Celebrate Earth Day at home with these creative ideas for the whole family. There is something for everyone from Earth Day crafts to nature movies and more.
It’s time for some Earth Day fun! There are many activities you can do as a family if you want to recognize this special day and talk about ways we can take responsibility for the way we treat our planet.
Of course, that it doesn’t mean everything has to be a teaching moment. In fact, I see Earth Day as a great excuse to unplug and just enjoy each other!
5 Ways to Enjoy Earth Day at Home with Your Family
Have a Picnic
Need lunch plans? Why not pack up some sandwiches and head outdoors for a picnic lunch? I know you miss packing school lunches, so feel free to go all out with lunchboxes and everything!
We finally have some beautiful weather so I think it will be a perfect day to get out in the yard.
Vintage Oscar! Awwww
Feed the birds (or build a feeder)
We love bird watching and now that Spring is here, we want them to hang out close by (as long as the cats aren’t around).
Don’t have a bird house? You can make one! Calvin brought home this super simple craft from school the other day.
- Take an empty, clean soup can and glue a straw to the inside.
- Let your child decorate the can and fill with seeds.
- Attach a ribbon to the can
- Hang from a tree branch.
Turn off all the lights/screens for one hour
After dinner tonight, why not turn every light and screen off for one hour and see what happens? You’ll save a little electricity and have a chance to connect!
What will you do? Tell stories? Sing songs together? Make s’mores by candlelight?
Time to get creative!
Watch a Disneynature Movie
We love Disneynature movies and if you have Disney+ you are in for a treat! Check out their catalog and pick your faves! Disneynature Penguins is a family favorite and Patty and I recently covered the brand new Dolphin Reef and Elephant films on the Now Streaming Disney Plus podcast.
Disneynature Bears was another great film with stunning imagery and a heartwarming story of a mama bear and her two cubs in their first year of life.
If you’ve already seen the movie, print out some of these free activities and do them together!
Download the (free) Be Out There ebook!
I had the privilege of co-writing this fantastic resource for getting families outside while the good weather lasts.
I was among some really creative other bloggers and we partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to create this beautiful and FREE ebook full of fun ideas. Download it here.
Do you have plans for Earth Day? Share them in the comments and let’s help each other celebrate!
Post updated from 2014.
Brianne
Saturday 23rd of April 2016
Such fun ideas! And my kids are on spring break all week, so we will definitely be doing some of these!
Divina Rodriguez
Friday 22nd of April 2016
Very clever bird feeder and perfect to teach kids on Earth Day.
Julie Meyers Pron
Monday 28th of April 2014
that bird feeder is adorable and easy. Totally sharing that with my preschool
Kelly Whalen
Thursday 24th of April 2014
I'm loving the weather right now! Can it stay this way all year?
FadraN
Wednesday 23rd of April 2014
We LOVED the Bears movie! And I definitely want to do some outdoor crafts with Evan this year!
Lilkidthings
Thursday 24th of April 2014
Yes! I am ready to be outside after our eternal winter. Bring it on!