Free Earth Day Challenge for Kids: Creative Way to Make it Fun
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An Earth Day challenge can be such an excellent way to celebrate this special event with kids. It's a fun and creative way to celebrate Earth Day this year.
This free printable challenge is packed with 22 fun ways to get kids excited about taking care of our planet. From making eco-friendly DIY projects to learning about conservation, this challenge is sure to keep kids entertained and learn something new along the way. Plus, I share tips and more ideas for making the most of your Earth Day celebration.
So why wait? Get the challenge today and start celebrating Earth Day with your children!
RELATED: Want more fun and FREE ways to enjoy Earth Day with your kids? Try our printable Earth Day treasure hunt game!
Enjoy a Special Earth Day Challenge for Kids
Give your kids some super fun activities for Earth Day! They'll love this free Earth Day Challenge for Kids! You'll find 22 fun ways to get kids excited about taking care of our planet.
This challenge was created as a fun build-up for the big day. It's designed to help kids and their families have an opportunity each day to be creative and learn more about our beautiful planet. The prompts are meant to inspire and motivate all to take essential steps to taking better care of Earth.
With over twenty different activities, from crafts to learning about recycling, this printable challenge is sure to spark your child's curiosity and have them excited for Earth day this year!
I made this Earth Day challenge so my boys and I could get organized and actually do all the things that we had the best intentions of accomplishing in previous years - but would forget. Last year, we got a late start to this challenge but that was totally cool. The important thing is to just get started! And, of course, make it fun - like with these Earth Day puns and jokes!
Although it would be great if you could do all of these ideas, don't sweat it if you can't get to all of them. Go over the ideas in this chart with your kids. Chat about and circle or highlight the activities that you want to make sure to enjoy.
And, of course, you can extend the Earth Day fun by doing activities throughout the year!
A Fun Challenge to Take Your Celebration to the Next Level
Day 1: Plant Some Seeds
Challenge your child to plant some seeds and watch them grow! This activity is a great way to teach them about the life cycle of plants and how they grow from tiny seeds into big plants.
One idea is to place a damp paper towel and a few kidney beans in a clear sandwich bag. Tape to a window that gets moderate sunlight. Awesome way to observe sprouting seeds!
Last Spring, my boys used an organic eco egg kit from Back to the Roots to sprout seeds. This year, we're going to try this Back to the Roots Organic Microgreens Kit.
Back to the Roots DIY Microgreen Grow Kit, 6-Grow Variety PackBack to the Roots Kids Science Grow Kit - 2 pk Bean and WatermelonBack to the Roots Windowsill Planter: LavenderBack to the Roots Organic Kids Terrarium Grow Kit - Easy-to-Use DIY Set for All Ages Small
Day 2: Turn Off The Light When You Leave The Room
Challenge your child to turn off the lights when they leave the room. This simple step is a wonderful way to save energy and help reduce your carbon footprint and save money.
Day 3: Use a Reusable Straw
Research why the benefits of using a reusable straw instead of a disposable one. This step is a great way to reduce plastic waste and help preserve our planet.
Senneny Set of 5 Stainless Steel Straws with Silicone Flex Tips Elbows Cover, 2 Cleaning Brushes and 1 Portable Bag Included (8mm diameter, Silver)SeaTurtle Silicone Straws - Pack of 10 Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws with Cotton Carry Bag and 2 Cleaning Brushes - Eco Friendly Straw - Extra Long Flexible Straws - Sustainable ProductsALINK 12-Pack Glitter Reusable Clear Plastic Straws, 11
Day 4: Recycle to Boost Your Earth Day Challenge
Chat about ways that your child can recycle their trash. Make a list of things to recycle. Learn more about recycling 101 so you know what to recycle (and what can't be recycled). This activity is a fantastic way to teach kids about the importance of recycling and how it can help reduce our environmental impact.
Day 5: Donate Clothes You No Longer Use
Challenge your kids to donate their clothes that they no longer use to a local charity. My boys and I were surprised when we learned about how many clothes we actually need! It's a wonderful way to give to others and help reduce textile waste.
Day 6: Go For a Walk
Simply go for a walk. Get outside and appreciate all that nature has to offer. When your kids are more aware of the value of nature, they're more likely to take better care of it.
You can try a nature walk scavenger hunt - we love to go on one for each season. Use our free printable spring, summer, fall, and winter nature walk scavenger hunts to easily make it fun.
Day 7: Pick Up Trash as Part of Your Earth Day Challenge
Brainstorm places that you can pick up trash. A few ideas include your yard, a local park, playground, or an elderly neighbor's place (with permission).
Remember to wear gloves and be careful when picking up objects. Also, make sure to have a garbage can or dumpster to place what you've collected. If any items are recyclable, look for those types of containers to put those materials in.
Day 8: Turn Off The Water While Brushing Your Teeth
You can save about 3-4 gallons of water by turning off the water while brushing their teeth. This step is a great way to save water and help preserve our planet!
Day 9: Start a Compost Pile as Part of Your Earth Day Challenge
Begin a compost pile with your kids. Get tips and ideas on how to get started in step 2 of 6 Excellent Environmental Homeschool Projects for a Cleaner World. Such a smart way to recycle food scraps and help reduce your environmental impact!
Day 10: Use Cloth Bags Instead of Plastic Bags
Reduce plastic waste by switching to cloth bags instead of plastic bags when grocery shopping. Learn more about which type of shopping bag is best and why at National Geographic Society. You can even make your own cloth bags for some DIY fun and for thoughtful gifts to share with friends and family members.
Day 11: Choose a Reusable Water Bottle
Choose and use a reusable water bottle instead of disposable bottles. Your kids have so many cool options that even make drinking water fun. Using a reusable water bottle saves you money, too!
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Cap Bottle - Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle - Vacuum Insulated, Dishwasher Safe, BPA-Free, Non-ToxicReduce WaterWeek Reusable Water Bottle Set, 20oz – Plastic Reusable Water Bottle Set of 5, Plus Fridge Tray – BPA-Free, Leak Proof Twist Off Cap – BlissController Gear Baby Yoda Water Bottle-Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child, Wide Mouth, Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Sport Water Bottle, Leak Proof, Official Disney Merch - Not Machine SpecificZORRI Sports Water Bottle Leak Proof, BPA Free Reusable Portable Sports Bottle for Outdoors, Cycling, Camping, Hiking, Fitness, Running, Gym Bottles with Filter, One Click Flip Cap - for Kids/AdultsNalgene Kids On The Fly Water Bottle, Leak Proof, Durable, BPA and BPS Free, Carabiner Friendly, Reusable and Sustainable, 12 OuncesSimple Modern 14oz Disney Summit Kids Water Bottle Thermos with Straw Lid - Dishwasher Safe Vacuum Insulated Double Wall Tumbler Travel Cup 18/8 Stainless Steel - Disney: Mickey Ears
Day 12: Build a Bird Feeder for Your Earth Day Challenge
Research and build a bird feeder. Teach your kids about the importance of conservation and how they can help protect our planet's wildlife. The Homeschool Scientist shares some easy ideas for making your own bird feeders.
Day 13: Use Both Sides of The Paper When Writing
Challenge your child to use both sides of the paper when writing. You can save so much paper and help reduce your environmental influence.
Another awesome thing to do is to use the back side of worksheets and printable pages for work, doodling, practicing cursive, and jotting down notes.
Day 14: Take a Shorter Shower
Make it fun challenge to take a shorter shower. Use a timer and challenge your child to take a complete shower within that time limit. Talk about ways to get quicker and be more efficient in the shower.
Classroom Timers for Teachers Kids Large Magnetic Digital Timer 2 PackKikkerland Penguin Kitchen TimerSecura 60-Minute Visual Timer, Classroom Countdown Clock, Silent Timer for Kids and Adults, Time Management Tool for Teaching (Blue)
Day 15: Repurpose Old Clothing
How can you repurpose old clothing into something new? Brainstorm different ways that you can do this activity. A few ideas include:
- Turn socks into puppets. Use scraps of other scraps of clothing and old buttons, too.
- Use old T-shirts as rags.
- Got even more T-shirts? Learn how to sew into a pillow or quilt!
- Here are more ways to upcycle your clothes.
Day 16: Read a Book About The Earth
Pick out a book or two about the Earth and enjoy together. You can check out a few of our favorite books with Earth themes here.
Day 17: Reduce Plastic Use
Chat about ways to reduce their plastic use. Think about how to use reusable items instead. Iberdrola provides some incredible ideas about reducing plastic use to get you started.
Day 18: Go on a Nature or Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
Enjoy a nature or Earth Day scavenger hunt. It's an excellent way to get outdoors and teach your kids about the animals and plants that live in our world. I encourage you to add your own Earth Day items to the list to customize for where you live.
Day 19: Ride a Bike as Part of Your Earth Day Challenge
Depending on where you live, you could ride your bikes instead of taking a car. Or go to a nearby biking trail or park. Get some exercise and decrease your carbon footprint.
Day 20: Sort Out Glass, Paper, and Plastic
Got recycling bins? I hope so! Demonstrate the proper ways to sort and recycle household items. Challenge your child to sort out glass, paper, and plastic. This amazing hands-on activity teaches your kids about recycling and how it can help to keep our planet healthy.
Oh, and here are some fun recycling games that you can play!
Day 21: Buy Local Produce
Look for a local farmer's marker. Buy produce, baked goods, local honey, and more to reduce food waste and help support our local farmers.
Day 22: Happy Earth Day!
Spend this day talking with your kids about Earth day and why it is important to care for our home planet. Enjoy your special Earth Day celebration!
More Earth Day Ideas and Activities:
- Exciting Earth Day Ideas for a Fun Mini-Unit Study & More
- Free Coloring Activities for a Fun Earth Day with Kids
- Earth Day Color by Symbol Pages
- Earth Day Cootie Catcher
FAQs about This Earth Day Challenge
April 1 is a great day to begin if you want to lead up to the big day. But, you can start this Earth Day challenge any time of year! Earth Day has traditionally been celebrated on April 22. But, you can really use these prompts whenever you'd like and feel good that you're helping to take better care of our planet.
To get this free Earth Day Challenge for kids, simply subscribe to Rock Your Homeschool. You’ll receive an email with a PDF file, along with a password to open the VIP Resource Library to all RYHS freebies. Plus, you’ll get emails with ideas, resources, and encouragement to make life and learning fun 🙂
Absolutely no worries! I encourage you to circle or highlight the ideas that mean the most to you and your kids. And remember - you don't have to complete these prompts within 22 days. Extend the fun and keep it going for as long as you'd like.
Also, consider substituting some of your own Earth Day ideas if any of the prompts don't seem appropriate for your family.
Get Your Free Printable Earth Day Challenge for Kids
High five! You're on your way to enjoying a special Earth Day with your kids.
This free printable Earth Day Challenge for Kids includes one page with chart of 22 ideas.
You can most certainly print as many of these challenge charts as you need for your personal use, family, class, homeschool co-op, or community event. If you have a friend or co-worker who might like to have this type of Earth Day fun, I ask that you please share this post with them. Thanks so much for your cooperation!
Get your FREE Earth Day Challenge now!
This Earth Day Challenge Makes It Educational & Fun
Earth Day is a great time to teach your children about the importance of taking care of our planet. There are so many ways to reduce your environmental impact. This challenge provides fun ways for kids to learn about conservation and more.
Hope you enjoy an excellent Earth Day! Remember that every little bit helps and it's truly amazing that you're doing your part to help maintain our world. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Earth Day!