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Bring Earth Day to Life!

April 19, 2023  |  earth day, earth day with kids, environmental movement, environmentalism for kids, families outside, outdoor learning, STEM learning, sustainability activities
A child holds a hose in the middle of a lawn and smiles

Earth Day is a relatively recent phenomenon. In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin organized rallies and demonstrations across the U.S. to bring attention to environmental issues. He was concerned about the lack of governance and policy around problems like air and water pollution. This day of action was the first Earth Day. Senator Nelson’s work was effective - later that year the U.S. government created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, environmental leaders decided to make a push for Earth Day to become a global event and brought over 140 different countries into the celebration. Earth Day continues to be celebrated annually on April 22nd and is focused on collective action to make our planet a better place to live for all organisms. Today, more than one billion people around the world engage in Earth Day activities each year. There are countless ways to recognize our collective responsibility for the Earth we share. Here are a few ways to consider celebrating Earth Day with the young people in your life:

A small child looks closely at a leaf on a bush

One great way to enjoy Earth Day is by spending time outside. Being outdoors can help spark curiosity among kids, whether you sit on a beach, ride bikes, have a picnic in a park, or go for a walk. Choose an activity that’s the right fit for the age and ability of the kids you’re with. A hike that’s too hard or a walk that’s too long can leads kids to dread time outside instead of looking forward to something fun. There’s also lots of ways to turn a simple day at the park or walk around the neighborhood into an adventure. Work in games, get curious about aspects of nature that you encounter, and take time to explore.

A kid hangs upside down on a tree

For kids who are ready to engage with some bigger topics, try talking about Climate Civics, exploring tools like EJAtlas which maps intersections of social injustice and environmental issues, or brainstorm ways to reduce your carbon footprint individually, at a household level, or even at school. Kids with social media can raise awareness about an issue they care about using the EPA’s Earth Day Instagram templates, while kids who are too young for social media can get creative with Earth Day coloring pages or by drawing things they observe in nature. 

A child hugs an adult around the shoulders while standing under a tree

However you choose to celebrate Earth Day with the kids you care for, take time to enjoy the amazing planet we share on April 22nd. Bringing young people into a joyful recognition of environmental stewardship is a great way to ensure that future generations are ready to take over the responsibility of protecting natural places while caring for themselves and their fellow humans along the way. Happy Earth Day!