Earth Day is a great time to teach kids about the importance of protecting our planet and inspire them to take action. I know this can feel like a huge topic. So if you’re wondering where to start, I’ve got you covered with this list of fun and easy Earth Day activities for kids! Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly crafts, STEM experiments, or outdoor adventures, these ideas will help your family celebrate in a meaningful way.
Some of the best ways for kids to learn about complex concepts are through stories, hands-on activities, and playing. Kids also gain a better understanding of something when you model it for them or show them you care. That’s why I highly encourage you to join in on these Earth Day activities for kids and make it a family (or community) event.
You could even start by telling kids how Earth Day got started. In fact, the way it got started proves how small actions are so meaningful — and how individuals and communities can make a big impact. You never know what just one idea can do!
If you didn’t already know, Earth Day first started in 1970 when a US senator inspired millions of people across the nation to attend events that brought attention to environmental issues. Since then, billions of people all over the world celebrate Earth Day every year. And many environmental laws went into effect, such as the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. How amazing is that?
While Earth Day always falls on April 22nd, these Earth Day activities for kids can be practiced all year long. In this list you’ll find simple ideas for toddlers and preschoolers as well as more challenging ideas for grade school kids, tweens, and teens.
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Earth Day Activities for Kids
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Read Earth Day Books
Kids learn so much through books! Choose a few stories that share Earth Day activities for kids and help them understand what the day is about. Here are a few ideas:
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Recycle
This sorting game teaches kids as young as two about the concept of recycling. Along with building environmental awareness and responsibility, it helps develop fine motor skills and color recognition. A win-win!
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Color
If you’re looking for really easy Earth Day activities for kids, you can’t go wrong with coloring. Kids can color this Earth Day wheel spinner while also learning how they can help the Earth. Another fun option for kids (and adults, too!) are these free coloring pages from Crayola.
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Explore and Experiment
Inspire kids to explore the wonders of the earth with an Earth Science kit from National Geographic. Kids will have fun conducting various science experiments — and get a greater appreciation for the planet and why it needs to be protected.
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Feed the Birds
I love Earth Day activities for kids that encourage their creativity! Building a bird feeder is simple with a DIY kit, and once it’s assembled, kids can paint it however they want. If you’re looking for something a bit more durable, you could also hang up a metal bird feeder.
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Plant a Butterfly Garden
Ditch the butterfly kits and grow wildflowers instead with a seed mix that attracts and supports Monarch butterflies. With this activity, you can teach kids why we need to be kind to insects, how flowers can improve the planet, and the importance of nurturing our natural environment.
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Go On a Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for free Earth Day activities for kids, make a list of nature items to observe, such as leaves, flowers, worms, birds, and twigs. Then explore your backyard, neighborhood park, or nearby trail. Kids can also pile sticks, twigs, and leaves together to make safe, cozy spots for ladybugs and other insects.
If your kids are older and love learning facts, check out this scavenger hunt game.
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Challenge Kids to Upcycle
There are so many fun ways for kids to get creative with upcycling items around your home! Here are just a few ideas:
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Place broken crayons (remove wrappers first) in cupcake liners and melt them down in your oven (at 275 degrees for 7-8 minutes). For cuter crayon shapes, use a silicone mold!
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Get crafty with toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, paper bags, and more. Pinterest has tons of ideas, or you can check upcycling activities on PBS Kids.
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Use paper scraps, plastic bottle caps, and other items that would normally be tossed to create your own unique piece of art.
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Join or Organize a Cleanup
I love Earth Day activities for kids that teach them valuable life skills, like taking responsibility for your community and working with others to make something better. This could be a simple activity for older kids where you walk around your neighborhood or visit your local park to pick up trash. Or you could look up local cleanups that happen on a global scale.
Keep in mind you will need a few supplies for this Earth Day activity, such as a heavy duty trash bag, a few pairs of heavy duty gloves, and possibly even a trash pickup tool.
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Speak Up for What Matters
You can teach kids from a young age to speak up for what they care about and that their voice matters! Here are a few ideas:
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Create posters about Earth Day, ways to protect the planet, or environmental topics they care about, and then hang them up in your windows, on utility poles, or in stores with community billboards.
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Write letters to lawmakers that share their environmental concerns and what they’d like them to prioritize.
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Join a local rally or look up local environmental groups to see how you can take further action together as a family.
More Ideas
I’d love to hear how you and your family celebrate Earth Day! If you choose an idea from my list of Earth Day activities for kids, let me know in the comments. For more Earth Day ideas, check out my blog post on eco-friendly product swaps you can make in your home.
