12 Eco-Friendly Summer Activities for Kids
Summertime is the perfect season for kids to connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and participate in hands-on eco-activities like cooking, gardening, and nature crafts. By being eco-conscious, kids can develop a sense of responsibility toward the environment while having fun adventures. Engaging in sustainable practices can also help children connect with their surroundings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Here are twelve ways to help get your kid(s) started:
1. Open a Sand Kitchen
Skip the plastic sand toys this year, and instead, head to your local thrift shop to pick up “new” sand supplies. Look for secondhand wooden spoons, stainless steel mixing bowls, bundt pans, muffin tins, and measuring cups. There is no need to buy anything brand-new, and these plastic-free pre-loved scores will likely last longer than any cheap, brittle plastic sand toys.
2. Pick Fruit
Head to your local U-pick farm and let your kids see firsthand where their food comes from. There is nothing better than a freshly picked, sun-warmed strawberry or a sun-kissed peach. And when researching online, don’t forget to consider organic U-pick options in your area, when possible.
3. Outdoor Movie Night
Hang up an old sheet and set up a secondhand projector for an outdoor movie night under the stars. Don't forget the snacks! (Check out this recipe for delicious, easy, low-waste popcorn.)
4. Start a Food Scrap Garden
Ends and stems do not need to be thrown out. They can be reused to grow more veggies. Show kids how by using “scraps” of romaine lettuce, green onion, cabbage, celery, and more to start. Check out these simple instructions to start your own windowsill garden using dinner scraps.
5. Have a Ball
Want to know how to keep your kids playing outside for hours this summer? Get them a box of 50 upcycled tennis balls for fun, eco-friendly play.
6. Make Treats with Overripe Fruit
Reduce food waste by using bruised and overripe fruit in summer smoothies, popsicles, pouches, and more. (Eco-Tip: Freeze overripe fruit if you’re not ready to make something with it right away.) Go plastic-free with these stainless steel popsicle molds to make refreshing frozen treats. Ditch single-use, plastic pouches and swap them for reusable, silicone ones instead.
7. Host a Purposeful Meet Up
Get your child’s friends (and their families) together and spring into action. Whether they’re 3 or 13, your kiddo’s playgroup can participate in a beach/park cleanup or host a group bake sale and donate the money to a favorite cause. Volunteering with other families builds community and allows you to come together for a greater purpose.
8. Dye Stained Clothing
Get the kids together and make some fun summer memories dying stained clothes. According to the EPA, only 16 percent of donated clothes are resold, and 84 percent end up in landfills or incinerators. Stained clothing is much more likely to wind up in the trash. Help reduce textile waste (and give your kid’s clothes some new life) by using natural dye to dye garments or get creative with tie-dying fully.
9. Visit a National or State Park
Let your children experience some of the most breathtaking places on the planet by planning a summer road trip to a National Park. Or, explore what's nearby and plan a day trip to a closer State Park.
10. Head to the Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market can be a great place for kids to experience new foods (hello, free samples) while also supporting local businsses. Allow kids to pick out fruit, count it, and help with the shopping overall. Generally there is also a local band playing which is often a big hit with the young ones. And don’t forget to stay for lunch! While you’re there, follow these simple steps to reduce plastic during your visit.
11. Make Outdoor Art
Create beautiful mandalas using leaves, sticks, and flowers collected from nature. Encourage your child(ren) to arrange the natural materials in intricate patterns on the ground or a flat surface to form stunning designs. This activity not only fosters creativity, but also promotes a deeper connection to the environment.
12. Go on a Picnic
Summer picnics with kids are both fun and eco-friendly. It's a simple way to connect with loved ones and the environment simultaneously. When packing for your picnic, use reusable food containers, cloth napkins (or bandanas), refillable bottles, and stainless steel cutlery to reduce trash. If you have access to compost at home, be sure to carry home any food waste for proper disposal.
Bonus: Head to Your Library
The library is an eco-friendly destination because it supports reusing and less consumption while encouraging excitement for books. Keep kids engaged by allowing them to pick out whatever looks fun and stock up on summer reading. Check out a book for yourself and set an example by doing some summer reading too!
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