How to Celebrate Earth Day on April 22: Go Outside!

{this Earth Day post is brought to you by my friends at Disney Junior}

Earth day is approaching this Sunday and I’ve written before about ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day with the kids, including some books to read.

But this year I am going to recommend one way to celebrate Earth Day, and that is to get outside.

To appreciate the earth our children need to appreciate nature.  To enjoy it, play in it and realize how special it is.  That we compost and recycle to protect the earth is such a vast concept for them, but tell them how picking up garbage off the ground protects the grass where they run, and the pond where they like to watch the ducks are far easier concepts to grasp.

Even in urban settings, there is nature around us – and if not, it’s time to go find it (or make it yourself in the backyard!)

I love it when my kids get outside and play in the rocks, or the dirt, or roll around in the grass.  When we find robin’s eggs and look at them closely or when the worms are crawling in the garden, these are all learning opportunities and chances for all of us to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate Earth Day by getting outside:

1 – Scavenger Hunt

Give older children a list, create Bingo-type cards with pictures for young kids, or verbally tell kids what to look for. A leaf, a dandelion, a pine cone, there are many ideas.

2 – Plant something

Add something special to your garden or a loved ones garden is a nice way to celebrate Earth Day.  Or, just get out and get the garden ready for planting when the nicer weather arrives.

3 – Go for a walk

Seems simple enough, but sometimes a walk or a hike (like through Gatineau Park) is a perfect way to see nature in an accessible way.  What’s happening in the forest right now?

For other ideas, check out this post I just did about fun in the backyard.

Is it raining outside or looking for something else to do to talk to your kids about Earth Day?  Check out Nayla Natural Care’s blog post with links and ideas.

Did you know Disney Junior has printables and activities you can do with the kids? Check out their Earth Day page for ideas.  I especially like this page of activities to do (most of which include getting outside!!)

Disclosure:  I’m part of the Disney Junior Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.  The opinions on this blog are my own.