7 fun Earth Day activities for families

Delighted girls sitting around young tree and keeping smile on faces while looking at the process
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By , Audacy

Warm weather makes it easy to spend quality time with loved ones and show dedication to keeping the planet safe, and one of the greatest opportunities to do both is Earth Day.

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Earth Day falls on April 22 every year. The holiday marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970, according to the official Earth Day site.

Now, a half-century later, the day is a great chance to plan some fun activities that the whole family can enjoy together. Here’s a list of things to do on Earth Day that kids and parents alike will love.

girl plant sapling tree with mother
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Plant a tree

Planting a tree is a great way for your family to actively take part in restoring the environment and tending to nature. Trees provide many benefits, including cleaning the air by eating greenhouse gases, providing shelter to wildlife, and improving our mental and physical health, according to The Nature Conservancy. Get the whole family out there by picking a location in your yard or community to plant a tree.

family goes on nature walk
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Go on a nature walk or bike ride

Earth Day can be a chance to embrace going out into nature and avoiding carbon-emitting modes of transportation. Take time this Earth Day to get your family out into a park or forest nearby for a fun day in nature. If you need to get around, consider walking or biking together as a family. Both are a prime way to get some fresh air, appreciate the outdoors, and be physically active.

family on computer
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Take a virtual tour of national parks

America’s national parks are breathtaking natural wonders, each one worthy of years of exploration — or now, an afternoon of pretty exciting clicking around. If you can’t make it too far from home this Earth Day, gather the family around for virtual tours of the country’s most awe-inspiring parks on Google Earth. Using its cutting-edge satellite imagery, the tech giant allows users to take guided tours of 31 endless destinations.

picking up trash
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Pick up trash in the neighborhood

Picking up trash in your neighborhood is a great way to create a sense of community on Earth Day. Whether you take your family out or partner up with neighboring families, picking up trash that may be on the street can give you a sense of duty and way to see the impact of your actions first-hand. Be sure to wear gloves and bring a bag to collect garbage.

turning off lamp
Photo credit Getty Images

Unplug

Challenge your family to keep your electricity usage low on Earth Day. Pick a period of a few hours to avoid turning on unnecessary lights or equipment, perhaps opting instead to go outside. Make it a long-term family commitment by coming up with new house rules to follow after Earth Day, like when and when not to turn lights on (for example: if you’ll be out of the room for longer than 15 minutes, turn the light off).

family having yard sale
Photo credit Getty Images

Have a yard sale

Here’s one entrepreneurial way to recycle! Round up all the old objects that your family no longer needs in the house and throw a yard or garage sale. Selling rather than throwing your old clothes away, for example, is a great way to reduce fashion waste. Double down on your environmental mission by using the proceeds to invest in some eco-friendly cleaning products for your home, or donating them to a local environmental organization.

Attend an Earth Day event

Many areas celebrate Earth Day with eco-conscious events for a range of all ages. Take the family out to connect with other like-minded shepherds of the environment by attending an Earth Day event. Check your local newspapers for events or review event listings on the official Earth Day site.

For more ideas on how you can save the planet, visit 1Thing.

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