Inside: Exciting Earth Day activities for kids that will inspire them to love and protect our planet. Also includes a list of Earth Day theme books for preschoolers and free printables!
Earth Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by engaging our little ones in activities that spark their curiosity about the world around them? Our kids may be young, but their enthusiasm for exploration and learning knows no bounds. With a bit of creativity and a sprinkle of fun, we can introduce them to the wonders of nature and instill a love for the planet even from an early age.
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Go Green with these Earth Day Activities for Kids
Here are some delightful Earth Day activities for kids that will inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Earth Day Activity 1: Crafting with Recyclables
Turn recycling into a playful activity by setting up a crafting station with recyclable materials. By instilling habits of recycling and reusing materials, we empower future generations to actively participate in preserving our planet.
Provide your child with items like cardboard tubes, empty bottles, and paper scraps, and let your child’s imagination run wild. They can stack, sort, and create to their heart's content, all while learning about the importance of reusing and reducing waste. This activity can help build their creativity and focus while working on their fine motor skills too.
Related: If you have recyclable materials on hand, why not try making some DIY learning toys for your child?
Earth Day Activity 2: Nature Art
Get creative with Earth Day themed art projects that celebrate the beauty of nature. Creating art from natural materials like leaves, flowers, and found objects not only showcases the inherent creativity within the environment but also encourages a deeper appreciation and respect for its resources.
Set up a painting station outdoors and let your kids experiment with different colors and textures. They can use leaves and sticks as stamps, paint rocks, or create collages with nature materials. Not only will they have a blast, but they'll also develop fine motor skills and artistic expression.
Earth Day Activity 3: Sensory Nature Walk
Take your toddler on a sensory nature walk to explore the sights, sounds, and textures of the great outdoors. Encourage them to touch the bark of trees, listen to the chirping of birds, and feel the softness of moss under their feet. This hands-on experience will not only stimulate their senses but also foster a connection with the natural world.
During the walk, you can extend the learning further and have them go on a nature scavenger hunt to spot or collect items. This can help build observation skills as well as math skills as they count their items.
Related: Check out these Garden Theme activities for your child to explore nature!
Earth Day Activity 4: Planting Seeds
Teach your toddler about the magic of growth by planting seeds together. Choose fast-growing plants like sunflowers or beans that will captivate their interest and provide quick results. Show them how to dig a hole, plant the seed, and water it gently. Watching their seeds sprout and grow will fill them with a sense of wonder and responsibility for nurturing living things.
Related: Teach your child about parts of a flowering plant with this DIY flower cardboard activity!
Earth Day Activity 5: Nature-Inspired Story Time
Cuddle up with your toddler and read them stories about nature and the environment. Choose books with colorful illustrations and simple narratives that capture their attention. As you read, talk about the animals, plants, and ecosystems featured in the stories, and discuss how we can take care of the Earth. This cozy activity will not only promote literacy but also inspire a love for nature.
Here are some of our favourite Earth Day books for preschoolers:
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- Change Starts with Us
- Dear Earth
- Here We Are
- The Mess That We Made
- It’s Earth Day!
- Our Earth
- Hello, World! Planet Earth
- Recycle
- Not for me, please! I choose to act green!
- The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle
Earth Day Activity 6: Zipper Bag Water Cycle
Dive into a fun activity where kids bring water through the cycle, helping them visualize the magic of the water cycle.
Earth Day Activity 7: Sort Before You Recycle
This fun recycling activity helps children learn about the 4 main types of recyclable materials and how to sort the trash.
(This printable is part of our Earth Day Mini Printable Pack. Scroll down to download this printable pack.)
Earth Day Activity 8: Happy Earth Sad Earth
This engaging Earth Day activity offers a fantastic opportunity for preschoolers to discover the power of small actions in protecting our environment. It serves as a wonderful springboard for meaningful conversations, encouraging your children to explore more ways to cherish our planet.
(This printable is part of our Earth Day Mini Printable Pack. Scroll down to download this printable pack.)
Earth Day Activity 9: Endangered Animal Search
Preschoolers get to learn about different endangered animals and hone their counting skills in this animal hunting game.
(This printable is part of our Earth Day Mini Printable Pack. Scroll down to download this printable pack.)
Download the Earth Day Mini Printable Pack here!
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Have Fun with these Earth Day Activities for Kids!
With these engaging Earth Day activities, children can embark on a journey of discovery and environmental awareness. By nurturing their curiosity, creativity, and compassion for the planet, we can sow the seeds for a future generation of eco-conscious citizens. So, grab your little ones and let's celebrate Earth Day in style, one messy paint brush stroke and nature walk at a time!
Common Questions about Earth Day for Kids
Earth Day raises awareness about environmental issues and promotes collective action to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
We can teach kids about Earth Day by emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, including concepts such as recycling, reducing waste, conserving energy, protecting wildlife habitats, and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Make Earth Day fun for kids by engaging them in outdoor exploration, eco-crafts, nature scavenger hunts, storytelling, upcycling projects, outdoor games, and nature art activities. Check out our list of fun Earth Day activities for kids!
Joscelyn says
Thank you for sharing.