Earth Day with toddlers is a beautiful opportunity to teach our little ones about caring for our planet while making lasting memories. Even though toddlers may be too young to grasp big environmental concepts, they can absolutely engage in hands-on activities that foster a love for nature. The best part? These activities are fun, simple, and meaningful—helping to shape eco-conscious habits from the very start.

One of my closest friends shared a beautiful experience she had with her young children on Earth Day. When her two oldest boys were just 3 and 4 years old, she decided to take them to the beach on a blustery Earth Day, desperate for some fresh air and a reprieve from cabin fever. Wanting to make the outing meaningful, she brought along a few trash bags and explained to her boys that Earth Day is a time to care for the planet—not just today, but every day.

She showed them how to pick up litter along the beach, and to her delight, they took off running, eager to clean up their little stretch of the world. By the time they were done, they had filled several bags, which they took home to sort, dispose of, recycle, or compost properly. What started as a simple outing became their favorite Earth Day tradition. Now, years later, the boys are in grade school and have a deep appreciation for nature. They still clean up the beach whenever they get the chance and have even passed the tradition down to their younger brother.

This story is a wonderful reminder that even small actions can have a lasting impact, and that young children are capable of understanding the importance of caring for the Earth when we model it for them.

1. Nature Walk & Treasure Hunt

Take your toddler on a nature walk, whether it’s around the neighborhood, a park, or even your backyard. Encourage them to collect leaves, rocks, or flowers along the way. Point out birds, insects, and trees, talking about how they all play a role in our planet’s ecosystem.

One of my daughter’s favorite nature walk accessories is her Nature Bag. She carries it across her body like a crossbody purse and fills it with leaves, rocks, flowers—anything from nature that catches her eye. When we get home, we take out her treasures and examine them under a magnifying glass, talking about their colors, textures, and where they came from. It makes each walk feel like a tiny adventure and nurtures her curiosity about the world.

2. Planting a Seed or Tree

Little hands love to dig in the dirt! Help your toddler plant a seed, flower, or even a small tree. Watching it grow over time teaches patience and the importance of caring for living things.

Last year, my daughter and I planted a tomato plant together. The photo above was the first tomatoes of the season. Throughout the entire summer, she eagerly helped water it, watching as it slowly grew. When the time finally came, she picked the ripe tomatoes and ate them with so much joy. I’ll never forget the look in her eyes when she realized that food doesn’t just come from the refrigerator—it comes from nature. That simple gardening experience connected her to the earth in a way I never could have explained with words alone.

New Year, New Adventure

This year, we’re going to try planting a strawberry plant! She’s already excited about the idea of growing her own sweet berries, and I can’t wait to see how this new gardening experience deepens her connection to nature even more.

3. DIY Recycled Art

Turn old paper, egg cartons, or cereal boxes into a creative craft project. Whether it’s painting cardboard or making a collage, this is a great way to introduce the idea of reusing materials.

4. Water Play & Conservation Fun

Fill a small bucket with water and let your toddler ‘water’ plants, reinforcing the importance of giving plants a drink while also talking about not wasting water.

5. Storytime with Eco-Themed Books

There are so many wonderful children’s books about nature and the environment. Snuggle up and read stories like The Earth Book by Todd Parr, where colorful, simple illustrations encourage kids to care for the planet, or The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, which teaches the importance of standing up for nature and preserving the environment. These stories are a great way to introduce the importance of caring for the planet while fostering a love for reading.

Even the tiniest tots can celebrate Earth Day with toddlers in fun and interactive ways!

1. Sensory Bin with Natural Items

Fill a container with dirt, leaves, or smooth rocks and let your little one explore textures, promoting a connection with nature.

2. Bubble Fun in the Fresh Air

Blow bubbles outside and talk about the breeze and the sky. It’s a simple but joyful way to appreciate the world around them.

3. Singing Songs About Nature

Sing simple, Earth-themed songs like The Itsy Bitsy Spider or make up a song about trees, animals, or the sun!

4. Gentle Touch Exploration

Let your child feel the bark of a tree, smell a flower, play in the sand, or dip their fingers in water. I’ll never forget the first time my daughter touched the bark of a tree. She was taken aback at first but kept going back to explore it more. Now, as a toddler, she points out the bark on all the trees on our walks and even occasionally hugs a tree. These tiny moments build a love for nature from the very beginning.

No matter how small, every effort to connect our children with nature is meaningful. Earth Day with toddlers is about fostering an appreciation for the planet, and even the littlest hands can make a big difference. By creating simple, joyful experiences, we are shaping the next generation of Earth lovers and caretakers.

Looking for more fun Earth Day ideas? Check out these Earth Day activities for kids from National Geographic Kids!

How are you celebrating Earth Day with your toddler? Share your ideas in the comments! Let’s inspire each other to raise kind, eco-conscious kids. 🌍💚