13 Easy & Simple Earth Day Crafts for Kids

Earth Day is a perfect time for little ones to learn about nature, recycling, and caring for our planet—all while having fun!

These 13 easy and simple crafts are designed especially for preschoolers and kindergarteners, using everyday materials and hands-on creativity.

Let’s celebrate the environment with crafts that spark joy and eco-awareness!

See also: 188+ Best Earth Day Quotes (for kids)

13 Easy & Simple Earth Day Crafts for Kids

1. Recycled Bottle Planters

Materials:
• Empty plastic bottles
• Scissors (with adult supervision)
• Paint and brushes
• Potting soil
• Seeds (herbs or small flowers)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the plastic bottle and cut out a “window” on the side.
2. Let your child decorate the bottle with colorful paints.
3. Fill it with soil and help them plant a seed.
4. Place the bottle in a sunny spot and watch it grow!

Benefits:
Recycles plastic and teaches children about plant growth.

2. Egg Carton Seed Starters

Materials:
• Egg cartons
• Soil
• Seeds
• Paint, markers, or stickers for decoration

Instructions:

1. Cut the egg carton into individual cups.
2. Fill each cup with a little soil and plant a seed.
3. Allow your child to decorate the carton cups.
4. Once the seedlings grow, they can be transferred to a garden or pot.

Benefits:
Encourages recycling while introducing kids to the wonders of nature.

3. Paper Plate Earth

Materials:
• Paper plates
• Blue and green paint (or markers)
• Glue and additional craft supplies like glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Paint the entire plate blue.
2. Once dry, have your child draw or paint the continents using green (and add details with markers).
3. Add extra decorations, such as glitter, to make it shine.

Benefits:
A fun way to teach children about our planet and its continents.

4. Nature Collage

Materials:
• Construction paper
• Glue
• A collection of leaves, twigs, flowers, and other natural treasures

Instructions:

1. Go on a nature walk with your child to collect items.
2. Arrange the items on the construction paper.
3. Help them glue the items in place to create a unique collage.

Benefits:
Encourages exploration and appreciation of natural textures and colors.

5. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder

Materials:
• Empty toilet paper rolls
• Peanut butter or a non-allergenic alternative
• Birdseed
• String

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter all over the roll.
2. Roll it in birdseed until evenly covered.
3. Thread a piece of string through the roll and hang it outside on a tree branch.

Benefits:
Attracts local birds and helps children connect with wildlife.

6. Leaf Printing

Materials:
• Leaves (collected from nature)
• Washable paint
• Paper
• Brushes

Instructions:

1. Have your child paint one side of a leaf.
2. Press the painted side onto the paper to create a print.
3. Repeat with different leaves and colors to create a vibrant design.

Benefits:
A simple, tactile activity that teaches about textures and natural shapes.

7. Handprint Flowers

Materials:
• Washable paint
• Paper
• Markers for additional details

Instructions:

1. Help your child paint their hand with non-toxic paint.
2. Press their hand onto the paper to create a flower petal shape.
3. Draw a stem and a center to finish the flower.

Benefits:
Creates lasting memories while encouraging fine motor skills and creativity.

8. Recycled Crayon Art

Materials:
• Old or broken crayons
• Silicone molds or small containers
• Parchment paper
• An oven (adult supervision required)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven (with adult help) to gently melt the crayons in molds.
2. Arrange crayon pieces in each mold and place on parchment paper.
3. Bake for a short time until the crayons melt and form new shapes.
4. Allow to cool before handing them back to your child for art projects.

Benefits:
A fun, eco-friendly way to reuse old crayons (always ensure adult supervision during baking).

9. Nature Wreath

Materials:
• A paper or foam circle (or a DIY ring from recycled materials)
• Glue
• Leaves, twigs, small flowers, and other natural items

Instructions:

1. Arrange the natural items around the circle in a wreath shape.
2. Help your child glue each item in place.
3. Hang the finished wreath on a door or wall to celebrate Earth Day.

Benefits:
Promotes creativity and teaches kids about natural textures and patterns.

10. Paper Recycling Flowers

Materials:
• Old magazines or newspapers
• Scissors
• Glue
• A paper plate or a different paper base for the flower center

Instructions:

1. Cut out petal shapes from recycled paper.
2. Arrange and glue the petals around a paper plate or another paper circle to form a flower.
3. Decorate the center with markers or additional paper scraps.

Benefits:
Encourages recycling and creative reuse of paper materials.

11. DIY Seed Bombs

Materials:
• Soil
• Clay powder
• A mix of seeds (wildflowers or herbs work well)
• Water

Instructions:

1. Mix equal parts of soil and clay powder.
2. Stir in a generous amount of seeds.
3. Add a little water to form a dough-like mixture.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls and let them dry completely.
5. Toss them into a garden or a bare patch of land and wait for magic!

Benefits:
An engaging way to introduce gardening and seed dispersal concepts to kids.

12. Painted Rock Garden

Materials:
• Smooth, flat rocks
• Washable paints and brushes
• Clear sealant (optional, for longevity)

Instructions:

1. Let your child paint fun designs, animals, or patterns on the rocks.
2. Once dry, arrange the painted rocks together to create a mini garden display, indoors or outdoors.
3. Optionally, apply a sealant to protect the artwork (adult assistance needed).

Benefits:
Transforms ordinary rocks into beautiful art while inspiring creativity and environmental awareness.

13. Earth Day Banner

Materials:
• Recycled paper or cardboard
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• Scissors and glue
• String

Instructions:

1. Cut the paper or cardboard into fun banner shapes.
2. Have your child decorate each piece with Earth-themed designs (trees, flowers, the globe).
3. Use glue or tape to attach the pieces to a string.
4. Hang the banner in your home or classroom as a festive Earth Day decoration.

Benefits:
Creates a festive atmosphere and reinforces the message of caring for our planet.

Earth Day offers a wonderful opportunity for children to explore creativity, learn about sustainability, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment. These crafts not only make for fun activities but also empower kids to contribute to a greener future—one project at a time!

Happy crafting and have a wonderful Earth Day!