Earth Day Activites for Kids

The following post is from Jamie of See Jamie Blog:

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1

My Creation-loving dad was a very big influence on my love and appreciation of nature. I hope to instill the same in my own children.

With the following ideas for celebrating Earth Day, you can teach your kids how important it is to care for the Earth while acknowledging the awesomeness of the Creator.

World in His hands craft

This craft is in a post focusing on the letter “w” but you can just make the cute Earth-in-hands craft if you’d like. Don’t forget singing the song too, though! I bet it’s in your head already: “He’s got the whole world, in His hands… the whole wide world…”

“Stained glass” Earth

Another beautiful Earth craft, in this case “stained glass” made from tissue paper. This link also has a few other nifty Earth Day ideas to try, including “stained glass” rainbows and crosses.

Earth mobile

Making this Earth mobile is easy enough even for preschoolers.

Interactive sight-word reader

Use this Creation-focused sight word reader to teach your younger kids the days of Creation — a lovely focus for Earth Day celebrations.

Teach the days of Creation

This post has ideas for a book, a craft, and a snack for teaching each of the days of Creation. I’m glad there are people like this to think of the things I’d never come up with on my own.

Recycled crafts

To teach kids to reuse and recycle whenever possible, make a few of these crafts created from recycled items like tin cans, egg cartons, and paper towel roll tubes.

Earth pom-poms

Another why-didn’t-I-think-of-that idea. We make pom-poms for all sorts of things (yarn and a fork are all you need!) but look how cute these little Earth pom-poms are! Don’t miss this other fun Earth Day art idea at the same site.

Plant a garden!

I’ve planted (or helped plant) a garden for as long as I can remember. My mom tells of a time when I was two years old and got a little over-exuberant helping plant corn; corn plants were coming up by the mailbox, in the houseplants, etc. But times like that helped create a love for getting my hands in the dirt and having a little part in the miracle of growing things!

Not into veggies? Plant a butterfly garden instead. The above link goes to the Farmer’s Almanac site, a total nod to my dad who always followed planting guides in his copy purchased each year.

Seed packets

Print and make seed packets to give to friends and neighbors. Don’t forget to plant some of the seeds in your own yard!

Plant a tree!

One year for Mother’s Day, I asked for trees. My girls (with help from my husband) planted two trees for me. I loved it! This could be a fun hands-on thing to do for Earth Day, too.

Grow frogs

Is “grow” the right word here? Not sure, but watching tadpoles turn into frogs is pretty doggone cool–another fun memory of mine from my growing-up years. Though maybe not Earth Day specific, it’s an awesome way to learn about and appreciate nature.

Go for a hike

Take the family to a favorite location – or somewhere new – to spend the day, or at least a few hours, enjoying the great outdoors. Again, hiking with the family and spending time with my dad in the great outdoors are some of my fondest memories with him.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate Earth Day? I know I didn’t cover everything, so leave your ideas in the comments!

	Jamie is a homeschooling mama who never ventures far from a steaming hot mug of tea. Her kids range in age from preschool to adult, which means there’s rarely a dull (or quiet!) moment in her home. Also find her on twitter and pinterest.

Jamie Worley