Earth Day is on the horizon, and it's the perfect time to instill a love for our planet in our littles. We’ve rounded up some fun and eco-friendly Earth Day activities to help you teach your kiddos about the importance of caring for the Earth!
What is Earth Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 in response to growing concern about environmental pollution and its effect on human health. Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes inspired 20 million Americans, especially college students, to show up for Earth Day events across the country. The momentum from this event quickly led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and policies that helped put environmental protections in place. Today, Earth Day carries on the same legacy, drawing our attention to current environmental issues and how we can help!
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day falls on April 22nd every year!
What is the Theme for Earth Day 2024?
The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics! This year, EarthDay.org’s goals are to raise awareness of plastic’s impact on human health, advocate for phasing out single use plastics, promote a UN treaty on plastic pollution, and fight against fast fashion.
Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Kids
1. Earth Day Crafts for Kids
Get those creative juices flowing with recycled bird feeders, egg carton seed starters, or nature collages. Reusing household items with your little artists is a great way to teach them about recycling and waste reduction…and create some eco-friendly masterpieces in the process!
2. Earth Day Movies for Kids
Cuddle up for an Earth Day movie with classics like Wall-E, FernGully, The Lorax, or Happy Feet. These films are kid favorites and help kids understand the impact of waste, pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
3. Earth Day Books for Kids
Most local libraries will have a bookshelf or display table of Earth Day-related books. Or you can plan ahead and reserve titles like Our Big Home: An Earth Poem by Linda Glaser, Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals, Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel, The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, or The Earth Book by Todd Parr.
4. Earth Day Projects for Kids
Want some hands-on activities for Earth Day that make a difference or help grow your child’s love for nature? Look for local community cleanups, start a garden (even if it’s just a single potted plant!), set up a recycling station together, create a nature scavenger hunt, or just play outdoors!
5. Earth Day Activities for Toddlers
Even the littlest kids can still learn to love and care for our planet! Take a nature walk, create a sensory bin with natural materials, have an Earth Day storytime, play simple recycling sorting games, or enjoy a picnic outside. It's never too early to start instilling a love for our planet.
Happy Earth Day!