Earth Month activities for the whole family

Since 1970, April 22nd has been celebrated as Earth Day, a day we celebrate the wonder of our planet and learn how to protect it. From the majesty of the Grand Canyon to the simple beauty of the tree-lined city street I live on, we could all use more nature in our lives. Some years, I have spent Earth Day doing a park or river cleanup with neighbors. I’ve also gone for a hike or just visited a local park.

To celebrate the 52st Earth Day, I wanted to share activities that kids and adults can do to celebrate and explore nature all month long. I hope you’ll join me!

1. Put up the Earth Day window sign.

2. Share the Greener Together Earth Day curriculum with a teacher you know.

3. Organize a trash clean up in your neighborhood or at your favorite park with family, neighbors and/or friends. 

4. Get your spring garden kit at the Environment America campaign store and make your garden pollinator friendly.

5. Play Earth Day BINGO. 

6. It’s time for spring cleaning! Watch The Story of Stuff and search for treasures in your junk drawer.

7. Make art inspired by nature you observe in your neighborhood.

8. Read a book about nature. For inspiration check out the list of Environment America staff picks or our nature themed children’s book recommendations.

9. Try to repair a broken toy, gadget or a picture frame. Discuss with your household how repair cuts waste.

10. Create a self-portrait out of leaves, sticks and other foraged materials. 

11. Make seed balls with seeds native to where you live.

12. Color one of the Greener Together coloring pages. 

13. Make a homemade bird feeder.

14. Make art inspired by your favorite animals in need of greater protections, such as bees, sea turtles and orcas.

15. Make a reusable bag from old t-shirts.  

16. Learn more about an environmental issue you care about.

17. Become energy waste detectives by using our citizen’s guide to reducing energy waste.

18. Start composting.

19. Look for birds in your neighborhood or local park. Use our birding for beginners guide with tips for how to get started.

20. Write a poem about your favorite place in nature. Share your poem with us on social media.

21. Go for a hike at a local park or visit one of Virginia’s state and national parks.