6 Earth Day Activities for Kids
Earth Day takes place on April 22nd in which people all around the world raise awareness on how to make a positive difference in the environment and preserve our planet. While we are continuing to learn new things about Earth, there are effective methods we can all take to care for the planet we live on. It’s important to take time to learn how you can play a role in protecting the planet. One person’s actions can make a huge difference, especially when we join forces to support a cause. While Earth Day helps to build awareness, only we can take the steps to preserve where we live and ensure it is kept beautiful for future generations. Interested in ways to encourage your children to make a difference and protect our environment for generations to come? Here are six earth day activities for kids:
1.Discuss ways to protect the environment.
Have a discussion with your children about why it’s good to conserve water and electricity to help preserve our environment. Try setting an electronics free hour or even big parts of the day and incorporate alternative activities such as spending time outside biking or reading together. These small actions can make a huge impact.
2. Plant a garden.
Planting a garden in your yard or even indoor houseplants is a fun spring activity. Consider planting fruits and vegetables to grow a nutritious snack. Not only are they delicious, but these plants will inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen, creating cleaner air.
3. Read books about the environment.
There are many books that teach young readers how they can recycle, conserve, and help protect the environment. Popular titles include Curious George Plants a Tree by Margret and H.A. Rey, The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Also, spending time reading will help to cut back on time spent on electronics.
4. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
The three R’s – reduce, reuse, and recycle play a big role in helping our environment. Teach your kids about your town’s recycling laws and make sorting recycling a fun game! Invest in a BPA-free bottle to reuse for drinking and cut down on disposables in the house like plastic water bottles, Ziploc bags, and plastic straws. Additionally, you can use reusable tote bags when grocery shopping to cut down on plastic or paper bag usage.
5. Volunteer in your community.
There are typically local events that you can participate in to either learn or help give back to the environment. Check your local community for volunteer opportunities such as a trash clean up at your local park. Have the entire family get involved and teach your children the importance of keeping the earth clean and the variety of ways they can do so!
6. Spend time outdoors.
Whether it’s biking, hiking, or playing at the park, spending time outdoors can help give a new appreciation for nature and the earth. You can even go on a walk and discuss the things you see in nature. Be sure to utilize the free printable Neighborhood Nature Walk activity sheet as a fun activity of items to look for while in your community.
There are a ton of Earth Day activities for kids to get involved in to celebrate. By taking time to discuss the importance of Earth Day, you can help your child begin thinking about how they can make an impact and even ways to appreciate the planet.