April 22 is Earth Day, which is the perfect time for little hands to dig into nature, explore the world around them and learn how they can help protect it. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate with your child, we’ve got some playful, hands-on ideas! Whether your child plants seeds, transforms recycled materials into masterpieces or reads books about conservation, they can make a big impact in small, meaningful ways.
Plant a tree or garden. One of the best ways to give back to the planet is by planting trees or gardens. Kids can help plant a tree in their backyard or participate in a local tree-planting event. Gardening is a great way for children to get outside and learn about plant life, composting and sustainability. If you don’t have lots of space for a sprawling garden, you can use pots to plant in! There are lots of great flowers, vegetables, herbs and even fruits that thrive in pots.
Create eco-friendly crafts. Get creative with DIY crafts using recycled materials! Children can make bird feeders from cardboard tubes, turn old t-shirts into reusable tote bags or use egg cartons as seed starters. Not only does this encourage creativity, but it also teaches kids about the importance of repurposing materials instead of throwing them away.
Go on a nature walk and clean up litter. Spending time in nature is a great way for kids to appreciate the beauty of Earth. Take a walk through a local park or hiking trail and encourage children to observe plants, animals and different types of ecosystems. Bring along reusable bags and gloves to pick up litter along the way. This simple act helps keep the environment clean while teaching children about environmental responsibility.
Learn about recycling and upcycling. Make recycling fun by turning it into a game! Set up bins for different types of recyclables and challenge kids to sort materials correctly. Another great activity is upcycling — transforming old items into something new and useful. For example, glass jars can be turned into decorative storage containers. This teaches children how to reduce waste and be resourceful.
Read books and watch documentaries about the environment. Inspire kids with stories and educational content about nature and conservation. Books like My First Book of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle or We Are Water Protectors are excellent choices. For older children, documentaries like "Our Planet" or "The Biggest Little Farm" can provide valuable insights into wildlife conservation and sustainable farming.
Reduce energy and water use. Teach kids simple ways to conserve resources at home. Encourage them to turn off lights when leaving a room, unplug devices when not in use and take shorter showers. These small habits help save energy and water, making a big difference over time.
Start a backyard or school compost bin. Composting is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and nourish the soil. Kids can learn how organic waste like fruit peels, vegetable scraps and leaves decompose into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Starting a small compost bin at home or in a school garden is a fun science experiment that promotes sustainability.
Participate in a community Earth Day event. Many communities host Earth Day celebrations with activities such as tree-planting, recycling drives and eco-friendly fairs. Check local listings to see if there are any events happening nearby. Participating in community efforts helps children feel like they are part of a larger movement toward environmental protection.
Earth Day is a wonderful time to educate children about environmental responsibility in a fun and engaging way. By participating in activities like planting trees, recycling and conserving resources, kids can develop an appreciation for nature and learn how their actions impact the planet. These habits, when nurtured early, can lead to a lifetime of sustainable living and care for the Earth. Let’s inspire the next generation to be Earth’s stewards — one small act at a time!
