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Learning about Earth Day at school is important, but participating in hands-on eco-friendly activities is even more impactful. After all: What is Earth Day without taking action towards a healthier planet?
Here are 16 of our favorite Earth Day ideas for kids and teens that will help bring learning to life as we celebrate our planet!
One of the most classic Earth Day activities for kids is to plant a tree. It’s a fun, hands-on way to show kids how they can make a positive impact on the environment. Work together as a family to dig holes and do the planting—then put kids in charge of ongoing watering and aftercare. Fun fact: Tree planting has been a part of the history of Earth Day since the first Earth Day in 1970!
If you’re looking for Earth Day group activities, why not organize a neighborhood litter cleanup day? Give kids gloves and trash bags and have everyone work together to pick up litter on your streets or in a local park. Make it a game by seeing who can collect the most trash. This is also a great option for scout troops looking for how to help on Earth Day in a way that can earn them a relevant badge.
A nature scavenger hunt is another one of our favorite Earth Day ideas for kids. Simply create a list of items found in nature, such as different types of leaves, flowers, rocks, or animal tracks. Take kids on a nature walk and have them check off a sheet as they find each item. Take along some kid-friendly hiking fuel, like trail mix made with granola, nuts, seeds, and Welch’s® Fruit Snacks.
Sit down with your kids and make a checklist on how to be more sustainable as a family. List ways you can reduce waste at home, such as using reusable water bottles vs. single-use plastic bottles, bringing cloth bags to the grocery store, and recycling paper and plastic each week.
Take kids outside and let them collect materials found in nature, such as sticks, leaves, flowers, pinecones, and rocks. Kids can use these items to make nature collages, leaf rubbings, rock paintings, and other artistic projects that reinforce how to be more eco-friendly.
Another idea in the artistic realm is to create upcycled crafts. Collect recyclable materials such as paper towel rolls, egg cartons, plastic bottles, and Welch’s® Fruit Snacks boxes. Use these items to make crafts like DIY birdhouses, planters, or sculptures. Eco-friendly activities like this one pull double duty, encouraging sustainability and creativity at the same time.
A family picnic offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your family and take in the beauty of Mother Nature. Be sure to use reusable plates, cups, and utensils to reinforce how to be more eco-friendly. And remember not to leave any waste behind!
Head to a local community garden or organic farm where kids can learn about sustainable agriculture practices, composting, and the benefits of eating locally grown food. Some places may offer hands-on activities like planting or harvesting—which are perfect Earth Day activities for kids.
Earth Day projects are important for every age—teens included! If you’re wondering: What do people do on Earth Day that is teen friendly? Here are some age-appropriate ideas.
When it comes to how to celebrate Earth Day with teens, it’s hard to beat an adventure in the great outdoors. Earth Day activities like hiking, camping, or kayaking provide opportunities for teens to learn about local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Plus, sleeping under the stars is one of the most memorable outdoor activities for kids and teens.
Wondering how to help on Earth Day? Organize Earth Day group activities, such as volunteering to clean up beaches or work together in a community garden. Many environmental organizations and local governments host events specifically for Earth Day that teens can participate in.
Check out workshops, seminars, or lectures focused on environmental issues like climate change, sustainable living, renewable energy, or wildlife conservation. Many universities, museums, and environmental organizations offer these types of Earth Day group activities each spring.
Encourage teens to get creative with upcycled Earth Day projects that go beyond crafts. Provide them with materials like old clothes, furniture, or household items, and challenge them to transform them into something useful or decorative.
Host a documentary screening night featuring films about environmental issues such as climate change, wildlife conservation, water pollution, and so on. Teens are often more receptive than we think to adopting changes that can help make the world a better place. Don’t forget to have popcorn and Welch’s® Fruit Snacks on hand as movie night treats that kids of all ages will love!
Encourage teens to express their environmental concerns and hopes through art. Provide them with art supplies and let them create paintings, sculptures, or mixed media pieces inspired by nature or environmental issues. Hopefully they’ll have the opportunity to display their artwork in a local gallery or community center.
Encourage teens to get involved in climate action by taking part in letter-writing campaigns, petition drives, or even public demonstrations. They’ll quickly learn the power of using their own voices to raise awareness and drive action from policymakers.
Challenge teens to reduce their waste for a week or a month leading up to Earth Day. Give them tips and resources for living a zero-waste lifestyle, such as avoiding single-use plastics, composting food scraps, shopping with reusable bags, and more. Learning how to be more sustainable in our everyday lives is the cornerstone of Earth Day!
That wraps up our list of eco-friendly ideas for how to celebrate Earth Day! Be sure to fuel all your Earth Day projects and activities with delicious, kid-approved Welch’s® Fruit Snacks. They’re the perfect on-the-go treat for any family adventure!
