Are you looking to celebrate Earth Day with kids? Here is some great information and activities to have a memorable Earth Day, even at home.
Earth Day is one of my all-time favorite holidays! Taking an opportunity to give some extra love to the planet that keeps you alive is a big deal. What’s more, Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to do fun activities with kids to teach them about the importance of eco-conscious living and environmental stewardship.
This post is all about how to celebrate Earth Day with kids!
History of Earth Day
The first Earth day was on April 22, 1970. During this time, people began to understand how the actions we were taking had a dramatic impact on our environment. One of the catalysts of this movement was the novel Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. If you’ve never read this book, I highly recommend it!
This book changed my entire perspective on my lifestyle and influenced my love for environmental science.
Today, Earth Day is a day to raise awareness about the environment and take action to positively be more kind to the Earth and show appreciation for the planet that keeps us alive. Taking a moment to celebrate Earth Day with kids is incredibly important because kids that are taught about their role in our environment are more likely to want to help protect it. Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day with kids:
Kid’s Earth Day Activities about Reducing:
1. Unplug
Talk to your kids about electricity and phantom power. As an activity, go around to each room of the house and create a list of all the items that are plugged in. Look at the list and put an X next to each item you can unplug when not in use. Make an effort to unplug these items anytime they are not in use. BONUS – take out your electricity bill and explain how electricity usage and billing work.
2. Bring your own bags
When you celebrate Earth Day with kids, talk to them about the impact of plastic bags on the environment. Then, for one whole week, challenge your family to only use reusable bags at the store. Kids are excellent at challenges! It challenges them and helps them strategize. Have your kids help you place them in strategic places around the house so you can remember them – hang them by your keys, put them in the garage, leave some in your car, stash a few in your purse, etc.
Kid’s Earth Day activities about Reusing:
3. Egg carton seed starter
Instead of throwing away your plastic or paper egg cartons, reuse them as seed starters! Grab a bag of potting soil and have your child fill each hole in the carton. Place seeds in the soil and make sure the seeds are covered. Water the soil and place it in a sunny area.
4. Painting delivery boxes
We all have probably collected a few too many delivery boxes over the past year, right? Reuse those boxes as a paint project for Earth Day. Teach your child about the importance of reducing and reusing BEFORE recycling. Lay down an old sheet, some non-toxic paint, and allow your child to express their creativity. Depending on the age of your child, this can also double as an activity to have your child practice writing their letters, numbers, or name.
Kid’s Earth Day Activities about Waste:
5. Composting activity
Related Post: I have a blog post all about teaching kids how to compost! Here is an activity to create your own compost at home with a 2-liter bottle!
6. Waste audit
Time for a little dumpster dive. Okay, not really, but sort of. Lay out a tarp or trash bag outside and have your child dump out your trash. Have a paper and pen handy and make a tally each time you find:
- something that could have been recycled
- plastic packaging
- styrofoam packaging
- clothing or textiles
- toys or toy pieces
- Food or food pieces
Have your student answer the question – how can I reduce the amount of waste I create?
How can you celebrate Earth Day at Home?
7. Get outside
There is nothing more valuable than getting outside to appreciate nature. If you can, spend some time outdoors this Earth Day. Take a walk around the neighborhood, go on a hike, or visit a neighborhood park. Being outdoors improves your mood, gives you energy and enhances your creativity.
8. Read a book
Here are some excellent Earth Day books for kids!
- The Lorax
- What Does It Mean To Be Green?
- Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug
- Where Does the Garbage Go?
9. Watch a movie
These movies help to emphasize the importance of protecting our environment.
- Wall-E
- The Story of Stuff
- The Lorax
- Bee Movie
- Happy Feet
- Wasteland
10. Pickup litter
It seems like there is litter everywhere you look! Litter harms animals, pollutes our environment, and decreases property value. Take a few moments to bring your child outdoors and pick up litter. Grab some gloves and a trashcan or bucket and pick up any litter you see in your yard or surrounding area. Even a 10-minute cleanup can make a big difference.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about how to celebrate Earth Day with kids!
Are you ready to celebrate Earth Day with kids? Teaching kids how to reduce, reuse, and recycle with these activities is a fun way to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship.
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