Every year on April 22, people all across the U.S. celebrate Earth Day. It's a day to show how much we care about the planet and environment around us. Teaching future generations about preserving our planet can help ensure they have a healthy and safe place to live. Here are some tips and activities that your family can do to introduce the importance of this day!
Nature Scavenger Hunt🔎🌻
Make a list of things found in nature around your home, neighborhood or a local park that you and your family can easily spot. Take a walk around your neighborhood or at a local park to see how many items you can find! As an added "Earth Day" bonus, save on paper by creating your list on your phone.
Neighborhood Clean-Up🗑
For those with older kiddos, join a neighborhood clean-up effort! Grab some gloves and garbage bags and head on over to the park! To help get your kiddos engaged, you can set a prize for whoever collects the most trash!
Family Hike and Picnic🌳🍎
What better way to teach your child about nature than to get them out of the house and experiencing it? Pack up an easy lunch, snacks and take a family-friendly hike! Here are some trails nearby that your family can hike or walk together. To minimize your eco-footprint, always "Pack In, Pack Out" and be sure to use reusable containers, utensils, towels, etc.
Earth Salt Dough Sensory Activity🌍
This is a fun activity that even young toddlers can enjoy! Start by creating a batch of salt dough (1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups of salt and 3/4 cup of water). Mix in blue and green food coloring to represent land and water! Let your kiddo blend the colors and engage in this sensory activity.
Note: Once they are all done, you can even create an ornament! Flatten the dough out onto a cookie sheet and put their handprint in the middle of the dough. Poke a hole out at the top, bake for 3 hours at 200 F, and allow it to cool overnight. Voila! You have your own salt dough ornament to remember the day by.
Start a Garden🪴🧑🏼🌾
Kids love getting down and dirty outside. Set a day to help start a garden and work as a family to care and nurture it! If you're tight on space, not to worry! You can always opt for a potted garden or something small on your front patio/porch! You can look into growing your own (easy) vegetables, or just a simple flower and plant garden. The possibilities are endless!
Indulge in Dirt Cup Treats🪱
Finish off the day by indulging in some tasty Dirt Cup Treats using the simple recipe below!
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To helping your child reach the Summit!