That’s why each year on April 22, more than one billion people around the world celebrate Earth Day. As we become more aware of the effects of global warming, teaching children the importance of Earth Day is a step towards finding solutions as they will be our legacy and the caretakers of our planet in years to come.
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet which invites everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. Learn more from EarthDay.Org
We’ve collected some great information as well as fun and engaging Earth Day ideas and activities that will help you and your family do your collective part all year long!
Please note — Some of the suggested materials used in the activities below may not be safe for all ages.
- Homemade toys are to be checked regularly for safety and require adult supervision when in use.
- Avoid choking hazards for small children. As a guide, anything small enough to fit through a paper towel roll opening is unsafe for young children (buttons, bottle caps, etc.)
- Be aware of allergy warnings on packaging or products that you are using. Public health recommends that egg cartons or toilet paper rolls are not used with children — try substituting muffin trays or paper towel/gift wrap rolls for these items instead.
Ideas for Engaging your family!
Helpful Information & ECO-Activities
From Coffee to Creamy … Make Your Own Ice Cream!
Don’t toss that coffee tin—turn it into a mini ice cream maker! With a little ice, salt, and a dash of shaking, you can whip up a sweet treat and give that tin a second life. A fun (and delicious) way to reuse and reduce waste! (https://homecookingmemories.com/)
National GOOS Paper Day!
Each year, on the first day of April, teachers, workplaces, and families across the country celebrate National GOOS Paper Day. At Family Day, we try to celebrate GOOS (Good On One Side) Paper Day every day as a reminder to reduce waste by reusing paper before recycling it. Wondering how can you participate?
✅ Use the blank side of printed sheets for notes or drafts.
✅ Set up a GOOS paper tray at home or in the office.
✅ Encourage kids to get creative—it makes great art supplies!
Every small action helps create a greener future. Learn more from EcoSchools.ca
Build a Treasure Basket!
Elinor Goldschmied (1910–2009) had a pioneering influence on early years policy in the UK and internationally. She considered her most important contribution to early child development to be the concept of the Treasure Basket.
What is the Treasure Basket?
The Treasure Basket is a collection of 80–100 natural, household, and recycled objects placed in a sturdy, round wicker basket. It’s designed for seated infants, typically between 5 and 10 months old. The basket offers babies a rich variety of materials to explore — allowing them to choose, handle, and investigate objects at their own pace.
Find out more about Elinor Goldschmied & Treasure Baskets from Froebel Trust
Earth Rangers!
Earth Rangers is a charity that transforms children’s concerns about the environment into positive action. Through a variety of programs and content, Earth Rangers can empower kids to become environmental leaders at home, in school and in their communities. Members are committed to leaving the world better than they found it – and having a whole lot of fun doing it. Find out more about Earth Rangers and their programs.
Helping Kids Turn Worry Into Empowerment — From Eco-Anxiety to Eco-Action!
It’s natural for kids to feel scared or overwhelmed when they learn about the challenges facing our planet. This feeling, known as eco-anxiety, is a real and valid response to the environmental issues they see around them. Parents can guide children toward hope and action. By listening to their concerns, validating their feelings, and showing how even small steps—like reusing paper or sorting recycling—can make a difference, we help them shift from anxiety to agency. Check out this great guide to help parents turn eco-anxiety into eco-action from Earth Rangers. When children see that their actions matter, they gain the confidence to care, to act, and to lead!
Plant a Pollinator Garden!
Plant a pollinator garden and turn your yard into a buzzing, blooming haven where bees, butterflies, and beauty thrive together.
Recycled Art and Game Ideas
Recycling Scavenger Hunt | Recycled Nature Wind Chimes | Recycled TIC TAC TOE on the GO
Kids versus Plastic – National Geographic Kids
Learn more about how you can fight plastic pollution on our planet at National Geographic Kids using the downloadable tool kits provided.
Watch Kids vs Plastics video clips and have fun making do-it-yourself crafts that will help reduce your use of plastics.
DIY Bug Hotel
Bugs are a very important part of our ecosystem. Why not use items from your backyard and create a habitat for these little critters? Red Ted Art offers lots of information about different bug habitats and a step-by-step guide to making your own bug hotel.
Take a Walk, Take It In
Going on a nature walk and really noticing what’s around you encourages kids to slow down and tune in with all their senses. It’s a simple way to help them focus their attention, build curiosity, and connect with the world around them. Plus, it can be a peaceful, meaningful moment for both of you to share. Here are some ideas to help encourage your child to take a Noticing Nature Walk from Raising Children Australia.
Easy Sing-Along Song: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Chances are, you have a recycling bin in your home. That’s a great start — and a perfect opportunity to teach children why recycling matters and how small actions can help protect our planet!
This cheerful song (from Teach Music Preschool) is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of reducing waste and making thoughtful choices about what we throw away. Set to the familiar tune of “The More We Get Together”, it’s easy to learn and fun to sing along. Here are the lyrics:
Reduce, reuse, recycle, recycle recycle
Reduce, reuse, recycle, it’s easy to do!
For my trash and your trash, make up way too much trash!
Reduce, reuse, recycle, it’s easy to do!
Sing it together during clean-up time, before taking out the recycling, or even on a nature walk. Songs like this help reinforce positive habits in a playful and memorable way! Every little action counts — and it all starts with awareness.
16 Fun Recycling Facts for Kids!
♻️ Think recycling is boring? Think again! Check out these fun recycling facts for kids — perfect for sparking curiosity and starting eco-friendly conversations at home.
Looking for simple ways to live more sustainably?
Everyday tips to reduce waste, reuse what you have, and recycle: Lunenburg Community Recycling Centre.
52 ACTIONS & TIPS to make a difference, every day of the year.
For us, every day is Earth Day. If you feel the same, here are 52 actions and tips, offered by EarthDay.Org, to help you and your family make a difference, every day of the year.
10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
How do you take care of the planet? Check out The Old Farmer’s Almanac for information that might be helpful when trying to understand our role in taking care of the planet. From ways to attract pollinators to tips on how we can switch to eco-friendly household products, each section has links to facts, information, and fun activities for all ages.
Homemade Beeswax Reusable Wraps
Looking for ways to reduce the amount of plastic you use? Good Housekeeping provides instructions for making homemade, resusable, beeswax wraps!
Make Your Own Birdfeeder!
Make your own Eco-Friendly birdfeeder to attract some curious birds! They are simple to make and we can reuse our recyclables (plastic containers, milk carton, toilet paper roll) when creating birdfeeders. Click here for more birdfeeder ideas with recyclable!
40 New Uses for Things you were going to Throw Away
Good Housekeeping offers a list of 40 new uses for things you were going to throw away. See a variety of ways to repurpose everyday household items such as egg cartons (can be substituted with muffin trays), toilet paper rolls (can be substituted with paper towel or gift wrap rolls), disposable coffee cups & water bottles.
Simple Garden Projects to do with Children
Spring is here and the warm weather is just around the corner. This link from the Old Farmers’ Almanac is full of easy garden projects to do with children. There are fun facts and activities for every level of gardener.
Read Aloud: How to Help the Earth – by the Lorax (with Tish Rabe)
The Lorax takes you on an information journey from what happens to garbage after it is put in the waste bin to easy tips and suggestions for how you and your family can go green by donating used items and clothing! Asking “How you can live like the Lorax?” is a great way to start a conversation, listen and share ideas, and make a plan for change within your household! Recommended for Preschool/Kindergarten children.
Family Day Posters you can download and print
