World Environment Day, celebrated every year on 5th June, is a brilliant opportunity to help children connect with nature and learn how they can protect the planet.
Whether you’re planting seeds in the garden, crafting with recycled materials, or heading out on a bug-spotting adventure, there are so many fun ways to teach little ones about sustainability and the environment.
This special day isn’t just about learning facts—it’s about building a lifelong love for the world around us. The activities below are designed to spark curiosity, encourage hands-on exploration, and nurture a sense of responsibility for the Earth. They’re also perfect for spending quality time together as a family, with a healthy dose of fresh air and creativity.
So grab your wellies, your craft box, or just your sense of adventure—and let’s celebrate the planet in playful, meaningful ways!
World Environment Day activity ideas
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Skimming Stones
A timeless outdoor challenge — find the perfect flat stone and see how many times you can make it bounce across the water.
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Sand Mummy Wrap
Sculpt something silly in the sand by gently burying arms or legs — a fun and creative way to turn someone into a sand mermaid, dinosaur or superhero!
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Elderflower Cordial
A lovely seasonal activity that starts with foraging and ends with a refreshing homemade drink. Get outside, pick some elderflowers, and make something delicious together.
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Go Foraging
Foraging is a hands-on way for children to connect with nature, learn about the seasons, and discover wild food — all with close adult supervision.
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Rockpooling
Explore tide pools and discover tiny sea creatures hiding between the rocks — perfect for curious little beach adventurers.
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Join a Forest School Group
Forest school sessions give children the chance to explore the outdoors, learn practical skills, and grow in confidence through nature-based play.
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Rock and Shell Hunt
A calming and mindful seaside activity where children collect beautiful shells and stones — perfect for quiet exploration and discovery.
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Geocaching
Head outdoors with your phone or GPS and hunt for hidden treasures! Geocaching is a brilliant way to explore new places, get active, and add a bit of adventure to your walk.
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Build a Campfire
Learn how to safely build a campfire and enjoy the magic of firelight. Perfect for garden evenings, nature outings, or family camping trips.
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Make a Bird Feeder
Help local birds thrive by crafting your own feeder from natural or recycled materials. A simple way to support wildlife and spark curiosity.
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Beach Clean
Turn your next seaside trip into a planet-friendly mission by collecting litter and helping protect marine life. A simple and rewarding way to teach eco-awareness.
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Visit a Pet Shop
Visit your local pet shop or aquarium to see rabbits, reptiles, tropical fish and more. A brilliant low-cost alternative to the zoo!
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Elderflower Fritters
Pick fresh elderflowers and turn them into a tasty treat! These light, crispy fritters are a hands-on way to explore seasonal cooking with kids.
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Leaf Rubbing Art
Use crayons and paper to uncover the beautiful textures of leaves. A calming, creative activity that blends nature exploration with simple art.
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Nature Bingo
Turn a walk in the park or garden into an exciting adventure with Nature Bingo! A brilliant way to boost observation skills and encourage outdoor exploration.
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Make Daisy Chains
Pick fresh daisies and learn to weave them into beautiful flower chains. A calm, creative outdoor activity perfect for sunny days in the garden or park.
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Build a Bug Hotel
Help local insects by building a bug hotel using natural materials. A brilliant outdoor project that encourages kids to support wildlife and explore nature up close.
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Bark Rubbings
Get hands-on with nature and discover the unique textures of trees by making bark rubbings using crayons and paper. A simple, creative outdoor activity.
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Make a Wormery
Learn about worms and their amazing role in nature by building your own wormery. A fascinating, hands-on nature project for curious kids.
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Have a Picnic
Grab a blanket, pack a basket, and head outdoors for a classic picnic! It’s a simple way to enjoy good food and even better company.
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Plant a Mini Garden
Create a mini garden in a pot, tray, or window box! This hands-on activity is a brilliant way for kids to learn about plants, nature, and responsibility.
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Grow An Avocado Tree
Turn food scraps into a growing project! With just a few simple steps, children can sprout an avocado seed and grow their own little tree.
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Nature Collage
Gather leaves, petals, and twigs on your next nature walk, then turn them into beautiful collages! A perfect mix of outdoor exploration and creative expression.
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Go for a hike
Explore nature, get active, and spark curiosity with a family hike! Every trail offers a chance to discover new sights, sounds, and moments together.
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Pebble Art
Collect pebbles of different shapes and colours, then create your own beach masterpiece — from animals to rainbows and everything in between.
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Sand Art Mandalas
Encourage mindfulness and creativity by making mandala-style patterns in the sand using beach treasures like shells, pebbles, and seaweed.
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Rose Perfume
Make a simple rose-scented perfume using fresh petals and water — a lovely way to enjoy nature through scent and creativity.
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Nature Color Hunt
Go on an outdoor adventure to find items in nature matching different colors, developing observation skills and color recognition.
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Backyard Bug Safari
Explore the fascinating world of insects and other small creatures in your own backyard with this educational nature activity.
However you choose to mark World Environment Day, remember that even small actions can plant big seeds of change—especially in young minds.
Let us know if you do any of the activities above. We’d love to hear from you!
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