Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and it is a good reminder of our responsibility to protect our planet and its resources. While we all should take steps to care for the environment, involving children in these efforts is also essential.

Here I put together a list of easy and enjoyable activities families can do to celebrate and protect Earth together, not just on Earth Day, but every day! 

7 Easy and Fun Activities to Celebrate Earth Day as a Family and Protect Our Planet Together

7 Easy and Fun Activities to Celebrate Earth Day as a Family and Protect Our Planet Together

  1. Plant a garden together.

Gardening is an excellent way to teach children the importance of nurturing and caring for living things. Here in Vancouver, the weather is slowly getting a bit warmer, and this weekend may be the perfect time to start working on your garden.

You can start with a small patch of land or use pots and containers to create a mini-garden on your balcony or patio. Let your children choose the plants they want to grow and involve them in every step, from planting the seeds to watering and nurturing the plants.

  1. Take a nature walk.

Whether sunshiny or rainy, get your gear ready and go on a nature walk with your children to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. You can chat with them about the different plants, animals, and insects you encounter. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss how these living things contribute to the ecosystem and our role in protecting them.

  1. Talk about recycling together.

Teach your children the importance of recycling early in life. Explain how different materials can be recycled and reused to create new products. Make it a habit to sort your waste and involve your children when you do so. We get our boys to help us take the recycling out each week and encourage them to independently sort the waste into the appropriate containers.

  1. Use eco-friendly products.

Choose eco-friendly products such as reusable bags, water bottles, and food containers at home to reduce waste. Involve your children in the selection process, and make it a fun activity to decorate their reusable items. So many fun ways to personalize them!

  1. Make a bird feeder.

Making a bird feeder is a fun and simple activity that teaches children the importance of feeding and protecting birds. You can use recycled materials such as cardboard, egg cartons, and plastic bottles to create a DIY bird feeder.  There are lots of tutorials online to make one. Afterwards, hang it in your garden or balcony and watch the birds come to eat.

  1. Turn off lights and electronics.

Teach your children the importance of conserving energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Make it a game to see who can turn off the lights or unplug the most electronics at home.

  1. Cook a sustainable meal as a family.

Cook a sustainable meal with your children using locally sourced and in-season ingredients. You can take the time to discuss the benefits of eating local and seasonal foods and how they can reduce the carbon footprint.

Celebrating Earth Day as a family is an excellent way to teach children the importance of caring for the environment. These simple activities can be fun, engaging, and educational and can help foster a sense of responsibility and respect for the planet. By involving children in these efforts, we can create a generation committed to protecting the environment and its resources.

Happy Earth Day!