Fun Earth Day Activities for Kids

On April 22nd, people around the world will be celebrating Earth Day. This day has been in existence for nearly 48 years as a civic day of action to not only raise awareness about pollution but actively take steps to make the Earth more sustainable. It is vital that children are taught about measures such as conservation and recycling to protect this planet. You can also make it more fun by doing some activities with the kids that echo the significance of preserving our Earth’s resources, starting right at home!

Start Earth Day by going around the house to see how green you can go. If you usually use paper towels to clean up spills and messes, try switching to washcloths. They work better and cut down on a household’s trash output. You can find a variety of colors and patterns at a home goods store, or knit your own.

Next, it’s time to ditch those plastic water bottles. Invest in some stainless-steel water bottles that can be refilled repeatedly. Let the kids choose their own and they will be more likely to remember to take them to school, activities, and sports. It’s also a great idea to bring a reusable mug to your local coffee shop!

April is an opportune time to plan—then plant—a vegetable garden. Growing your own food will decrease your family’s garbage, and make you healthier in the long run. If you live in a rural area, you can give raising your own chickens a go!

Now that you have made some changes around the house, it’s time for some fun! Make recycled cork boats with the kids. To sail the oceans blue in your own backyard, you just need a few materials from the recycling bin. To make a boat, you need the following: three corks, acrylic paint and a paintbrush, a hot glue gun, scrap paper, scissors, and a toothpick. First, paint the corks and let them dry. Glue three corks together with the glue gun. Then, cut the corner of a scrap piece of paper to form a triangle for the sail. Slide a toothpick through the sail, then push it into the center cork. Put them in a body of water and sail away!

Another fun activity to do together is making a butterfly feeder. An empty ketchup bottle can transform into a magnet for these magical creatures. You will need a ketchup (or any similar plastic) bottle with a lid, rubber bands, yarn, cotton ball, flowers, water, and sugar. Place a thick rubber band around the bottle. Then, tie a piece of yarn to that rubber band—on both sides of the bottle. Place additional rubber bands around the bottle. Put a cotton ball through the hole in the lid. Take some flowers and arrange them under the rubber bands. For a permanent feeder, use fake flowers. For your butterfly food, mix one quarter cup of sugar and one cup of water, stirring completely. Add this mixture to the bottle. Close the lid and hang it outside.