Earth Day is April 22, and there are countless ways to celebrate with kids while making it fun. Earth Day helps kids understand that caring for the planet is something they can actively participate in, building both environmental awareness and critical thinking skills while connecting science to real-world issues. Here are some ideas to take or make your own.
Craft a cloth bag: Your family can help cut down on using single-use plastic that can be harmful to nature by inviting your children to make a reusable cloth bag out of an old t-shirt for your next shopping trip (or to collect treasures in).
Composting!: Watch the process of nature when you take a pile of old leaves outside and add a dash of time, maybe some worms, and a healthy splash of moisture. You can make soil perfect for a garden.
Feed the birds: You can help your child create a bird feeder that birds will be chirping about with common household items! While crafting, test their knowledge by asking your child to describe different birds they’ve seen in the neighborhood.
Nature bingo: Encourage your child to embrace their curiosity by creating a nature bingo game to take outside to practice observing and exploring together.
Plant a seed: You don’t need a big yard (or a yard at all) to learn about the basics of gardening and ecosystems. Seeds simply need three things to grow: light, food, and water. Try a small pot or a plastic cup and help your child plant a few grass, bean, or flower seeds.
Take a closer look: You can make a DIY magnifying glass with just a plastic bottle! Help your budding scientist get a closer look at the world around them with this fun activity.
Print a field guide: Help your child identify an insect by asking three simple questions. Identify insects in your neighborhood and then create a field guide with this activity from Elinor Wonders Why.
Ready, set, grow: Learn about the basics of botany and plant growth by growing a simple herb harden with your child.
Volunteer: Join Denver Parks & Recreation as they provide volunteer opportunities to clean, mulch, and plant at various parks. April 22, 8-11am.
Party for the Planet: Head over to Denver Children’s Museum for an all-day Earth Day celebration from April 17-19 involving interactive learning activities.
More events:
Pollinator Power Hour (April 12, 19 & 26): In a unique partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion, The Rally Hotel lobby has transformed into an educational hub. Every Sunday during the month of April from 11:00 AM – Noon, families and guests can engage in hands-on learning about Colorado’s essential pollinators, featuring educators and preserved specimen displays.
Cherry Creek Cleanup & Pop-Up (Tuesday, April 21): The Rally is also teaming up with Topo Designs and Protect Our Rivers for a community-wide cleanup at 2pm to care for the parks and public spaces in LoDo. Following the cleanup, the hotel’s newest cocktail lounge, Call Me Pearl, will host a celebratory pop-up inside Topo Designs on 16th St. featuring a signature cocktail and freshly shucked oysters.
