7 Earth Day Activities for the Entire Family

Earth Day is here! Do you have plans for celebrating this year? Are you looking for ideas to help your children understand the importance of our earth and our impact on the environment?

Earth Day was founded in 1970 and is held annually on April 22^nd. It’s a different kind of holiday; one celebrated through acts of service and education. Earth Day offers an opportunity for us to discuss environmental issues, advocate for sustainability, and appreciate the wonders of nature. 

This Earth Day, give your children the chance to get involved by exploring new concepts in conservation and discovering the beauty of nature in their own backyard.

Today we’re highlighting some simple activities the whole family can do together this Earth Day. Many of these are appropriate for all ages, and they’re a great way for your family to reconnect with each other and the world around you. 

We hope even after this year’s Earth Day comes to an end, you’ll be able to incorporate some of these activities into your children’s day-to-day lives. After all, we shouldn’t have to wait until the next Earth Day to celebrate and appreciate nature.

Join a Cleanup

Take part in the Great Global Cleanup held every April in honor of Earth Day. You can find a cleanup near you using the Cleanup Map at Earthday.org, or you can initiate one yourself within your neighborhood or local community. 

Volunteering as a family will help to instill a strong work ethic and service mentality in your children. Plus, cleaning up others’ trash offers an excellent reminder of the harmful effects of littering and the importance of recycling. 

Disconnect from Your Devices

Keep your family’s focus on the great outdoors by suggesting everyone leave their devices in “off” mode and put them out of sight. While you’re at it, unplug the TV, too. 

Disconnecting from screen time and the constant cycle of notifications can do wonders for your family’s concentration. Without the lure of social media or flashy videos, there will be significantly fewer distractions — making taking a walk, going for a bike ride, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature all alluring activities. Remind your family how exciting spending time outside can be.

Check Your Water Usage

Before you totally unplug for the day, hop online for a moment to use a free online water usage calculator. Many local water management districts offer these tools in addition to water-saving tips. Review these results as a family and discuss how you can use the suggested tips to conserve water in your household and do your part to protect this precious natural resource. 

You can also take a look at pages such as the EPA’s WaterSense for Kids and Water – Use it Wisely for additional educational materials designed to help children grasp water saving concepts.

Search for Secondhand Treasures

Going thrifting is a fun way to explore the potential of recycling and upcycling. If your family typically purchases new clothes and furniture, this activity may provide your children with valuable exposure to the benefits of buying second hand. 

Give each family member a small $5 or $10 allowance and see what treasures they can find on a budget. You’ll quickly realize making the switch to thrifting can help break the cycle of fast fashion, while reducing waste and saving money.

Explore the Earth

When was the last time you went out for a walk, hike, or bike ride as a family? You don’t have to go far to find some green spaces that are new to you. Take the day to explore the parks in your area and discover the magic of nature in your own neighborhood. 

Not sure where to start your adventure? The National Recreation and Park Association’s Park Path App can help you learn more about the green spaces your community has to offer. 

Plant a Veggie Garden

Your kids want to get their hands dirty anyway, so put those hands to work! Growing your own vegetables and fresh herbs can help reduce your family’s environmental footprint and educate your children about food sources. 

You can start by planting seeds indoors and then transplanting them outside, or buy seedlings from your local plant nursery. Be sure to get your children involved in choosing which veggies you grow so they’ll be even more excited about planting, picking, and eating them!

Keep the Car in the Garage

Put the car in park and see what other means of transportation you can use to get where you want to go. If your children aren’t familiar with different forms of public transportation, this is a fitting time for them to learn how your city’s system works. You can also look up bike paths in your area to see what kinds of amenities you can reach without relying on your car.  

You’d be hard-pressed to cram all these activities into a single day, so why not celebrate Earth Day throughout the month of April? With a little effort, you can make conscious conservation and sustainability a normal part of your family’s lifestyle. Have a Happy Earth Day 2021!