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Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the environment and how to be good stewards of our planet Earth. Now, more than ever there is an abundance of resources that provide fun and educational activities specifically targeted at children. Try some of the ideas mentioned here to get started.

Attend an Earth Day event in your community:

Start with the granddaddy of all Earth Day organizations, the

Earth Day Network (EDN). Explore the various links on their web page to find out about all the Earth Day events, festivals and activities that will be offered in your community. Once you arrive at the Earth Day festivities, get a festival map or event program. You will find most well organized Earth Day events will have plenty of kid friendly exhibits and activities.

Visit a museum:

Take your children to your local Children's museum, Natural History or a Science museum where there will be various exhibits that teach about the Earth, and the importance of taking care of our environment. Various exhibits will offer information and enjoyable activities that help children appreciate our animal friends, water quality, conserving energy and preserving natural resources. In addition to their ongoing exhibits, you will find special Earth Day presentations and activities.

Hike a nature trail:

Take your children along for a quality time hike. Spring is a perfect time to do this, with all the new plant growth and baby animals making an appearance, it makes the hike all the more exciting. While hiking stress the importance of preserving our natural areas, and model environmentally sound practices for your young ones. Be sure to carry recyclable water containers, do not litter, and enjoy all the beauty around you!

Become an activist:

It is easy to become an Earth Day activist! Participate in your local Earth Day events. Pass out literature, man an exhibit or booth. Plant a tree or flowers. Start a compost pile or build a rain barrel. Sort your trash and take the recyclables to your local recycling plant. Have your children help. You will be amazed at how much fun they will have working on Earth Day!

Teach and play games:

There are all kinds of games and activities that provide environmental information within the framework of fun and action packed games. Visit Lesson Planet. Not only does Lesson Planet provide ideas for games, it is a great resource for lesson plans for teachers and parents of home-schoolers. The website does charge a nominal fee for membership, but also offers a free trial.

Try a new craft:

Try recycling your own paper. To learn more about recycling paper, visit: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/ 820961/how_to_recycle_paper_ho memade_letter_paper/. Be sure to add a little gelatin (in the pudding section of the grocery store) to the paper so it will make suitable writing paper! After the paper is dried use it for notes, cards or art projects. Check out Kaboose's Earth Day craft page, for more ideas you and the kids can make together: http://crafts.kaboose.com/holi days/earth-day/earth_day_craft s.html.

Enter or create a contest:

Enlist the help of your children and enter an Earth Day related contest. Most local festivals will have contests for the most creative use of various recycled materials. There are also several organizations that enter you in cash and prize drawings when you pledge to commute or use alternate energy saving transportation. Enter the contest and ride a bike with your children. You can also create your own contest. Keep score of who turns off unused lights and appliances and award the winner with a special treat. Challenge your kids to come up with new ways to reuse old toys and items such as cereal boxes, juice boxes and bottles.

Make it a habit:

After you see how much fun your children have on Earth Day, find ways to incorporate earth friendly activities and teachable moments during the rest of the year. Keep exploring, learning and sharing different ways to take care of our Mother Earth. Whenever possible, be consistent and help your children develop earth friendly habits that will provide them a better tomorrow.

Learn more about this author, Cindy Hartzell.
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