Earth Day is almost here. April 22 for those of us who need a reminder. We’ve combed through the internet to find 30 of the easiest but meaningful activities to do with your kids.
I solemnly swear: None of these resources include milk cartons or plastic bottles.
Activities include books to read, printables to color, projects that don’t take too much preparation, outdoor activities, and songs to sing. Bigger kids may have fun helping you calculate your family’s carbon footprint. Use these activities at home or as classroom lessons.
If you’re searching for a way to get out with your family and give your parks or nature centers some TLC, we’ve got a list of Twin Cities Events Here.
16 Books About The Earth, Nature & Conservation
We’ve put together a list of Earth Day books in our Bookshop. We’ve included the classics and several books from our favorite local authors. Added to our list in 2023 is the latest book by Kitchen Pantry Scientist, Liz Heinecke – The Kitchen Pantry Scientist Ecology for Kids: Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Ecologists, Past and Present. We also include a few others of our favorite Minnesota children’s book authors.
4 Places to find Free Earth-Friendly Printables
Pull out the markers and crayons for these easy printable activities.
Eric Carle Coloring Sheets:
Perfect for toddlers and preschool-age kids, these are absolutely my favorite printables to use. I love Eric Carle. He was way ahead of his time for caring for the earth.
Coloring Pages from Coloring.ws:
Lots of different Earth Day coloring pages to choose from. Animals, globes, reduce-reuse-recycle themed and more.
Time 4 Kindergarten:
A fun kindergarten math facts page.
Earth Day Cause & Effect Booklet by First Grade Parade:
She has a lot of ideas for kids in the primary grades, but the printable is a simple booklet. It’s got coloring and writing activities included in it.
4 Easy Indoor Earth Day Crafts
Egg Carton Tree from Glued to my Crafts
A cute 3D tree made from recycled materials. Egg carton cups for the leaves of the tree.
Supplies needed:
- egg carton
- paint
- heavy paper such as cardstock
Recycled Flower Art from No Time for Flashcards
This pretty Earth Day art project upcycles newsprint for flowers.
Supplies needed:
- buttons
- glue stick
- newspaper
- construction paper
- scissors
Earth Sun Catcher by Learn Create Love
This suncatcher is made in the shape of the planet earth.
Supplies needed:
- wax paper
- tissue paper
- scissors
- glue stick
Earth Day “Worms & Dirt” Dessert by A Pretty Life
Kids of all ages and even adults will like this dessert. Check the grocery list for this one. This recipe has some ingredients you may not have at home. If you don’t want to bother with a recipe, you could just make chocolate cupcakes and top them with gummy worms. Cupcakes are fast, easy and little hands can handle them (preferably outside).
5 Fun Earth Day Activities to Get Outside
- Plant a Garden in your backyard or a community garden plot
- Go on a Nature Walk
- Keep a Nature Journal
- Collect trash in your local park or around your neighborhood.
- Design your own Earth Day Scavenger Hunt.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Include living things like insects and wildlife if you have a camera or sketch pad, or choose things like pinecones and moss if you want to collect them and bring them home
- Litter Scavenger Hunt: Combine this activity with #4.
Find More Ideas Like This: A Comprehensive Guide to Nature Play for Kids
Sing about Earth Day
Print this mini song book from Preschool Education we created for you to sing with your kids!
Happy Earth Day!!
Related Articles:
- Birding Checklist: What to Pack for Birdwatching – Plus DIY Bird Feeder Ideas
- National Get Outdoors Day Round Up
- Meet the 6 National Parks of Minnesota
- 9 Twin Cities Metro-Area Minnesota State Parks
**This article includes an affiliate link to Bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission on books ordered through our link. If you want to find a specific local bookstore to support, find them on this map and they’ll receive the full profit off your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop). Learn more here.
I m throwing my food rules out the window today, and we will be indulging in some bad for you, ready-made goodness! We are having Worms in Dirt! В A fun little dessert to have for Earth Day. And Happy New Year!
Hey Robert. We’re glad you found something you liked in that list.