Earth Day Activities for Daycares: Growing a Greener Generation

Every April 22nd, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day—an opportunity to honour our planet and focus on protecting it for the future. For daycare providers, this day presents a perfect opportunity to plant the seeds of environmental awareness in young children. Even at a young age, kids can learn about the importance of nature, the value of taking care of the Earth, and how small actions can make a big difference.

Involving children in Earth Day activities not only teaches them about recycling, conservation, and sustainability, but also nurtures empathy, responsibility, and respect—qualities that help shape them into caring, conscientious people. When kids learn to care for the Earth, they also learn to care for others, and those lessons will grow with them throughout life.

Here are some fun and educational Earth Day activities you can incorporate into your daycare, along with two simple crafts that celebrate the planet and encourage hands-on learning. You will also love this great post about how to throw a great Easter party for under $50!

Earth Day Activity Ideas for Daycares

1. Nature Walk & Trash Pick-Up:

Take the children on a short nature walk around your neighborhood or daycare yard. Point out trees, flowers, birds, and bugs along the way. Bring gloves and a small bag to safely collect litter. Talk about why keeping the Earth clean is important and celebrate your efforts when you’re done.

We love to find bugs and explore how they move and learn about how important they are to the world. You can find these adorable bug catching kits for kids to take with them on their walks. 

2. Earth-Themed Storytime:

Read books like “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr or “Thank You, Earth” by April Pulley Sayre. Afterward, have a group discussion about how we can all help the planet. Encourage the kids to share ideas like turning off lights, planting flowers, or using reusable water bottles.

3. Recycle Sorting Game:

Set up a pretend recycling center with bins labeled “Plastic,” “Paper,” “Glass,” and “Compost.” Use clean items from around the house or classroom and have children sort them into the right bins. This activity builds awareness of how to properly dispose of waste.

4. Plant a Garden or Start a Mini Herb Pot:

Let each child plant a seed in a small cup or recycled container. Talk about what plants need to grow and how they help the Earth. Water them daily and watch them grow together!

 “Happy Earth” Paper Plate Craft

Materials:

• Paper plates

• Blue and green tissue paper (or construction paper)

• Glue

• Scissors

• Markers

• Googly eyes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut or tear the tissue paper into small pieces.

2. Cover the plate with glue and stick blue and green pieces on to represent water and land.

3. Let the kids add googly eyes and a smile to give the Earth a face.

4. Use markers to write a message like “Love the Earth!” on the back.

5. Hang the plates around the daycare to celebrate Earth Day!

Recycled Nature Binoculars

Materials:

• Two toilet paper rolls per child

• Tape or glue

• String or yarn

• Stickers, markers, and other decorations

• Hole punch

Instructions:

1. Tape or glue two toilet paper rolls side-by-side to create binoculars.

2. Punch a hole on each side and tie a string so the kids can wear them around their necks.

3. Let them decorate their binoculars however they like—with stickers, drawings, or colored tape.

4. Use them on a nature walk to “spot” birds, leaves, or insects.

Why It Matters: The Bigger Picture

Teaching kids to respect the Earth does more than encourage recycling or tree planting—it lays the groundwork for responsible citizenship. When children understand that their actions impact the world around them, they begin to take pride in being helpful and making good choices. These early lessons in stewardship foster compassion, patience, and a sense of global community.

By celebrating Earth Day in a daycare setting, we’re not just marking a calendar date—we’re inspiring the next generation to be thoughtful, caring, and actively engaged in creating a better future. And that’s a legacy worth growing.