Earth Day Activities for Kids

Teaching children about the environment is possible by organizing Earth Day activities for kids. Educational and fun Earth Day celebrations are the first step in creating a generation that is compassionate and concerned about the planet. By helping children participate in Earth Day celebrations, no matter how big or small, they can help spread the word that the stewardship of the planet is a job for everyone.

Earth Day Activities for Kids
Organize a tree-planting activity with one of several charitable foundations that provide trees for low or no cost. Whether children spread the word and advertise for the tree planting ceremony or actually dig and plant themselves, they'll get an up close look at what it takes to get these renewable resources started.

Conduct an Earth Day poetry and art contest. Have children create original works of art with the theme of Earth Day and ecology and find a venue to display them, whether it's a local business or the refrigerator at grandma's house.

Earth Day Picnic
Focus on what it means to live a healthy lifestyle and learn about good nutrition. After learning about the food groups and the origins of some healthy fruits and vegetables, allow children to plan and pack an earth-healthy lunch. Make sure they plan with less waste and less litter in mind as well. Focus on reusable lunch items, such as cloth napkins and reusable sandwich container. Make a healthy lunch and head to the park for a picnic.

Earth Day Information for Kids
Allow kids to set up recycling in the home, if you aren't doing it already. Let them learn about "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair" and go around the home choosing areas to focus on. Help children set up a newspaper recycle box as well as a storage receptacle for aluminum cans.

Download some printable coloring pages about Earth Day, including home safety tips, endangered species, planet facts and other related topics. Children will learn interesting trivia as they enjoy coloring. There are many websites with free downloadable coloring pages and worksheets with earth day information.

Earth Day Crafts for Kids
Make a leaf collage from either green or autumn leaves gathered on a nature walk. Try to make shapes, animals and people with the leaves and glue them down onto cardstock.

Reuse aluminum cans as herb pots. Decorate clean cans on the outside and punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Plant fragrant and delicious herbs in the pot and watch them grow.