Best Earth Day Activities for Kids: 12 Outdoor Ideas

Check out these fun, educational earth day activities for kids. You can teach your family how to live sustainably and help the environment with these activities. Plus, it never hurts when the kids think of you as “the cool parent” who does things like this with them.

These are some straightforward and fun ideas that will be a hit with your children regardless of their age. This will make for a great family event and something they’ll never forget. It also teaches them valuable life skills that they’ll be able to use as they grow up and develop their own families one day.

Let’s go!

Earth Day Activities for Kids

1. Connect With Nature

One of the most meaningful things that we can teach our children is how to naturally and respectfully interact with the world around them. This first activity will help you do just that by getting your family out into nature.

There are many activities to show your children how nature comes to life. In spring, fresh buds begin to grow in the branches of trees. As the temperature rises, you’ll hear increased chirping from the birds. As children watch nature, they may develop an appreciation for nature and our world.

Have a walk in your local park or woods. Try to identify as many species of plants and animals as possible. While you walk, remind students of the cardinal rule of nature observation “Take only photographs and leave only footprints.”

2. Watch the Sunrise 

The sunrise is one of the most delightful and naturally epic events on the planet. We are lucky enough to be able to witness it every day.

All kids should have time to see the appreciative sunrise. 

Yep, you will need to get up early, but it will be well worth your time.

The sight of the sun taking place up over the horizon is awe-inspiring and a perfect way to get one’s day started. You may make it more enjoyable by going on a blanket picnic for breakfast. 

3. Plant Flowers

Help your child bring nature’s beauty into your home. 

Try to get wildflowers from a nearby area, like a forest or the side of the road. If you do not have time for that, flowers from the local grocery store will be okay. Take them home and let your child plant them in any pot or flower bed. 

Your child can learn how plants grow by following their progress over time, plus they’ll have fresh flowers to add color to their bathroom.

4. Grow Your Vegetables

Help your children learn what it takes to raise and produce their food.

Growing food at home can teach children valuable lessons, such as the connection between seeds and the harvest. If they get involved in developing a garden together, they can also learn how to work with others and share responsibilities. 

If you have enough space in your backyard or a large flower bed, let your kids build a basic raised vegetable garden with simple materials to grow some of their favorite things to eat. 

It will amaze you how much kids love this activity once they get started!

5. Paint Rocks

It’s simple: gather some rocks, grab a few different colors, and let the kids paint away. Once they’re finished painting, they can also draw designs on their rocks with a Sharpie.

This is a great way to show your child how to display their creativity and express themselves more artistically. This is also a perfect opportunity for you to spend time together. 

With this activity, there is no right or wrong way to do things; it’s all about getting creative and having fun. You can even make this activity a contest where the winner gets bragging rights.

6. Build Bird Feeders

During this time of year, wild birds are extremely busy building nests and caring for their young. Lend a hand by building up bird feeders and providing them with high-energy snacks.

Make bird feeders with your kids. This is a great way to get out of the house and have fun outdoors. 

You’ll be amazed at how fast birds will find the feeders once you hang them up. Be sure to hold a camera with you, because you’re going to want to capture every moment on film.

7. Camp Out the Home

If you have the space and the weather allows it, this may be an excellent idea for a family camp-out.

One of my favorite camping activities is sleeping outside. It will be an adventure for your family. Imagine waking up and seeing the sunrise differently each day!

8. Start a Terrarium

Building a terrarium is a fun activity that can be done at any time, but it is especially appropriate for Earth Day. It is a fantastic approach to bringing an element of the outside inside. Plus, it’s stylish and is so cool for room décor.

You can go with a basic version by looking up instructions online, or you can get crazy and get some of the more advanced available types. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the world of plants and teach them about the cycle of life. 

9. Build a Fire Pit and Cuddle Up

Campfires are made for family bonding time! It’s one of my favorite activities because it gives us all an opportunity to be together without any distractions. You can get creative with your food choices too. This will show children what the outside world looks like and learn how to make a campfire that they can teach their kids too.

10. Boost Awareness of E-waste

Kids are generally not aware of the importance of earth day and how it helps protect our environment. Discuss with your kids the impact that electronic waste has on our environment. Let them know that they should take good care of their electronics. If they have an old phone, use it to explain how old recycling electronics means saving resources and conserving the planet for a better tomorrow.

11. Cloud Watching

This is a fun activity with your children, especially in the afternoon of clear skies. Create your very own cloud using tissue paper and tape, and glue. Let your kids make their clouds, then go outside and watch them as they fly away. The possibilities for creating a fancy cloud are endless! Make them for different occasions, like a birthday.

12. Do Some Photos and Nature Documentary

Make a nature documentary and have your kids take photos of the environment around you. 

It’s a perfect way to get outside and appreciate our beautiful blue planet! You can use your phone or a digital camera. This is an excellent chance for both you and your child to learn more about what’s happening in nature while also creating some lasting memories. It’s also a great way to practice photography, leading to a new passion. 

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Author’s Note

Earth Day is a time for us to remember to take care of our planet and maintain a sustainable lifestyle. The holiday reminds us to be mindful of the future. Waking up each morning and seeing the sunrise should be an experience that we share with our loved ones, not just confined to traffic sounds in the distance.

So, get out there and do something today! While the world is celebrating Earth Day, don’t forget to take a moment to share your love of our planet.