Shop The Story

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is coming up on April 22, 2020 and there’s no better time to start (or continue) teaching children about keeping our planet healthy.
We know it’s not so easy to get outside these days as we are sheltering in place safely inside due the widespread COVID-19, but there are ways we can honor the great outdoors from our homes. If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space like a lawn or backyard, there are ways you can play and learn about nature with outdoor toys and games. If you don’t have a backyard, don’t worry, there are amazing indoor planters, arts and crafts projects, and books you can read.
Once we are able to go back to safely explore our parks and wildlife, author Maria Dolan suggests some great activities that families can enjoy together:
- Make the most of walks. Park a few blocks away from school or a birthday party. On the way in, ask your child what he sees, hears, and smells, or challenge him to a game of “I Spy” (“I spy two things that are puffy and white!”).
- Plant a mini-garden. Even a small pot on a back porch or windowsill can do the trick. Peas and catnip are notoriously good sprouters.
- Invest in a few tools. For under 20 bucks, you can buy a toy-store bug viewer. Or try a pair of binoculars turned around, which magnify.
- Visit the water’s edge. Find the nearest beach, pond, lake, or puddle and plant yourselves beside it — you’ll be surprised how a pool of water sparks kids’ curiosity.
- Find nature near you. At GreenHour.com, a new site from the National Wildlife Federation, you’ll find easy suggestions — many from other parents — for activities kids can do right outside your door, no matter what the season, whether you live in a suburb or a city. Click on “NatureFind” to locate a park or recreational area near you.
In the meantime, we rounded up some wonderful green activities and books to help kids learn about our planet. Check them out below.
Kids Physical Globe
Teach kids about all the different facets of the world's geography. This globe includes mountain regions, large bodies of water, country capitals and has fun illustrations kids will love.
Castle Wooden Birdhouse by ArtMinds
Get your kids thinking about the animals in their neighborhood with DIY bird feeder. Use natural paints to design the outside and pick up some bird food for your new flock.
Sprout & Grow Window
Learn how plants grown with this awesome kit. Kids can watch and journal their plant's progress through the viewing window.
My Fairy Garden Willow's Tree Hollow Garden
Grow real plants and get your child's imagination going with this two-level fairy garden.
Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Indoor Garden Grow System
With this indoor garden kids can grow fresh herbs that they can actually eat. Use the herbs for cooking or throw them on top of a pizza!
Kids Garden Kit
Kids can grow herbs, flowers and even vegetables in this all-inclusive kit that comes with 36 pellets and reusable labels.
Creativity for Kids Grow N' Glow Terrarium
Kids can take a simple mason jar and turn into a glow-in-the-dark terrarium with this fun project. They can learn about nature as well as the importance of recycling.
Mini Camper Playhouse
Bring the outdoors inside with this fun play tent. The tent looks like a vintage camper and kids can imagine that they are a road trip exploring the great outdoors.
Kid Made Modern Backyard Explorer Kit
A magnifying glass, activity book, binoculars and more are all included in this kit that encourages kids to explore nature right in their own backyard.
Nancy B'S Science Club Garbage to Gardens Compost Kit and Decomposition Book
Kids can learn about composting and track their progress with the included journal. The kit features two compartments so kids can see which items decompose faster than others.