9 Fun Earth Day Activities for Kids to Get Excited About Green Living
Teaching kids the beauty of nature and importance of their environment is a key life lesson! Getting them involved during Earth month is a great way to get started!
This blog is packed with engaging Earth Day activities that are perfect for kids!
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Activity List for Kids to Do During Earth Month
From hands-on crafts to nature walks, these ideas will help nurture a sense of responsibility for the earth while keeping little hands busy.
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is a simple yet exciting way to teach kids to observe and appreciate their environment.
Create a list of nature-related items for kids to find—leaves, rocks, flowers, feathers, etc.
Head to your backyard, local park, or even your school garden.
Bonus idea? Challenge kids to identify different types of trees or birds they find along the way!
This activity encourages curiosity, observation, and respect for nature. You’ll be amazed at how much more kids notice about the world around them!
Plant a Tree or Garden
Planting is a classic Earth Day activity, and for a good reason — it fosters a direct connection with nature.
Help kids plant something in a garden or a pot they can care for over time. Watching their plants grow teaches responsibility and patience while contributing to a greener planet.
Upcycled Craft Projects
Have leftover cardboard boxes lying around? Or maybe some empty plastic bottles? Upcycled crafts are a win-win—they’re fun and reinforce the importance of reusing materials. We have a list of up-cycling crafts for kids, if you’re looking for inspiration.
Not only will your kids have a blast, but they’ll also learn that one person’s trash can truly be another person’s treasure.
Earth Day Story Time
Books are a perfect way to introduce younger kids to the importance of caring for the planet. Consider books like The Curious Garden which is a beautifully illustrated book about urban green spaces or Compost Stew which teaches young eco-warriors learning about composting
After story time, ask thoughtful questions to get their minds working!
Visit a Local Park or Nature Center
Take kids outside and show them what’s at stake as we work to protect the planet. You could go for a guided nature walk if your park or nature center offers one. You could also encourage your kids to cleanup your local park while walking.
Compost at Home
Introduce kids to the science of composting by creating a simple compost bin at home. They’ll learn about food waste and how composting enriches soil. Kids are sure to love this idea that can get a little messy.
The “magic” of seeing kitchen scraps turn into nutrient-rich compost is sure to fascinate kids!
Be sure to check out some of our composting guides as a place to start.
Nature Art
Unleash your child’s inner artist by using nature as their tools! A few ideas include pressing flowers, painting rocks with Earth Day designs, pressing leaves, or creating a nature collage.
Not only is this a zero-waste activity, but it’s also a reminder that creativity comes from the world around us.
Make a Bird Feeder
Help your local birds while teaching kids about wildlife conservation. You could use a toilet paper roll, coat it with peanut butter or honey, and roll it in birdseed. Then kids can enjoy birdwatching as they keep their feeder stocked, and they’ll learn how small actions can help animals thrive.
Watch an Eco Focused Movie
Get your kids excited with a movie night! You could make it educational with a documentary or just watch a movie with a nature theme. Check out our list of Earth Day movie recommendations and be sure to see the kid friendly options at the bottom.
These activities help kids see environmental action as both important and enjoyable—exactly the attitude we need for lasting change.
More Earth Day Resources:
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.
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