Earth Day Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Earth Day isn’t just for grown-ups. It’s the perfect time to introduce your little ones to the wonders of nature! Whether you have a curious baby or a busy toddler, there are plenty of simple, fun, and eco-friendly activities to celebrate our planet together.

The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies or a huge backyard. Many of these ideas use everyday items you already have at home. Plus, they’re great for sensory play, motor skills, and sparking an early love for the environment.

Why Celebrate Earth Day with Little Ones?

You might be thinking, “Do babies and toddlers really understand Earth Day?” The answer? Not exactly. But that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from it!

Early exposure to nature helps kids:

Develop sensory awareness (feeling grass, smelling flowers, hearing birds).
Build fine and gross motor skills (digging, planting, sorting).
Learn basic environmental concepts (recycling, caring for plants).

Plus, it’s a great excuse to get outside and enjoy some fresh air together.

Earth Day Activities for Babies (0-12 Months)

Babies explore the world through touch, sound, and sight. Keep activities simple, safe, and super engaging.

1. Sensory Nature Walk

Take your baby outside (even just to the backyard) and let them experience nature up close.

Let them touch grass, leaves, or tree bark (always supervise!).
Describe what they’re feeling: “This leaf is so soft!” or “The wind is blowing!”
Bring a blanket for tummy time outside—fresh air is great for naps too!

Pro Tip: If the weather’s bad, bring nature indoors! Fill a shallow bin with safe, natural items like pinecones, smooth rocks, or large leaves for baby to explore.

2. DIY Earth-Themed Sensory Bottle

Fill a clear plastic bottle with water, blue food coloring, and a few drops of vegetable oil. Add small green pom-poms (for “land”) and glitter (for “stars”). Seal tightly (hot glue the lid for extra safety) and let your baby shake and roll it.

Why it’s great: The swirling colors mimic Earth from space—plus, it’s mesmerizing for little eyes!

3. Plant a Baby-Friendly Garden

No, your 6-month-old won’t be digging holes, but they’ll love watching you!

Choose fast-growing plants like sunflowers or beans—they sprout quickly, so baby can see progress.
Let them pat the soil (with help) or “water” plants with a small spray bottle.

Bonus: Gardening is a great way to introduce new words like “dirt,” “seed,” and “grow.”

Earth Day Activities for Toddlers (1-3 Years)

Toddlers are little explorers—give them hands-on ways to connect with nature!

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Make a simple list (with pictures!) of things to find outside:

A green leaf
A smooth rock
A flower
A pinecone

Let them check off items as they go. This builds observation skills and keeps them engaged.

Variation: Turn it into a “sound hunt”—listen for birds, rustling leaves, or rain.

2. Recycled Art Projects

Turn trash into treasure with these easy crafts:

Egg Carton Caterpillars: Paint an egg carton section, add googly eyes, and pipe cleaner antennae.
Cardboard Tube Binoculars: Tape two toilet paper rolls together, decorate, and go on a “nature spy” adventure.
Magazine Collage Earth: Cut out blue and green scraps from old magazines and glue them onto a paper plate to make Earth.

Why it’s great: Teaches recycling in a fun, hands-on way.

3. Plant a Mini Herb Garden

Toddlers love helping, and growing herbs is quick and rewarding.

Use small pots or recycled containers.
Try easy herbs like basil, mint, or chives.
Let them scoop soil, drop seeds, and water (with supervision).

Bonus: They’ll be excited to taste what they grew!

4. Earth Day Storytime

Snuggle up with books about nature. Some favorites:

“The EARTH Book” by Todd Parr
“Baby Loves Green Energy!” by Ruth Spiro
“Compost Stew” by Mary McKenna Siddals

Extra Fun: Read outside under a tree for a full Earth Day experience!

Eco-Friendly Habits to Start Early

Earth Day is a great time to introduce small, sustainable habits:

Recycling Game: Turn sorting recyclables into a fun game! Show your toddler how to identify different materials like paper, plastic, and glass, and have them place items in the correct bins.You can create labels with pictures or colors to make it easier, and sing songs or tell stories about recycling to keep them engaged. This activity not only teaches them about waste reduction but also enhances their motor skills and color recognition.
Water Conservation: Explain to your child why it's important to save water and how simple actions can make a difference. Start with small steps like turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or washing hands. Make it fun by using a timer or singing a short song while they brush. You can also introduce them to concepts like rainwater harvesting or watering plants with leftover water from cups.
Reusable Snack Bags: Ditch single-use plastic bags and opt for reusable cloth pouches for snacks and lunches. Let your toddler choose their favorite prints and patterns to make it exciting. Explain how reusable bags help reduce waste and protect the environment. You can even involve them in washing and caring for their snack bags.
Energy Conservation: Teach your child about turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging electronics when not in use. Make it a game by having them be the “energy detective” who checks for lights and electronics that are left on. Explain how saving energy helps the planet and reduces electricity bills.
Nature Appreciation: Spend time outdoors with your child, exploring parks, gardens, or nature trails. Encourage them to observe plants, animals, and insects, and talk about the importance of protecting natural habitats. Plant a small garden together or create a nature-themed craft project. Fostering a love for nature from a young age can inspire them to become environmental stewards.
Composting: If you have a compost bin, involve your toddler in adding food scraps and yard waste. Explain how composting turns waste into nutrient-rich soil for plants. You can even start a small worm composting bin indoors.

Final Thoughts

Earth Day with babies and toddlers isn’t about big lessons—it’s about small moments of wonder. Whether you’re planting seeds, squishing mud, or just lying in the grass watching clouds, you’re helping your child build a connection with the planet.

So grab those tiny hands, head outside, and celebrate Earth Day in the simplest (and sweetest) way possible. After all, they’re the future caretakers of this beautiful world—let’s start them off right! What’s your favorite Earth Day activity with little ones?

New Mommy Media