Earth Day Activities

Earth Day is a special day each year to acknowledge that what you do does affect the planet. This is a great way to connect with your children and do things that are beneficial to the environment.  Encouraging your child to do things that help the world teaches them life lessons of awareness. 

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree with your child is a wonderful way to positively contribute to the environment.  Your child will love going with you to pick out a tree and then planting it.  All the while, you can explain to your child how they are contributing to make the planet healthy.

Recycle

Build a recycling center in your home. You can have your child help design bins in the home for recyclable items.  This is a fun activity that will teach your child how important it is to not waste things that can be reused.

Cleanup the Community

Organize a clean-up committee.  Help your child gather their friends to clean up the neighborhood.  Go around the neighborhood gathering up trash and recyclables.  Your child will take pride in their contribution to cleaning up the planet.  It is a great way to build self-confidence in your youngster.

Celebrate

Have an Earth Day party.  Help your child raise awareness of Earth Day by having a party. They can play games that focus on the environment and create crafts.  Prizes for winning games can be plants or seeds. 

Explore Nature

Go on a nature walk.  Take your child down to the local forest preserve and walk through the trails. Help your child appreciate all the beautiful views and talk to them about how important it is to protect the world we live in.  Ask your child thought-provoking questions about

Volunteer

Encourage your child to get involved with the community through volunteering. This is a great way to contribute to the community and the environment. Volunteering also teaches your child the importance of helping out without a monetary reward.  Their reward is the great feeling that comes from doing the right thing. Check out EarthShare online to look for areas in your community where you are needed.

Celebrating Earth Day is a great way to have fun with your children and teach them the importance of taking care of our planet.  The effects of raising awareness will last long after Earth Day has past.  Sharing in these activities with your child builds your own awareness and is a great way to start a new tradition in your family that can be past down to your grandchildren.