We are in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, and if you’re the parent of a school-age child, you’ve probably got your hands full juggling their remote learning assignments with your own work responsibilities. So the last thing you need is a complicated twelve step activity for celebrating Earth Day with kids at home right now.
This is not that post. This is just 5 easy ideas for how to recognize this important day, without adding too much stress to your life. In fact, I hope it reduces your stress by giving your kids something fun and eco-friendly to do.
#1 – Say hello to Earth Day
It’s possible your kids aren’t familiar with what Earth Day means. So by simply starting your day at the breakfast table (or wherever in your home you are most likely to talk to your kids) with a mention of Earth Day, you are bringing it to their attention.
Did you know this year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day?
Yep, there’s a fun fact to drop on them. And if you’d like to read more about how this environmental movement came to be and what people are doing all over the world to celebrate it, click here to visit the official Earth Day website!
#2 – Do Something In Nature
We live in a beautiful part of the world. If you are lucky enough to have some private outdoor space, go enjoy it today. Even if that means just sitting outside on your balcony and looking at the sky, do that. Challenge your kids to find shapes in the clouds.
Breathe in the freshest air you’ve probably ever experienced in Orange County, due to the lowest smog levels in decades. Did you know that I can see the HOLLYWOOD sign in far away Los Angeles from a hill in my neighborhood now? It’s THAT smog-free here.
If you don’t have private outdoor space, maybe you can take a walk instead (being sure to respect social distancing and park closures).
It’s wildflower season right now. If you can find some in your neighborhood and are feeling extra motivated, pick them with your kids and make a nice bouquet for your dining table, or even a flower crown!
#3 – Watch A Nature Film
If you can’t venture outside for health reasons, that is okay too. Disney+ just released two new Disneynature films that are perfect to watch with the kids. ELEPHANT is narrated by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex (yes, THAT Meghan!), and DOLPHIN REEF is narrated by Natalie Portman. Pop some corn and make it a double feature!
#4 – Take The Eco Challenge
We have one of the greatest children’s science museums right here in our backyard in the Discovery Science Center. I used to visit it regularly with my children, and one of our favorite exhibits there is the trash sorting conveyor belt game. Though The Cube is sadly closed right now due to the stay at home mandate, you can still have some kid-friendly science fun with them by taking their Eco Challenge!
You can download their free Eco Challenge booklet for kids, which this year celebrates organic food and composting! It’s filled with fun factoids and activities you can do at home this Earth Day with kids.
#5 – Upcycle Something In Your House Into A Toy
You’ve probably had to curtail your Target visits due to social distancing, and may be running out of fun things for your kids to play with. So why not make some using existing items in your house!
Turn a cardboard box into a game.
Melt old crayons into new ones.
Turn a bedsheet into a Princess Leia costume.
Have your kids cut up magazine pages and make a collage picture of the earth.
Challenge them to construct something new from all those toilet paper rolls you’ve maybe collected since this pandemic began. Binoculars. Bowling pins. Trains. Owls. Windsocks. The possibilities are endless!
For more ideas on easy and fun ways to celebrate Earth Day this year, check out my Eco Friendly Mama post. And Happy Earth Day, however you’re able to celebrate it!
