Looking for fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day with your kids? You’re in the right place!
Hi there, fellow parents and eco-curious families! I’m a mom to two messy, adventurous, dirt-digging kids, and in our house, Earth Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a hands-on celebration of nature, community, and the small ways we can make a big difference.
Whether you’re chasing toddlers through the backyard or having deep environmental chats with your tweens, Earth Day is the perfect time to slow down, step outside, and teach your kids just how amazing our planet is—and how we can all pitch in to protect it.
From DIY crafts to outdoor adventures, local parks to backyard projects, I’ve rounded up 20 fun, simple, and kid-approved Earth Day activities for families—many with local Minnesota ties, including ideas perfect for families in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Hastings, Stillwater, and Oakdale. So grab your reusable water bottles, slip on those play clothes, and let’s celebrate this beautiful world together—one family-friendly adventure at a time!
 Credit: Ivan Smuk |
1. Go on a Nature Walk or Hike
Grab some snacks, water, and a bucket for collecting nature treasures—like leaves, pinecones, or cool rocks. Chat about what you see, hear, and smell. Explore a local gem like Washington County Parks, Minnesota State Parks, or your nearest nature trail for a refreshing Earth Day adventure.
2. Pick Up Litter at a Local Park
Hand out gloves, grab a trash bag, and give your kids superhero status as Earth Protectors! Help clean up a park in Woodbury,
Stillwater, Oakdale, Hastings or Cottage Grove. It’s a quick way to teach community pride and environmental care.
 Credit: LightFieldStudios |
3. Plant a Tree or Native Plant
There’s something magical about planting something together and watching it grow. Whether it’s a tree in your yard or a flower in a pot, this simple act helps clean the air and boost local pollinators. Pick one out at your local nursery or garden center and watch it grow.
4. Create Nature Art
Use leaves, twigs, petals, and pebbles to make mandalas or collages. Just remind the kiddos to only use things that have already fallen to the ground. Try these creative nature-inspired art projects with your little ones.
5. Start a Family Garden
Kids love digging, planting, and seeing their veggies or herbs grow. Even a windowsill planter or a container garden counts. Try tomatoes, strawberries, or basil to start. Need help? Check out this Gardening with Kids Basics toolkit.
6. Create Recycled Crafts
Turn cereal boxes into castles, make juice box robots, or design a wind chime with old cans. The recycling bin is your new craft store! Great for rainy days or Earth Day at home. Explore these easy, kid-friendly Recycled Crafts your family will love.
7. Have an Electricity-Free Hour
Turn off the lights, unplug the screens, and play board games or read by candlelight for an hour. It’s surprisingly magical.
 Credit:SteveByland |
8. Make a Bird Feeder
Smear peanut butter on a pine cone and roll it in birdseed, or recycle a milk jug into a feeder. Then watch the visitors flock in! Here’s a quick and simple DIY bird feeder tutorial using a pine cone and peanut butter.
9. Read Earth-Themed Books
Cozy up with stories that inspire eco-love. Our family favorites: The Lorax, We Are Water Protectors, and Compost Stew. Check your local library in Washington County for themed book displays!
10. Visit a Local Farmers Market
Teach your kids about seasonal, local food. Head to St. Paul Farmer's Market or a nearby weekend market and let them pick out a fruit or veggie to try.
11. Try a Zero-Waste Day
Challenge your family to make as little trash as possible for one whole day. It’s eye-opening and a fun way to get creative. Take the zero-waste challenge with your kids and see how low you can go on trash!
12. Do a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find: a smooth rock, something yellow, a butterfly, etc. Kids love the challenge (and the running around!).
13. Build a Bug Hotel
Stack sticks, leaves, and old flower pots in a corner of the yard. Watch the creepy-crawlies move in—great for little nature lovers.
 Credit: JuFagundes |
14. Start a Compost Bin
Turn kitchen scraps into garden gold. Whether you compost at home or sign up for the Food Scraps Pickup Program in Ramsey and Washington County, it’s a super hands-on way to fight food waste.
15. Host a Toy or Book Swap
Invite friends over to trade gently-used toys or books. It’s a fun way to save money, declutter, and reduce waste. Check out the Minnesota Toy Library for year-round swaps, too!
16. Make a Reusable Tote Bag
Old t-shirts make awesome no-sew totes! Use fabric markers to decorate them and take them on your next shopping trip. Learn how to make your own no-sew tote bag with this easy tutorial.
17. Watch an Earth Day Movie
Snuggle up with something inspiring like Wall-E, The Biggest Little Farm, or Planet Earth. Add popcorn and talk about what you learned!
18. Cook a Plant-Based Meal
Let your little chefs help prepare a meatless dinner. Try veggie tacos, pasta with garden sauce, or homemade veggie pizza.
19. Write Letters to Nature
Have each family member write a thank-you note to the Earth or their favorite animal. It’s a sweet way to encourage appreciation.
20. Make an Earth Day Pledge
What’s one small change your family can commit to? Using less plastic? More walks, fewer car rides? Make it fun, decorate a pledge card, and hang it up as a reminder.
 Credit: wildpixel |
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do all 20 ideas. Even picking just one or two can spark real joy and meaningful conversations. The more we involve our kids in caring for the Earth, the more they’ll grow up loving and protecting it.
So roll up those sleeves, dig into the dirt, and get ready to make memories that matter.
💚🌍 Happy Earth Day, mamas, papas, and little planet protectors!🌍💚
With help from ChatGPT, this article was crafted to bring you fun and eco-friendly Earth Day ideas.
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