Celebrate the Earth as a family this year with some of these simple ways to celebrate Earth Day!
Celebrating Earth Day
April 22nd is Earth Day!
This day is widely celebrated around the world and largely focuses on things like recycling, making eco-friendly decisions, and caring for our Earth in any way possible.
From planting something new to reusing old materials, Earth Day carries an important message to all who choose to hear!
5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
So, if you are on the lookout for some fun ways to celebrate Earth Day, I’ve got you!
Check out these simple ideas for Earth Day 2026, you guys.
Start Recycling
Kickstart your Earth Day celebration with a little recycling fun!
First, create a recycling system for sorting and storing recyclables at home.
You can easily do this by grabbing some cheap trash cans and labeling them for different types of recyclable materials (e.g., soda cans, paper, plastic, cardboard, etc.).
Not looking to DIY things this Earth Day? You can totally buy traditional recycling bins from the store instead.
Then, encourage kiddos to get involved by teaching them the 3 Rs and letting them create their own recycling symbol!
Lastly, don’t forget to add recycling days to your calendar to make this a true family event.
Re-use Items
While recycling is great, reusing can be even better!
That said, reusing items can require a little more thought than recycling.
So, spend a little time brainstorming with your kiddos to determine what regularly used items in your home can be reused for a different purpose!
This can be as simple as reusing glass pickle jars to store snacks and dry goods, or it can be the art of reusing old clothes to make something brand new!
Whatever the item, just remember to maintain a focus on teaching and encouraging kids to reuse items when possible.
Make Sustainable Swaps
Once you have started the journey of recycling and reusing, it’s time to make some important swaps throughout your home.
This truly is one of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day.
That said, we honestly should be using eco-friendly products all year long, you guys!
From swapping out plastic items for wooden ones to leaning on biodegradable options and skipping products that use way too much packaging, all of these ideas are a great way to make every day Earth Day!
Not sure where to start? I always suggest the kitchen.
Swap out your plastic utensils and straws for biodegradable forks and reusable straws, or ditch the plastic storage bags leaning on paper or beeswax wraps instead.
These are very easy swaps that take very little effort, but will do the planet a world of good (pun intended).
Raise Awareness
If you are looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day that will truly make a difference, raising awareness can be one of those ways.
That said, if getting out there to make posters and march in events simply isn’t your thing, I get it.
As an introverted homeschool mom, I’m all about raising awareness from the comforts of my own home.
That said, you can easily raise awareness of Earth-related issues by teaching your kids through Earth Day craft projects and fun at-home Earth Day activities.
However, if you are looking for something bigger and more out there, simply look around your city or town for upcoming in-person events you can participate in!
Clean Things Up
Speaking of hands-on, getting outside and cleaning up trash is seriously one of the biggest and best ways you can celebrate Earth Day with your kiddos!
Make this one a family project and show your kids just how important taking care of the Earth should be to all of us.
Once Earth Day is over, make sure to keep the momentum going by cleaning up year-round!
That said, this doesn’t have to be a great big chore, you guys!
Simply keep extra trash-collecting bags with you and gather the trash you encounter while hiking and outdoor adventuring with your kiddos.
Trash will always, always, be an issue, and we can always do more!
Celebrating Earth Day + Arbor Day
Want to make an even bigger difference in our world? Try some of these ideas for keeping the Earth Day celebration going by doing something huge!
These ideas work for both Earth Day and Arbor Day, you guys!
Plant a Tree
While more widely known as an Arbor Day activity, planting a tree on (or around) Earth Day can be just as great!
Grab the kids and head to your local nursery to pick out a tree that is native (or will survive well) to your area.
Then, plan a family fun day full of planting and nurturing, you guys!
Start a Garden
Tree planting not your thing? Or maybe you simply don’t have a location where you can plant a tree this year?
Either way, if planting a tree is too much this year, consider starting a garden instead!
Can’t plant a full garden outside? No worries!
Consider installing a window flower box or creating an indoor herb garden instead.
Either way, spend some time planting, nurturing, and growing something new and green, you guys!!
Celebrating Earth Day with Themed Fun
If you loved these fun ways to celebrate Earth Day, but want even more ideas for your little one, I’ve got so many great ideas to share with you!
First, head over to our brand new Earth Day coloring pages to use alongside your upcoming Earth Day lessons.
Then, check out our full line-up of Earth Day printables — from Earth Day activity sheets to Earth templates (shown above), your kiddos will love!
Last, but certainly not least, check out all our top picks for celebrating Earth Day through crafts and activities!
Whatever your choice of activity, just make sure to keep it educational and fun, you guys!
Happy Earth Day!
