Every year on 22 April, communities across the globe come together to observe Earth Day, a long-standing environmental campaign that has been encouraging action since its launch in 1970.

Initiated in response to growing concern over pollution and ecological damage, including the aftermath of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1990, it had expanded internationally, engaging millions of participants across more than 140 countries.

Today, Earth Day is recognised in over 190 nations, reflecting a shared responsibility to protect natural ecosystems for future generations. For early years settings, Earth Day 2026 is more than a date on the calendar—it is an opportunity to build foundational environmental awareness through hands-on, meaningful experiences. To support early years settings, we have collated 5 of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day!

1. Get Green-fingered

Planting seeds outdoors or indoors provides an excellent hands-on learning experience for young children, allowing them to observe life cycles in real time and understand the basic needs of living things. As they fill pots with soil, place seeds carefully, and water them, they naturally develop fine motor skills, patience, and early responsibility.

Beyond the physical activity, this simple task also introduces children to the idea that plants are essential for both humans and animals, offering oxygen, food, and shelter. The sensory element of feeling soil between their fingers also strengthens their connection to the natural world in a memorable and meaningful way.

2. Enjoy a Nature Walk

A nature walk is a simple but powerful way to connect children with the natural world. Encourage them to listen carefully to birds, notice insects, and observe trees, flowers, and changing seasons. This helps build awareness of their surroundings and encourages mindfulness.

You can also turn the walk into a mini treasure hunt by asking children to find different colours, shapes, or textures in nature. Collecting small natural items like leaves, sticks, or stones can later be used for creative classroom or home activities.

3. Create a Recycled Masterpiece

Using everyday recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic bottles, and egg cartons, children can build imaginative creations. This teaches them that waste can be transformed into something new and useful instead of being thrown away.

This activity also introduces early recycling habits and environmental responsibility. You can encourage teamwork by having children build a group sculpture or challenge them to design something useful, like a robot, house, or animal, using only recycled materials.

4. Earth-friendly Art

Earth-friendly art encourages children to use natural and recycled materials to express creativity in ways that are both tactile and environmentally conscious. After a nature walk, children can arrange leaves, stones, and sticks into patterns or small sculptures that reflect what they have seen outdoors.

Some may enjoy using soil mixed with water as a natural paint medium, discovering new textures and colours that differ from traditional art supplies. This process not only develops artistic expression but also deepens appreciation for natural materials and their diverse uses.

5. Earth-related Story Time

Story time provides a calm and reflective opportunity for children to learn about environmental themes through engaging narratives and colourful illustrations. Age-appropriate books can introduce ideas such as recycling, caring for animals, and protecting the planet in a way that is easy for young learners to understand. Through shared reading experiences, children begin to form emotional connections to environmental care, which supports long-term awareness and empathy.

Earth Day is a valuable opportunity to help young children build early awareness of environmental care through play, creativity, and exploration. Activities like planting seeds, going on nature walks, and using recycled materials help children understand that their actions can make a positive difference. By introducing these ideas early, we can encourage lifelong habits of sustainability and respect for the natural world.