Explained for kids ages 5 to 9
Earth Day for kids
Earth Day is a day every year, on April 22, when people all over the world do something to take care of our planet. The first Earth Day was in 1970. In 2027, Earth Day is on a Thursday.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a reminder that the planet is our home and we all share it. On Earth Day, families, schools and whole towns plant trees, clean up parks, save energy and find ways to make less garbage.
How did Earth Day start?
The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970, in the United States. Senator Gaylord Nelson wanted people to care about pollution, and millions joined in. Today Earth Day is celebrated in almost every country in the world, including Canada.
Why does Earth Day matter?
Everything we use comes from the Earth: wood, water, metal, plastic. When we waste things, we use up more of the Earth. When we fix, share and reuse things, we use less.
10 ways kids can help on Earth Day (and every day)
1. Fix something
Sew a toy, tape a book, oil a squeaky wheel. A fixed thing stays out of the garbage.
2. Give away what you have outgrown
Toys, books and clothes in good shape can make another kid happy.
3. Pack a waste-free lunch
Reusable box, reusable bottle, cloth napkin.
4. Sort the recycling
Rinse cans and bottles, flatten boxes, and learn what your town takes.
5. Turn off lights and taps
Every light off and every tap closed saves energy and water.
6. Plant something
A seed in a cup, a tree with your class, or scraps regrown on a windowsill.
7. Walk, bike or roll
Leave the car at home for one trip.
8. Pick up litter
With gloves and a grown-up, clean up your schoolyard or a park.
9. Borrow instead of buying
Library books, toy swaps, sharing with friends.
10. Make art from "junk"
Egg cartons, boxes and bottle caps make great crafts.
Earth Day questions kids ask
What is Earth Day for kids?
Earth Day is a day every year, on April 22, when people all over the world do something to take care of our planet: planting trees, picking up litter, saving energy and making less waste.
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is on April 22 every year. In 2027 it falls on a Thursday.
When was the first Earth Day?
The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970, in the United States. Millions of people took part, and today it is celebrated in almost every country, including Canada.
Who started Earth Day?
US Senator Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea for the first Earth Day in 1970, with organizer Denis Hayes.
How can kids celebrate Earth Day?
Kids can fix a broken toy, give away outgrown things, plant a seed, sort the recycling, pick up litter with a grown-up, or read an Earth Day book together.