Earth Day is a great reason to get outside and enjoy our planet. Since 1970, people around the world have taken this day to get reacquainted with nature. Furthermore, it is a day to reflect on what we can do to protect and restore what nature we have left. It won’t be long before we hand over this planet of ours to the next generation. So, it’s important to get them interested in nature and the overall health of the planet early. The best way to get them interested is to make them fall in love with the outdoors. As many of you already know, that love comes directly from having good times outside. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together some fun and educational Earth Day activities for kids.
Everyone from award-winning musicians to your average Joe can find joy outside. We can also learn so much from the lessons nature has to teach us. If you want to do a little teaching while you’re enjoying these Earth Day activities for kids, start with the history of the holiday. It all started as a huge protest against oil companies and overly polluted cities. Now, it is both a celebration of our planet as well as a reminder that we all have a part to play in preserving the planet.
With that in mind, let’s get into the fun stuff.
Earth Day Activities for Kids of All Ages
No matter how old your kids are, there are some fun Earth Day activities for them. It doesn’t matter if they’re just starting to walk and talk or if they’re nearly grown. There are plenty of options.
Activities For the Little Ones
Most little ones love getting outside and feeling the grass under their toes. So, that’s a great place to start. Once you’re outside, focus on the brightest-colored things you can find. In most places, that’s going to be flowers or birds. Teaching your little kids about local flora and fauna is a great way to start your Earth Day activities.
Then, you can teach them about reusing and recycling. Take an old fruit jar, baby food container, or whatever other sturdy containers you have lying around. Instead of throwing them away, break out the paints. You can turn just about anything into a hand-painted vase. Admittedly, this is one of those activities for kids that isn’t specific to Earth Day. However, the holiday makes turning trash into functional art that much more fun. Once your vase’s paint dries, let your little one pick some flowers to put in it.
You could also go with an old-school favorite. Make an mud pie kitchen. Kids love activities that let them get messy, so use Earth Day as your reason to let them play in the mud. They’ll have some fond memories of playing outside. Get them hooked early.
Earth Day Activities for Bigger Kids
If you’ve got older kids, your Earth Day activities can be a little cleaner. They are also a little more patient. So, you might be able to start a small garden. Even if you’re in an urban area, you can buy or build a small box and plant some herbs and spices. If you have a plot of land that you can plant in, the variety gets a little wider. Things like lettuce, basil, oregano, beans, and strawberries grow well when planted around this time of the year.
If you have the space to do so, planting a tree is the perfect Earth Day activity for kids. You can teach them about how important trees are to our planet and our survival. At the same time, they’ll learn the joys of a little hands-on work. A tree will be a reminder of your Earth Day celebration for years to come.
Earth Day Activities for Everyone
Get the whole family involved. Go on a hike and spend some time taking in the majesty of nature. While you’re out there, put together a scavenger hunt. This will spark not only a love for nature but will also show your kids the joy of exploration. It will also help them keep their eyes sharp. There is no limit to what you can have them find on your hike.
If you want to really embrace the spirit of the holiday in your kids’ Earth Day activities, go clean up your neighborhood. Take a walk with a couple of trash bags and pick up any litter you find. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather. At the same time, you’re making your community look better. Everybody wins.
