Celebrate the Planet with Earth Day Activities for Preschoolers

Earth Day activities for preschoolers promote the importance of caring for the planet from an early age. Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22. It was first established in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (from Wisconsin)  to raise awareness about environmental issues. Today, more than one billion people worldwide take part in celebrating Earth Day by planting trees, exploring nature and finding simple ways to care for the planet together.

Looking for ways to teach your child how to care for the planet and give back to your community? We’ve gathered up our favorite Earth Day activities for preschoolers that are meaningful and memorable for the whole family.

Earth Day Activities: Plant, Grow and Explore the Outdoors

Springtime in Denver is the perfect opportunity to help your child learn about plants and how things grow. Celebrate Earth Day together by planting flowers at home, visiting a nature preserve or exploring a local community garden. Even simple moments – like digging in the dirt in your backyard or searching for bugs – can spark curiosity and teach your preschooler about how the environment supports plant and animal life. These hands-on experiences and other outdoor activities for preschoolers make it easy and fun for young kids to connect with the environment. 

Want more Earth Day activities for preschoolers? Try fun ideas like nature bingo, going on a nature walk or even exploring a National Park from home by reading together. PBS Kids offers “15 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Kids.”

You can also extend your impact by supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, which offers free trees for planting at home or in forests in need of restoration. Their work helps replant trees in areas affected by fire, insects, disease and deforestation, giving families a simple way to care for the planet together.

Preschool Learning By Pitching in and Caring for Your Community

Taking care of the planet can be simple, and it’s something you can do together as a family. Try picking up litter on a walk, helping out at a community garden or donating clothes and toys your child has outgrown for another family to enjoy. These small, hands-on activities help children learn about caring for the Earth while building kindness and responsibility.

Join a community-wide clean-up, like South Platte’s Annual River Clean-up at Centennial Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This family-friendly event is a great way to include your child in Earth Day activities for preschoolers and offers a great opportunity to get outside, connect with neighbors and care for the planet together. Learn more and register to take part.

You can also visit our blog for more easy ways to introduce your child to volunteer opportunities and give back to your community together. Also, check out our upcoming events as we continue to partner with incredible organizations throughout Denver that make our community better for everyone. 

No matter how you choose to celebrate Earth Day as a family, every effort – big or small – helps make our planet a better place for everyone.