21 Fun and Easy Earth Day Activities for Toddlers
Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to teach young children about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. While many events and activities may be geared toward older children and adults, there are plenty of fun Earth Day activities for toddlers!
By engaging in age-appropriate activities, toddlers can learn about the importance of protecting the planet and develop a lifelong love and respect for nature. You can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them and inspire them to become responsible stewards of the planet.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, there are many ways to get young children involved in Earth Day celebrations. From nature walks to arts and crafts, there are various fun and educational activities that can help toddlers learn about the environment in a hands-on and engaging way.
This list of Earth Day activities for toddlers includes straightforward crafts that are perfect for 1—to 3-year-olds. However, even older children can find these ideas fun!
Let’s get started!
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1. Shaving Cream Earth
Making this shaving cream earth is one of the Earth Day activities for toddlers that my kids love the most. The wonderful thing about this craft is that you can make it as messy or neat as you want!
What you’ll need:
- White paper, preferably a thicker cardstock
- Foaming shaving cream
- Green and blue food coloring
- Old gift or credit card
- Toothpicks or wooden skewers
- Optional: Contact paper
Instructions:
First, cut out a large circle of white paper, preferably thick cardstock. Then, get the shaving cream nearby. We used a large plate to hold the shaving cream, but a baking sheet works well, too.
Spray the shaving cream around your plate, ensuring you have enough to cover your earth paper.
Next, you’ll want to smooth the shaving cream until it’s mostly even. You can use a spatula or spoon, but my toddlers like to use their hands.
Next, place drops of food coloring on top of the shaving cream to resemble the earth. Remember to leave enough room in between the drops of food coloring. Now, have your toddler slowly take the toothpick or skewer and swirl around the food coloring.
PRO MAMA TIP: If you’re concerned about your child getting poked by the toothpick, you can place plastic wrap or masking tape around the end your child will hold.
When your toddler finishes swirling the food coloring, place the paper circle on the shaving cream. Carefully press the circle down, ensuring every part of the paper touches the shaving cream.
Next, peel the circle off the shaving cream and place it shaving cream-side up on a couple of paper towels. Then, grab the used gift or credit card and scrape the cream off the paper. This will reveal the cool design made from your child’s swirls!
If you wish to preserve this fun craft, you can cover it with contact paper. Contact paper also makes the earth appear glossy and extra stunning!
2. Balloon Stamping
If your kiddo loves balloons as much as mine, they’ll love this balloon stamping craft! Painting with balloons is exciting for kids, making this one of the top Earth Day activities for toddlers!
What you’ll need:
- White paper, preferably a thicker cardstock
- Latex balloons
- Green and blue washable paint
- Paper plate or paint palette
Instructions:
To create this balloon paint stamping craft for Earth Day, you’ll start by blowing up a balloon to a size your toddler can comfortably hold.
Next, pour a small amount of blue and green paint into the shallow container, ensuring the paints touch side by side. Dip the balloon into the paint, making sure the bottom of the balloon is coated in paint.
Once the balloon is coated in paint, press the painted section onto the paper in a stamping motion. Repeat this process as many times as your toddler likes!
3. Read Earth Day Stories
One fun way to celebrate Earth Day with children is to read stories together, which will help them better understand the holiday. Reading Earth Day stories can happen at any time of the day, whether it’s after breakfast or before bedtime, making it an easy activity.
When looking for Earth Day stories for toddlers, there are many options to choose from. Here are our top five Earth Day board books:
- Hello, World! Planet Earth
- Counting on the Earth
- Mrs. Peanuckle’s Earth Alphabet
- Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration
- Don’t Throw That Away!: A Lift-the-Flap Book
4. Handprint Crafts
If you’re looking for Earth Day activities for toddlers that are also a sweet keepsake, try a handprint art page! While this craft can be a little messier, your kids will have fun getting their hands dirty.
What you’ll need:
- Crayola finger paint
- Paintbrushes
- Paper towels or baby wipes – Great for a quick hand clean-up before going to the sink
Instructions:
First, find a design you like. A quick search on Pinterest will give you plenty of options! Then, get all of your supplies ready. Pour your paint colors onto a paper plate or palette, and use a cup of water to clean the paintbrush between colors.
Now, it’s time for painting! You’ll start by painting your child’s hands. If your toddler is younger, it can be easiest to paint their hand for them.
Next, once their hand is covered with paint, have them press it onto the paper. You can also gently push on their hand to ensure all the paint transfers to the paper.
Repeat the above step for however many handprints your picture needs!
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5. Coffee Filter Earth
This fun coffee filter earth craft is one of the most budget-friendly Earth Day activities for toddlers, and it’s so simple! Plus, you likely have everything you need already in your home.
What you’ll need:
Instructions:
First, you’ll grab some blue and green markers. Then, it’s time for your child to decorate!
When decorating the coffee filters, you can give your child creative freedom to make their earth. You can draw lines for them to color in if they want more guidance.
Once the filter is colored in, place it on a dinner plate or a baking sheet. Then, your toddler can take the squirt bottle and mist the coffee filter. Next, watch all the colors blend to make a fantastic watercolor-like design!
Once your child has sprayed the coffee filter with water, you can dry it on paper towels. Once the filter is dry, you can hang them in a window or on the fridge!
6. Bubble Wrap Art Prints
Bubble wrap art prints are one of our favorite painting crafts for toddlers. They are straightforward to do, they look so unique in the end, and you don’t need that many supplies!
What you’ll need:
- Craft paint
- Paintbrushes
- Bubble wrap
- Small canvas or painting paper
Instructions:
You’ll start by cutting out some circle shapes in the bubble wrap. Make these circles as big as you want, but ensure they fit on your canvas or paper. Then, add your paint colors to a paper plate. We used green and blue, but it can be fun to add white, too.
Next, your child will paint the bubble wrap, ensuring there is paint on the whole circle. You can do this in two main ways. First, your child can use a paintbrush and paint the colors on the bubble wrap. Alternatively, your child can spread the paint on the paper plate and then press the bubble wrap into the paint.
After the bubble wrap is covered in paint, your child will press it, paint side down, onto the canvas or paper. Ensure they smooth out the bubble wrap so the whole earth design gets transferred onto the paper.
Once your child understands the process, they can keep stamping the bubble wrap earth around the paper until they reach the desired design.
7. Contact Paper Earth
The contact paper earth is one of our favorite Earth Day activities for toddlers. It’s such a straightforward craft that makes an awesome decoration when finished. Plus, it involves tearing paper. Toddlers love to rip up paper!
What you’ll need:
- Black construction paper
- Scissors or Exacto knife
- Contact paper
- Green, blue, and white tissue paper – Using different shades of tissue paper can be fun.
Instructions:
First, cut a large circle border out of the black construction paper. It might be easier for you to use an Exacto knife for this step if you have one. However, I used scissors in the picture above.
Cut out small squares from the tissue paper with scissors. We used green and blue tissue paper for our earth.
Next, you’ll want to cut out two squares of contact paper large enough to fit the circle border. Then, peel the back off one piece of contact paper and carefully press the circle outline onto it.
Now, your toddler can start putting the tissue paper squares inside the circle border. You can help guide your toddler so that squares don’t end up outside the border.
When your child is done filling the earth with tissue paper squares, you can stick on the other piece of contact paper to seal everything together.
Once you seal the craft, you can cut out the circle, leaving about ¼” space from the border. After the earth is complete, you can use tape to attach it to a window, making it look similar to stained glass when the sun is out!
8. Bake and Decorate Earth Cookies
One activity that my kids and I love to do together is baking and cooking. That’s why decorating cookies is one of our favorite Earth Day activities for toddlers!
You can bake any kind of cookie, but sugar cookies are a great choice if you want to decorate them with icing. Once you find a recipe you enjoy, you can use a circle cookie cutter and blue and green sprinkles to make them perfect for the holiday.
9. Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Earth Day is a time for reflection, appreciation, and taking action to protect the environment. One great way to celebrate Earth Day with kids while connecting with nature is by doing a nature scavenger hunt.
Whether with family or friends, a scavenger hunt can be a fun and engaging way to explore nature and appreciate all its beauty.
To start your Earth Day nature scavenger hunt:
- Make a list of items you want to find. You can include different types of trees, plants, insects, animals, or natural landmarks.
- Head to a nearby park, nature reserve, or hiking trail to start your hunt.
- As you explore, look for the items on your list and see how many you can find.
Instead, check out our nature scavenger hunt printables if you need more help getting started! They are perfect for getting your scavenger hunt going more quickly.
10. Earth Symmetry Painting
Symmetry painting is another exciting craft that gets your child’s creativity flowing and incorporates a little math! Plus, there’s a good chance your child will love using a lot of paint and squashing it around to make art.
What you’ll need:
Instructions:
First, you’ll cut a circle shape out of paper. You can use printer paper, but it will turn out more wrinkly when it dries. To ensure the circle is symmetrical, fold the paper in half to cut the circle shape out. Then, pour some blue and green paint onto a paper plate or palette.
Once everything is ready, show your child how the circle is folded in half. You should guide them to paint only one side of the circle.
When painting half of the circle, you’ll also want to show your child how to put a lot of paint onto their paintbrush. The more paint on the paper, the better the result will be when they fold the circle.
Once your child finishes painting, help them fold the circle in half using the same fold you used when cutting the circle out. Then, have them push firmly and smooth the two halves together.
After your child squishes the circle together, have them peel it open to reveal its symmetrical earth-themed design!
11. Earth Day Oobleck
Celebrating Earth Day with kids is a powerful way to show appreciation for our planet and its resources. One exciting and educational activity to do on Earth Day is making Earth Day Oobleck.
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid that changes from liquid to solid depending on the amount of pressure applied. It’s a fun activity that all kids love, and one of the best parts is that you’ll be making Oobleck with ingredients you likely already have.
What you’ll need:
- Cornstarch
- Food coloring
- Water
- A tray to put the Oobleck in
Instructions:
You will need cornstarch, water, and green and blue food coloring to make Earth Day Oobleck. Mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 3/4 cup of water in a bowl, adding food coloring until you achieve the desired shade of green or blue. Repeat this step for each color you desire.
The resulting mixture will be a semi-liquid substance you can shape and mold into different forms. By playing with Earth Day Oobleck, you can learn about the properties of matter.
12. Plant Flower Seeds
Planting flower seeds is a lovely way to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the environment. Flowers add beauty to our surroundings and play a vital role in supporting the ecosystem. They give food and habitat to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for crops’ growth and our planet’s health.
To begin planting flower seeds, select a sunny spot in your yard or a large pot if you live in an apartment. Ensure your soil is loose and well-drained for proper root growth.
You can then choose from a wide range of flower seeds that are easy to grow, such as marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think. Just follow the instructions on the seed packet and water regularly to ensure the seeds germinate and grow into beautiful flowers.
By planting flower seeds on Earth Day, you are helping beautify our planet and contributing to the growth of a healthy ecosystem. So, embrace the joy of planting, grab a packet of seeds, and embark on your journey to make the world more beautiful and sustainable.
13. Make a Bird Feeder
Making a pine cone bird feeder is next on our list of Earth Day activities for toddlers. This activity is not only a fun way to teach kids about the importance of caring for our planet, but it also encourages them to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of wildlife.
What you’ll need:
- Pinecones
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
- Cotton string
Instructions:
Start by spreading a generous amount of peanut butter all over the pine cone, ensuring it’s applied between the crevices. Next, roll the pine cone in birdseed until it’s fully coated. Finally, secure a string around the top of the pine cone and place it on a tree branch or hook outside.
Making a pine cone bird feeder allows children to observe and learn about various bird species that might visit their feeder. Celebrating Earth Day with engaging activities like this one can inspire children to develop a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility.
14. Shaving Cream Clouds Experiment
Our following educational way to celebrate Earth Day is by doing the Shaving Cream Clouds Experiment. This experiment is a great way to teach kids (and adults!) about the water cycle and how clouds are formed. It’s also an excellent opportunity to discuss the importance of water conservation and how we can all do our part to protect our planet.
What you’ll need:
- One tall clear glass or jar
- Water in a separate cup
- Blue food coloring
- Shaving cream
- Water dropper
Instructions:
First, fill the tall glass about three-quarters full with water. Then, spray a layer of shaving cream on top of the water to represent the clouds. Mix blue food coloring in a separate cup of water to represent the rain.
Using the dropper, drip some blue water onto the shaving cream. As the water droplets collect on the shaving cream, they will eventually become too heavy and fall back into the water, like rain falling from clouds.
This experiment is a great way to teach kids about the water cycle and how clouds and rain form. It’s also a great reminder for all of us to do our part to protect our planet. We can help ensure a healthy and sustainable future by conserving water and reducing our carbon footprint.
15. Baking Soda Earth Experiment
If you’re looking for another easy science experiment for your toddler, this bubbling earth-themed activity is perfect! It’s so simple for toddlers, but it will certainly hold their attention while being pretty exciting, too.
What you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- A small cup of vinegar
- Blue and green food coloring
- Muffin tin
- Water dropper
- Recommended: A baking pan to contain the vinegar bubbles
Instructions:
First, pour a baking soda layer into each muffin tin’s bottom. Make sure your muffin tin is on a baking pan to contain any mess that can happen. Then, you’ll want to pour vinegar into another small cup.
Next, place a few drops of food coloring into the middle of the baking soda. You can pick whatever colors you like, but we used blue and green to represent the earth.
Once you finish the setup, your child can fill the water dropper with vinegar and squirt it onto the piles of baking soda. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, spilling colorful bubbles out of the muffin tin!
16. Get Outside
Celebrating Earth Day with kids is a great way to teach them the importance of protecting our planet. One way to do this is by getting outside and exploring nature. This can be as simple as taking a hike, going for a bike ride, or having a picnic in the park!
(If you need more fun ideas, check out this huge list of outdoor Spring activities for kids!)
While outside, you can encourage your kids to observe their surroundings and ask questions about the plants, animals, and natural features they see. You can also use this opportunity to teach them about the importance of conservation and how we can all play a role in protecting our planet.
By spending time in nature and learning about the environment, you can help your kids develop a deeper appreciation for the Earth and inspire them to become environmental stewards.
17. Make Dirt Cup Treats
One of the most delicious Earth Day activities for toddlers is making dirt cup treats. Making these yummy treats is a fun way to teach kids about the dirt and what’s inside it.
To make dirt cup treats, you will need ingredients like chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, gummy worms, and cups. First, let the kids help you make the chocolate pudding, and then let them assemble the cups by layering the pudding with crushed Oreos. Finally, top it off with some gummy worms to create a fun and realistic dirt effect.
While making these treats, you can teach kids about the importance of soil and how it supports life on our planet. You can also discuss the impact of littering and pollution on the environment and how we can do our part to reduce it.
18. Mess-Free Finger Painting
One fun Earth Day activity kids can enjoy while learning about the environment is mess-free finger painting. This craft is perfect for young toddlers who love to explore and get creative, and it’s a great way to incorporate Earth Day themes.
What you’ll need:
- Small canvas – We used these flat canvases.
- Blue, green, and white craft paint
- Gallon-sized ziplock bags – I use freezer bags because they have thicker plastic.
Instructions:
Mess-free finger painting is an easy and entertaining craft for little ones. To try this activity, check out this article for detailed instructions!
As your child finger paints, you can talk to them about the different colors they are using and how they might represent various elements of nature. You can also discuss the importance of caring for the earth and how we can all contribute to protecting our planet.
19. Go On a Litter Pick-Up Walk
Going on a litter pick-up walk is one of the most productive Earth Day activities for toddlers. This activity helps clean the environment and promotes a sense of responsibility and community.
Before heading out, it’s essential to ensure kids wear gloves to protect their hands. This will prevent them from coming into contact with any harmful materials they may pick up. Providing garbage bags and a trash picker is also a good idea to make the process easier and more efficient.
During the walk, encourage kids to look for litter and debris in the surrounding area. Take time to discuss the impact of litter on the environment and the animals that live in it. You can also make it into a game by seeing who can collect the most trash or by identifying different types of litter.
Overall, going on a litter pick-up walk is not just a fun and educational way to celebrate Earth Day with kids. It’s a powerful activity that can make a significant difference in our environment and instill a sense of responsibility in the next generation. By the end of the day, you’ll see a cleaner environment and a sense of pride and accomplishment in your kids.
20. Teach How to Recycle
Teaching kids how to recycle is a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day with them. One fun way to do this is by finding a recycling toy. Recycling toys (like this one) are designed to teach kids about the importance of recycling while also providing a fun and engaging playtime experience.
These toys come in various shapes and sizes, such as sorting bins, garbage trucks, and recycling factories. By playing with these toys, kids can learn how to sort waste into different categories, such as paper, plastic, and metal.
To make the experience even more educational, parents can take the opportunity to explain the benefits of recycling to their children. They can discuss how recycling helps to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and protect the environment.
Additionally, parents can teach their children about the different types of materials they can recycle and how to dispose of items that cannot be recycled properly. Parents can instill good habits that will benefit the planet by teaching kids about recycling in a fun and engaging way.
21. Make Nature Paintbrushes
Our last Earth Day activity for kids is making nature paintbrushes. This activity not only encourages children to get outside and explore nature, but it also teaches them about reusing materials and reducing waste.
To make nature paintbrushes, start by taking a nature walk with your kids and collecting materials such as leaves, twigs, feathers, and flowers. Once you have gathered your materials, attach them to the end of a stick or a pencil using rubber bands, twine, or tape.
Dip your new nature paintbrushes into some paint and let your children unleash their creativity by painting with their unique and eco-friendly creations.
This activity is a fun way to celebrate Earth Day and helps children appreciate and care for the natural world around them. It’s a great opportunity to spark conversations about sustainability and conservation and encourage kids to think about creative ways to use materials that might otherwise be thrown away.
I hope you enjoyed this list of Earth Day activities for toddlers! Keep in mind that if you do some of these activities with younger toddlers, they’ll likely need more help than older toddlers. Ultimately, have fun with your kids, and remember that perfection is unnecessary!
Before you go, check out these related articles:
- Birthday Traditions Your Kids Will Love Doing!
- The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
- Cute Mother’s Day Interview Questions for Kids
- Fun Father’s Day Interview Questions for Kids
- Exciting Fourth of July Traditions to Start with Your Kids
What were your favorite Earth Day activities for toddlers? Let me know in the comments below!
