April is a great time to clean outdoor furniture, indoor/outdoor upholstery, rugs, and curtains, and repaint items like rocking chairs, urns, and other outdoor furniture.

Front Door Wreath Or Basket: This is fun! It’s not too early to think about putting something new on your front door this summer. I often wonder how many of you put up the same seasonal wreaths year after year, keep the same wreath up all year, or worse, have no wreath at all. Each season and holiday gives us a chance to add beauty to our home and celebrate the best of the season. A seasonal wreath is a cheery welcome, a happy hello, and a little pretty decorative goodwill to all who pass by.

Here’s an easy-to-make Summer Front Door Basket you can make now. It would also work for an April front door decoration!

April is a great month to start thinking about summer decorating.

Plant Containers For Summer

Depending on where you live, you can plant outdoor pots, urns, and planters in April. Here in Lancaster Co, we plant during the last couple weeks of April. Since moving to our Tanglewood House, I have become an avid container gardener. I LOVE filling pots, urns, and planters with flowers, vegetables, herbs, and bulbs. This is such an easy way to garden!

This week, I’ll inspect my planters for cracks and scrub them well so they are ready for new amended soil and plantings.

The Ultimate Guide To Easy Container Gardening will give you smart and pretty ways to add plants to the outside of your home.

Even if digging in the dirt is not your thing, almost everyone loves planting herbs. They are easy to plant, thrive with little care, and can be brought inside for use in bouquets or cooking. Two of my herb pots have thyme, chives, mint, parsley, and rosemary coming up from last year’s plantings. It’s so thrilling to see these hearty plants survive the winter in neglected planters.

The Herb Container Garden Guide will help you choose the herbs that are easily grown and thrive in planters, how to care for them, and ideas for using them.

April is a great month to plant something.

Hobbies To Try In April

Hobbies enrich our lives! Here are some hobbies you might like to try in April…

Gardening: April is the perfect time to start planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Gardening allows you to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and cultivate beautiful plants.

Hiking: With the weather warming up, April is an excellent time to hit the trails and explore nature. Hiking provides an opportunity to exercise, unwind, and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors.

Birdwatching: Spring migration is in full swing in April, making it an exciting time for birdwatching. Grab your binoculars and head to local parks or nature reserves to spot a variety of bird species as they return from their winter habitats or pass through on their journey north. I could go on and on about how much we have enjoyed watching birds coming home to our feeder this spring!

Picnicking: Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and head to a nearby park or scenic spot for a leisurely picnic with friends or family. April’s mild temperatures and blooming scenery provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal outdoors and relaxing in nature.

Flower Arranging: April brings an abundance of blooming flowers, making it an excellent time to explore the art of flower arranging. Whether you gather flowers from your garden or visit a local flower market, arranging colorful blooms into beautiful bouquets or centerpieces can be a creative and therapeutic activity.

Outdoor Cooking or Grilling: Fire up the grill or set up an outdoor cooking station to prepare delicious meals al fresco. Experiment with grilling techniques, try out new recipes or host a barbecue gathering with friends and family to enjoy tasty food and outdoor ambiance.

Pickleball: Get active and enjoy the fast-paced, easy-to-learn game of pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, pickleball provides an exciting and social way to exercise, improve hand-eye coordination, and have fun with friends and family outdoors.

Farmers’ Markets Visits: Explore local farmers’ markets to discover seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. April marks the beginning of the growing season for many fruits and vegetables, making farmers’ markets an excellent place to support local farmers, sample fresh produce, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.

April is a great month to try a new hobby.

Turn Your Eyes To The Sky

April is a great month to enjoy celestial events, the most notable of which is the total solar eclipse crossing North America on April 8th. You can read about it here. We are not in the direct path of the eclipse, but we will be able to see a partial eclipse. If you live in Lancaster County, PA, you will see about a 91 percent solar eclipse at its height at 3:22 pm. However, the entire eclipse will last from 2:06pm to 4:34.

You can find out how much of the eclipse you can see in your area and at what time here. Also, check out all the local activities surrounding the solar eclipse.

It is not safe to view the eclipse without special safety glasses. Go here to learn how you can enjoy the eclipse and be safe.

Let’s hope for clear skies.

April’s full moon will be on April 23 at 7:49 pm. It’s called the Pink Moon because it symbolizes the beginning of spring.

April is a great month to turn your eyes (with the right eyewear) to the skies.

Holidays And Observances Continued

16th: National Stress Awareness Day, National Eggs Benedict Day
17th: International Haiku Poetry Day, Bat Appreciation Day
18th: World Heritage Day, International Amateur Radio Day
19th: Bicycle Day, National Garlic Day
20th: Chinese Language Day, Lima Bean Respect Day
21st: World Creativity and Innovation Day, National Tea Day
22nd: Earth Day, National Jelly Bean Day
23rd: English Language Day, National Picnic Day
24th: International Sculpture Day, National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
25th: World Penguin Day, National DNA Day
26th: National Pretzel Day, Richter Scale Day
27th: World Tapir Day, National Prime Rib Day
28th: International Guide Dog Day, National Superhero Day
29th: International Dance Day, National Shrimp Scampi Day
30th: International Jazz Day, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

April is a great month to celebrate every day of the month.

Make the most of every day in April!