Earth Day is a special time to celebrate our planet. In this article, “Green Beginnings: 5 Unique Earth Day Crafts to Inspire Little Minds,” you’ll find fun and easy projects made just for kids.
These crafts use everyday items to teach little ones about recycling and nature. They are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
Each activity is simple and safe for small hands. Enjoy making nature mobiles, tin can wind chimes, and more.
Let’s gather our supplies and get creative as we celebrate Earth Day together!
See also: 188+ Best Earth Day Quotes (for kids)
18 Unique Earth Day Crafts to Inspire Little Minds
1. Nature Mobile
Materials:
• A small branch or dowel (or a sturdy stick)
• String or twine
• A mix of natural items (small leaves, pine cones, flower petals)
• Recycled paper cutouts (optional)
• Non-toxic glue
Instructions:
- Use the branch as the mobile’s base.
- Help the kids tie or glue various natural items and paper cutouts to different lengths of string.
- Attach the strings evenly along the branch.
- Hang the finished mobile near a window or outdoors and watch it sway in the breeze!
2. Tin Can Wind Chime
Materials:
• Clean, empty tin cans (small sizes work best – ensure edges are safe with tape or adult trimming)
• Paint and brushes
• String or yarn
• A wooden dowel or sturdy stick (for the top bar)
• Optional recycled decorations (like bottle caps or beads)
Instructions:
- With adult help, prepare the tin cans by smoothing any sharp edges.
- Let the kids paint the cans in bright, Earth Day colors.
- Once dry, help them punch a small hole in each can and tie a string to create hanging loops.
- Attach all the cans at varying lengths along the dowel.
- Hang your wind chime outside and enjoy the gentle sounds in the breeze.
3. Egg Carton Butterfly
Materials:
• One egg carton (use one segment per butterfly)
• Child-friendly paint or markers
• Scissors (with adult supervision)
• Pipe cleaners (for antennae)
• Googly eyes or paper for drawing eyes
Instructions:
- Cut out a cup from the egg carton to serve as the butterfly’s body.
- Have the kids decorate the body with vibrant colors using paint or markers.
- Attach pipe cleaners at the top for antennae and add eyes with googly eyes or by drawing them on.
- Optionally, cut out paper wings and glue them on for extra flair.
4. Popsicle Stick Garden Fence
Materials:
• About 10 popsicle sticks
• Child-safe glue
• Paint and brushes or markers
• A small pot or a mini garden scene for display
Instructions:
- Lay out the popsicle sticks side by side.
- Glue two extra sticks horizontally across the top and bottom to form a simple fence frame.
- Once dry, let the children decorate the fence with paint or markers.
- Place the fence in front of a small garden or potted plant to create a charming miniature scene.
5. Recycled Jar Lanterns
Materials:
• Clean, empty glass jars (remove lids)
• Tissue or construction paper
• Diluted water-based glue (or Mod Podge)
• Paintbrushes
• Battery-operated LED tea lights
Instructions:
- Have the kids tear or cut the tissue/construction paper into small pieces.
- Brush a thin layer of diluted glue onto the outside of the jar.
- Let them apply the paper pieces in a colorful, collage style.
- Once the design is set, add a thin sealant layer with more diluted glue.
- Place an LED tea light inside the jar, turn it on, and admire the warm glow.
6. Recycled Bottle Planters
Materials:
• Empty plastic bottles
• Scissors (with adult supervision)
• Paint and brushes
• Potting soil
• Seeds (herbs or small flowers)
Instructions:
- Rinse the plastic bottle and cut out a “window” on the side.
- Let your child decorate the bottle with colorful paints.
- Fill it with soil and help them plant a seed.
- Place the bottle in a sunny spot and watch it grow!
Benefits:
Recycles plastic and teaches children about plant growth.
7. Egg Carton Seed Starters
Materials:
• Egg cartons
• Soil
• Seeds
• Paint, markers, or stickers for decoration
Instructions:
- Cut the egg carton into individual cups.
- Fill each cup with a little soil and plant a seed.
- Allow your child to decorate the carton cups.
- Once the seedlings grow, they can be transferred to a garden or pot.
Benefits:
Encourages recycling while introducing kids to the wonders of nature.
8. Paper Plate Earth
Materials:
• Paper plates
• Blue and green paint (or markers)
• Glue and additional craft supplies like glitter (optional)
Instructions:
- Paint the entire plate blue.
- Once dry, have your child draw or paint the continents using green (and add details with markers).
- Add extra decorations, such as glitter, to make it shine.
Benefits:
A fun way to teach children about our planet and its continents.
9. Nature Collage
Materials:
• Construction paper
• Glue
• A collection of leaves, twigs, flowers, and other natural treasures
Instructions:
- Go on a nature walk with your child to collect items.
- Arrange the items on the construction paper.
- Help them glue the items in place to create a unique collage.
Benefits:
Encourages exploration and appreciation of natural textures and colors.
10. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Materials:
• Empty toilet paper rolls
• Peanut butter or a non-allergenic alternative
• Birdseed
• String
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter all over the roll.
- Roll it in birdseed until evenly covered.
- 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.
11. Leaf Printing
Materials:
• Leaves (collected from nature)
• Washable paint
• Paper
• Brushes
Instructions:
- Have your child paint one side of a leaf.
- Press the painted side onto the paper to create a print.
- Repeat with different leaves and colors to create a vibrant design.
Benefits:
A simple, tactile activity that teaches about textures and natural shapes.
12. Handprint Flowers
Materials:
• Washable paint
• Paper
• Markers for additional details
Instructions:
- Help your child paint their hand with non-toxic paint.
- Press their hand onto the paper to create a flower petal shape.
- Draw a stem and a center to finish the flower.
Benefits:
Creates lasting memories while encouraging fine motor skills and creativity.
13. Recycled Crayon Art
Materials:
• Old or broken crayons
• Silicone molds or small containers
• Parchment paper
• An oven (adult supervision required)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven (with adult help) to gently melt the crayons in molds.
- Arrange crayon pieces in each mold and place on parchment paper.
- Bake for a short time until the crayons melt and form new shapes.
- 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).
14. 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:
- Arrange the natural items around the circle in a wreath shape.
- Help your child glue each item in place.
- Hang the finished wreath on a door or wall to celebrate Earth Day.
Benefits:
Promotes creativity and teaches kids about natural textures and patterns.
15. Paper Recycling Flowers
Materials:
• Old magazines or newspapers
• Scissors
• Glue
• A paper plate or a different paper base for the flower center
Instructions:
- Cut out petal shapes from recycled paper.
- Arrange and glue the petals around a paper plate or another paper circle to form a flower.
- Decorate the center with markers or additional paper scraps.
Benefits:
Encourages recycling and creative reuse of paper materials.
16. DIY Seed Bombs
Materials:
• Soil
• Clay powder
• A mix of seeds (wildflowers or herbs work well)
• Water
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts of soil and clay powder.
- Stir in a generous amount of seeds.
- Add a little water to form a dough-like mixture.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and let them dry completely.
- 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.
17. Painted Rock Garden
Materials:
• Smooth, flat rocks
• Washable paints and brushes
• Clear sealant (optional, for longevity)
Instructions:
- Let your child paint fun designs, animals, or patterns on the rocks.
- Once dry, arrange the painted rocks together to create a mini garden display, indoors or outdoors.
- Optionally, apply a sealant to protect the artwork (adult assistance needed).
Benefits:
Transforms ordinary rocks into beautiful art while inspiring creativity and environmental awareness.
18. Earth Day Banner
Materials:
• Recycled paper or cardboard
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• Scissors and glue
• String
Instructions:
- Cut the paper or cardboard into fun banner shapes.
- Have your child decorate each piece with Earth-themed designs (trees, flowers, the globe).
- Use glue or tape to attach the pieces to a string.
- 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!
Ankit is an engineer by profession and blogger by passion. He is passionate to do all the stuff such as designing the website, doing the SEO, researching for the content, writing tech blog posts and more.
