With Earth Day (April 22) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to engage our little ones in some fun and educational activities that celebrate our amazing planet. 

Whether you're an eco-warrior or just looking for some creative ways to connect with nature, these 7 Earth Day activities will have your kids excited and learning at the same time!

1. Plant a Mini Garden

Let's get those hands dirty! Gather some pots, soil, and seeds of your choice—flowers, herbs, or even vegetables. Set up a planting station outdoors and let your kids dig in, literally! Teach them about the importance of plants for our planet and how they help keep the air clean. It’s a wonderful way to introduce concepts like photosynthesis and plant life cycles in a hands-on way.

If you're looking for a little more guidance, here's an excellent place to start; chock full of tips, links, and more to get your kiddos excited and eager to start growing their own plants. 

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Create a list of items found in nature—like a smooth rock, a pinecone, a red leaf, or a bird feather—and set off on an adventure in your backyard or a nearby park. This activity encourages observation skills and teaches children about biodiversity and the beauty of the natural world around them.

If you're looking for more outside activities or ways to include our toys in outdoor play, check out this blog post about nature based play activities with wooden toys.

3. Create Green Goals for your Family

Collaborating with your little ones to establish green goals for the family is not only a great way to promote environmental awareness, but also fosters a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and accountability. And there's no better time than the present to start brainstorming! 

Sit down together and discuss different aspects of daily life where you can make eco-friendly changes, such as reducing plastic use, conserving water and energy, or recycling more effectively. This collaborative approach empowers children to feel involved in decision-making and teaches them the importance of making environmentally conscious choices as a family.

Then, turn goal-setting into a fun and creative activity by using our green goals board (or making your own). Let everyone decorate and personalize the board with your family's name and 3 simple goals. Display the board prominently in a shared space at home - we hang ours on the fridge - to serve as a visual reminder of your family's commitments towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Regularly revisit the goals as a family to celebrate achievements and adjust strategies if needed, ensuring everyone stays motivated and engaged in the green journey together.

4. DIY Bird Feeders

Let’s show some love to our feathered friends! Gather recyclable materials such as empty toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, and birdseed. Help your kids spread peanut butter on the rolls and then roll them in birdseed. Hang these homemade bird feeders outside your window and watch the birds flock to enjoy their treat. This activity sparks conversations about wildlife conservation and the role birds play in our ecosystem.

5. Upcycled Art Projects

Get crafty while reducing waste - a win win! Collect items like empty egg cartons, old magazines, and cardboard boxes. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they turn these materials into works of art—a colorful magazine collage, a birdhouse from a milk carton, or even jewelry made from paper beads. Discuss the importance of recycling and reusing materials to reduce our environmental impact.

6. Download our free 'Love the Earth' Activity Packet

Life is busy, and sometimes there's just not enough hours in the day to gather supplies and plan a trip to the park. But that doesn't mean you have to skip out on participating in Earth Day!

Our 'Love the Earth' Activity packet does 99% of the work for you! Simply download the guide, print it off and you'll have tons of coloring pages, drawing prompts, and other creative ways to get kids excited about living green and loving our planet right at your fingertips. The best part? It's totally FREE! 

7. Storytime in Nature

Take storytime outdoors! Pack a blanket, some snacks, and your little one’s favorite nature-themed books. Head to a local park or even your backyard, and enjoy reading stories surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. This simple activity promotes a love for reading while fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Every Day is Earth Day

These activities are not only loads of fun but also provide valuable lessons about environmental stewardship and sustainability. So, this Earth Day, let’s inspire the next generation of planet protectors one fun activity at a time! After all, teaching our kids to care for Mother Earth is one of the best gifts we can give them. Happy Earth Day, everyone!