20+ Extraordinary Earth Day Activities for Kids

Do you see green? We are certain of it! Earth Day, observed on April 22, is a time for us to unite in celebration of our world and pledge to conserve it. There are many entertaining and instructive Earth Day activities for kids that will teach them the value of conservation and protecting our planet if you’re seeking for ways to involve your children. These Earth Day activities, which range from simple crafts to outdoor pursuits, are an excellent opportunity to teach children how their actions may contribute to environmental conservation.

These activities are sure to get everyone thinking green and enthusiastic about making changes that benefit our world, whether you’re celebrating as a family, class, or community group.

  1. Bake Mother Earth cupcakes.

Here’s a fun and easy way to make Mother Earth cupcakes—perfect for Earth Day, nature-themed parties, or just because you want a sweet little planet in cupcake form. 🌍🧁

Mother Earth Cupcakes Recipe

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 box of vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe)
  • Ingredients required for cake mix (eggs, oil, water)

For the frosting:

  • 2–3 cups vanilla buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • Blue food coloring (for oceans)
  • Green food coloring (for land)

Optional decorations:

  • Edible glitter or shimmer powder (to make your “Earth” shine)
  • Small flower or leaf icing decorations (to add a Mother Nature touch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cupcakes
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
    • Mix cake batter according to package or recipe directions.
    • Divide evenly among liners and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    • Let cool completely before decorating.
  2. Color the frosting
    • Divide frosting into two bowls.
    • Color one bowl blue (ocean) and the other green (land).
  3. Create the Earth swirl 🌍
    • Place a large spoonful of blue frosting and a spoonful of green frosting side by side inside the same piping bag.
    • Use a large round or star tip.
    • When you pipe, the two colors will swirl together, creating a “planet Earth” look.
  4. Decorate for Mother Earth vibes
    • Add edible glitter for a magical glow.
    • Place tiny edible flowers or leaf shapes for a “nature” touch.
  5. Serve & enjoy
    • Perfect with a glass of milk or tea while talking about ways to care for our planet!

If you’d like, I can also give you a kid-friendly “surprise Earth core” version where the inside is colored like Earth layers—so when you bite in, it’s like cutting into the planet. That one’s extra fun.

2. Start a water conservation challenge.

Set a goal for your children to use less water for a week, then monitor their progress. This can be achieved by just running the washing machine when it is full, taking shorter showers or shutting off the tap while brushing your teeth. Discuss how much water was saved after a week!

3. Go on an eco-friendly shopping spree

Here’s how you can turn a regular shopping trip into an eco-friendly shopping spree that’s kind to your wallet and the planet. 🌱🛍️

Eco-Friendly Shopping Spree Guide

1. Bring Your Own Bags & Containers

  • Use sturdy reusable shopping bags, mesh produce bags, and jars or containers for bulk items.
  • Bonus: You’ll skip the plastic bag guilt and look like a zero-waste pro.

2. Shop Local & Seasonal

  • Visit farmers’ markets or local shops instead of big chains when possible.
  • Seasonal produce often has fewer “food miles” (less transport pollution).
  • Local products support your community and keep small businesses thriving.

3. Choose Sustainable Materials

  • Opt for items made from bamboo, organic cotton, recycled materials, or wood instead of plastic.
  • Check labels for FSC-certified, GOTS-certified, or Fair Trade seals.

4. Buy Quality Over Quantity

  • Invest in durable, long-lasting goods (clothing, kitchenware, electronics) rather than fast-fashion or single-use.
  • Fewer replacements = less waste over time.

5. Minimize Packaging

  • Choose products with compostable, recyclable, or minimal packaging.
  • Buy in bulk to reduce single-use plastics.

6. Support Eco-Conscious Brands

  • Research companies with green practices—such as using renewable energy, offsetting carbon emissions, or giving back to environmental causes.

7. Think Pre-Loved & Upcycled

  • Visit thrift stores or online marketplaces for second-hand clothes, furniture, or electronics.
  • Upcycled goods give old materials a second life.

8. Carry a “Green Shopper Kit”

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Coffee cup or travel mug
  • Utensil set & cloth napkin
  • Tote or backpack for unexpected finds

9. Reward Yourself the Green Way

  • End your spree with a treat from a sustainable café or bakery that uses organic and local ingredients.

If you want, I can make you a playful “Eco-Friendly Shopping Bingo Card” so you can turn your spree into a fun challenge. It’s a great way to make the experience more interactive, especially with kids.

4. Create an Earth Day time capsule. 

Your children will be able to recall their Earth Day activities for many years to come if they have an Earth Day time capsule! Encourage kids to gather objects that symbolise this unique day, such as crayon drawings of nature, painted rocks, or photos of themselves participating in Earth Day events. Then, put together a box or jar and bury it in the backyard or store it away until next year.

5. Cook a meal using sustainable ingredients.

Here’s a simple, delicious, and planet-friendly recipe idea you can try—using seasonal, locally sourced, and low-impact ingredients. 🌱🍽️

Sustainable Veggie Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Why it’s sustainable

  • Uses seasonal vegetables from local farms or markets (lower transport emissions).
  • Plant-based, reducing environmental impact compared to meat-heavy meals.
  • Includes whole grains and minimal packaging ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown rice (preferably organic, bought in bulk to reduce packaging)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cold-pressed local oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (in season)
  • 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup seasonal greens (e.g., spinach, bok choy, kale)
  • ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (look for brands in glass bottles)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice
    • Rinse brown rice and cook according to package instructions (about 40 minutes).
    • Keep warm.
  2. Prep the vegetables
    • Wash well (keep peels on when possible to reduce waste).
    • Chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Stir-fry
    • Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
    • Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
    • Add broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers; stir-fry for 5–6 minutes.
    • Add greens and cook until just wilted.
  4. Season
    • Stir in soy sauce or tamari.
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  5. Serve
    • Spoon over warm brown rice.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs.

💡 Eco Tip: Save veggie scraps in the freezer to make homemade vegetable broth later—

6. Read an Earth Day storybook.

Numerous excellent Earth Day books are available to teach children the value of protecting the environment. Look for books that would be ideal for reading on Earth Day at your neighbourhood library or bookshop! There are also a lot of instructive short stories available online.

7. Bring Christmas to your backyard with bird ornaments.

Here’s how you can turn your backyard into a winter wonderland for birds with homemade Christmas ornaments that double as festive décor and tasty treats for feathered friends. 🎄🐦

Bird-Friendly Christmas Ornaments

What You’ll Need

  • Birdseed (choose a mix with sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn)
  • Unflavored gelatin (acts as a binder)
  • Warm water
  • Cookie cutters (stars, trees, hearts, bells)
  • Parchment paper
  • String, twine, or raffia (natural and biodegradable)
  • Mixing bowl & spoon
  • Optional: chopped dried fruit (no added sugar), unsalted peanuts, or oats for extra nutrition

Instructions

  1. Mix the magic
    • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gelatin with ½ cup warm water.
    • Stir until dissolved.
    • Add 1½ cups of birdseed and any optional extras. Mix until seeds are coated.
  2. Shape the ornaments
    • Place cookie cutters on parchment paper.
    • Spoon seed mixture into cutters, pressing down firmly.
    • Use a straw to poke a small hole near the top for hanging.
  3. Let them set
    • Refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or leave to dry overnight) until firm.
  4. Decorate the trees
    • Gently remove ornaments from cutters.
    • Thread twine or raffia through the hole and tie a loop.
  5. Hang & enjoy
    • Decorate tree branches, fences, or shepherd’s hooks in your backyard.
    • Watch birds flock in for their holiday feast!

🌱 Eco Tip:
Avoid glitter, paint, or non-natural embellishments—birds might ingest them. Keep it all-natural and wildlife-safe.

If you want, I can also give you a “Winter Bird Feast Garland” version where you string popcorn, cranberries, and dried fruit like a festive wildlife buffet. That one looks really Christmassy.

8. Welcome insets with a bug hotel.

Use sticks, pinecones, and rocks to build a bug inn in your backyard. This will draw insects to your garden and provide them with a secure habitat. Children will also enjoy observing the small animals that settle in!

You can even construct bird feeders for your feathered companions or butterfly houses to aid pollinators.

9. Print out coloring pages.

Here’s a quick guide to printing out coloring pages so you can enjoy a relaxing, creative activity at home. 🖨️🎨

How to Print Coloring Pages

1. Find the Pages You Like

  • Search online for free printable coloring pages—look for themes like nature, animals, holidays, or mandalas.
  • Trusted sources include:
    • Crayola.com (free printables for kids)
    • SuperColoring.com
    • JustColor.net
    • Coloring.ws
  • Make sure the images are marked free for personal use.

2. Download the Files

  • Most will be in PDF or JPEG format.
  • Save them to a folder on your computer so they’re easy to find.

3. Prepare Your Printer

  • Check that your printer has enough black ink (or color if you want colored outlines).
  • Load plain white printer paper (thicker paper like cardstock works great for markers).

4. Print

  • Open the file and choose Print from your PDF viewer or photo program.
  • Select the paper size (usually A4 or Letter).
  • Choose “Fit to Page” if needed so the image isn’t cut off.

5. Color Away

  • Use crayons, colored pencils, markers, or even watercolors (if your paper is thick enough).
  • You can also scan and reprint pages you love so you can color them again in new styles.

💡 Fun Tip: You can create a custom coloring book by printing several pages, hole-punching them, and binding them with ribbon or rings.

If you’d like, I can make you a set of Earth Day or Nature-themed coloring pages you can print right now. That way you have a ready-to-go activity.

10. Make an Earth Day mural.

To create a huge canvas that honours the beauty of the environment, gather materials like paper and paints. Encourage your children to work together on the design, painting anything they believe best captures the beauty of our planet, including landscapes, waterfalls, rainbows, animals, and plants.

After that, hang it to serve as a reminder of how important it is to protect the environment. As an extra bonus, establish this as a yearly tradition. You’ll have an entire narrative of Earth Day artwork after a few years!

11. Create a recycled craft

Here’s a simple and fun recycled craft you can make at home—perfect for kids, classrooms, or just a creative afternoon. 🌱✂️

Tin Can Lanterns 🕯️✨

Why it’s eco-friendly:

  • Reuses tin cans that would otherwise be thrown away.
  • Creates beautiful, functional décor with minimal waste.

What You’ll Need

  • Empty tin cans (soup, beans, coffee)
  • Warm, soapy water (to clean the cans)
  • Hammer and nails (or a drill with small bit)
  • Wire (optional, for a handle)
  • Tea light candles or LED tea lights
  • Paint (acrylic or spray paint) & paintbrushes
  • Freezer & water (optional trick for easier hole punching)

Instructions

  1. Prep the cans
    • Remove the labels and clean thoroughly.
    • If using the freezer trick: Fill each can with water and freeze. The ice inside keeps the can from denting when you hammer holes.
  2. Design your pattern
    • Draw dots where you want the light to shine through—stars, hearts, swirls, or random patterns.
  3. Punch the holes
    • Place the can on a towel to keep it from rolling.
    • Use a hammer and nail to gently tap holes along your design. (If frozen, let the ice melt after.)
  4. Add a handle (optional)
    • Drill two holes near the rim, thread wire through, and twist the ends to secure.
  5. Paint & decorate
    • Paint the outside in festive colors or metallic tones.
    • Let dry completely.
  6. Light it up
    • Place a tea light candle or LED inside.
    • Enjoy your cozy, recycled lantern!

💡 Extra Idea: You can make a set of lanterns with different designs and line them up along a garden path or balcony for a magical evening glow.

If you want, I can also give you a no-tools-required recycled craft so you can make something just with scissors and glue—perfect for quick projects.

12. Make an Earth Day poster.

Assist your children in creating a poster that conveys their thoughts on how to benefit the environment or an uplifting statement about the significance of protecting it.

They can also add sayings and slogans that hold meaning for them, as well as embellish it with images of the things they love in the globe.

13. Decorate your own water bottles.

Here’s a fun and eco-friendly way to decorate your own reusable water bottles—making them personal, stylish, and something you’ll love to carry everywhere. 💧🎨

DIY Water Bottle Decorating Ideas

1. Choose Your Bottle

  • Pick a plain reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic.
  • Wash and dry it completely before decorating.

2. Decoration Options

A. Sticker Magic

  • Use waterproof vinyl stickers or decals (nature themes, quotes, or your favorite hobbies).
  • Layer them for a collage look.
  • Tip: Arrange stickers first without peeling the backing to plan your layout.

B. Paint & Seal

  • Use acrylic paint pens or oil-based Sharpies for designs (flowers, mandalas, doodles).
  • Let dry completely, then seal with a dishwasher-safe Mod Podge or clear spray sealant.

C. Washi Tape Wrap

  • Wrap colorful washi tape around the bottle in stripes, chevrons, or random patterns.
  • Works best on smooth, non-textured bottles.

D. Fabric Sleeve

  • Sew or repurpose old fabric into a slip-on bottle sleeve.
  • Add patches or embroidery for extra flair.

3. Personalization Ideas

  • Add your name or initials so it never gets lost.
  • Use glow-in-the-dark stickers for night visibility.
  • Include motivational phrases like “Drink More Water” or “Stay Cool”.

4. Care Tips

  • Hand wash decorated bottles to keep designs looking fresh.
  • Avoid dishwashers unless your decorations are fully sealed and heat-safe.

💡 Eco Bonus: Decorating your bottle encourages you to use it daily, helping you cut down on single-use plastic bottles.

If you want, I can give you a printable sheet of eco-themed sticker designs you can cut out and use right away.

14. Decorate tissue paper sun catchers together. 

Collect a few wooden frames, scissors, transparent contact paper, different coloured tissue paper, and craft tools like sequins or wiggle eyes. After cutting the contact paper into circles, cut out different-sized and shaped pieces of tissue paper and adhere them to the contact paper using adhesive. After it dries, hang it somewhere that receives lots of sunlight and take in the vibrant scenery!

15. Host a DIY Earth Day party.

Here’s a plan for hosting a DIY Earth Day party that’s fun, eco-friendly, and full of hands-on activities everyone will enjoy. 🌍🎉

DIY Earth Day Party Plan

1. Invitations

  • Send digital invites via email or messaging apps to save paper.
  • Include a theme line like: “Celebrate the Planet – Join Us for an Earth Day Bash!”

2. Decorations

  • Use recycled and natural materials:
    • Paper bunting made from old magazines.
    • Mason jar vases with wildflowers.
    • Leaf or flower garlands.
  • Add upcycled tablecloths from old sheets or fabric scraps.

3. Dress Code

  • Encourage guests to wear green, blue, or floral outfits.
  • Bonus: offer small recycled-fabric pins or flower crowns when they arrive.

4. Activities

  • Recycled Craft Station: Make tin can planters, bottle cap art, or newspaper flowers.
  • Plant a Tree or Flower Pot: Guests decorate pots and plant seeds to take home.
  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: Give clues for spotting leaves, feathers, and other natural treasures.
  • Eco-Quiz Game: Fun, short trivia about the planet with small prizes like reusable straws or seed packets.

5. Food & Drinks

  • Serve plant-based snacks like veggie wraps, fruit skewers, and hummus dip.
  • Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery (or compostable if needed).
  • Infuse water with lemon, mint, and cucumber for a refreshing drink.

6. Party Favors

  • Give guests seed paper bookmarks, mini succulents, or homemade beeswax wraps.
  • Package in recycled brown paper or reusable cloth bags.

💡 Eco Tip: Set up clearly labeled compost, recycling, and landfill bins so cleanup stays green.

If you want, I can also create a ready-to-print Earth Day party activity sheet with coloring pages, eco-pledge cards, and scavenger hunt clues. That way, you can hand them out at your event.

16. Create a terrarium together

In addition to being enjoyable to construct, terrariums are an engaging and participatory science project that teaches children about plant growth. Collect small plants or seeds from your neighbourhood nursery, dirt, moss, and small rocks. Water the terrarium every few days and place it in a naturally lit area.

Children will adore this duty and be astounded when their plants begin to flourish.

17. Make an Earth Day scrapbook.

Here’s how to create a beautiful Earth Day scrapbook that celebrates nature, sustainability, and your favorite eco-friendly moments. 🌍📒

DIY Earth Day Scrapbook Guide

1. Gather Your Materials

  • Base: Use a notebook, binder, or homemade scrapbook from recycled cardboard.
  • Paper: Reuse paper bags, magazine pages, old calendars, or scrap paper.
  • Adhesive: Glue sticks or double-sided tape (eco-friendly if possible).
  • Decorations:
    • Pressed leaves and flowers
    • Old maps
    • Nature photos
    • Recycled fabric scraps
    • Washi tape or biodegradable stickers
  • Pens & Markers: Use what you already have to avoid new purchases.

2. Choose a Theme

Your scrapbook could focus on:

  • This year’s Earth Day celebrations.
  • Nature walks or hikes you’ve taken.
  • Eco-friendly projects you’ve tried.
  • “Before & After” photos of garden or cleanup projects.

3. Create Your Pages

  • Title Page: Decorate with Earth colors (greens, blues, browns) and your name/date.
  • Photo Pages: Add nature photos, printed or hand-drawn illustrations.
  • Memory Pages: Write short captions about what each picture means to you.
  • Eco Tips Section: Include your favorite sustainability hacks or eco pledges.
  • Interactive Pockets: Glue paper pockets to hold seed packets, pressed flowers, or small notes.

4. Add a Personal Touch

  • Hand-letter quotes about nature (e.g., “The Earth is what we all have in common”).
  • Use your own doodles of trees, animals, or the planet.
  • Incorporate textures by layering fabric scraps, twine, or burlap.

5. Keep It Ongoing

  • Add new pages each year on Earth Day to watch your eco-journey grow.
  • Encourage friends or family to contribute pages from their own experiences.

💡 Eco Tip: You can bind pages together with string or twine instead of buying a new scrapbook, making it entirely upcycled.

If you’d like, I can make you a printable Earth Day scrapbook template with page prompts so you can just fill it in and decorate. That would make the process even easier.

18. Go bird watching.

On this Earth Day, go bird watching! See what kinds of feathered companions you can spot with your family by taking them to a nearby park or even just to your backyard bird feeder.

As a family, you will discover the various birds that inhabit your area and develop an appreciation for wildlife.

19. Visit a farmers market.

Here’s how to make the most of a farmers market visit while keeping it fun, sustainable, and delicious. 🥕🍓🌻

Farmers Market Adventure Guide

1. Bring Your Own Gear

  • Reusable tote bags or baskets for your produce.
  • Mesh produce bags for fruits and veggies.
  • A jar or container if you plan to buy bulk or unpackaged goods.
  • Cash in small bills (some vendors may not take cards).

2. Go Early… or Go Late

  • Early: Best selection and freshest produce.
  • Late: More likely to find discounts as vendors sell off stock.

3. Buy Seasonal & Local

  • Ask farmers what’s in peak season—it’s usually cheaper and tastier.
  • Look for foods grown within your region to reduce “food miles.”

4. Talk to the Farmers

  • Ask how they grow their produce—many use organic practices even if they’re not certified.
  • Learn new ways to cook certain vegetables or fruits.

5. Explore Beyond Produce

  • Many markets have fresh bread, honey, eggs, cheeses, handmade soaps, and crafts.
  • Support local artisans and small businesses.

6. Bring a Friend or Family

  • Make it social—taste-test samples, share finds, and try something new together.

7. Store & Use Wisely

  • Once home, wash and store produce to keep it fresh.
  • Plan meals around what you bought to avoid food waste.

💡 Eco Tip: Keep a cooler bag in your car if you’re buying items like cheese, eggs, or meat so they stay fresh on the way home.

If you want, I can give you a printable “Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt” list so you can turn your trip into a fun challenge—great for kids or first-time visitors.

20. Go on a nature walk.

The best day to take a nature walk in your neighbourhood park or even just the woods next to your house is April 22. Encourage your kids to search for wildlife indicators, such as animal traces or nests; teach them to distinguish between various tree and plant species; and ask them to pay close attention to any birdcalls they might hear.

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