40 Best Ways to Celebrate Earth Day & Earth Month 2026

by Meaghan Weeden March 12, 2026 12 min read

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Key Takeaways: Ideas to Help You Celebrate Earth Month

  • Support reforestation to restore forests, improve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change during Earth Month.
  • Volunteer in your community by joining cleanups or conservation projects to make a tangible local environmental impact.
  • Reduce your environmental footprint through everyday actions like conserving energy and water, cutting down on waste, and choosing sustainable products.
  • Spend time in nature and learn about local ecosystems to deepen your connection to the environment.
  • Engage others in climate action by organizing events, sharing resources, or encouraging workplace and school sustainability initiatives.

40 Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Throughout April Earth Month

Spring has sprung, and Earth Day is right around the corner! If you're anything like us, you're probably itching to do all the nature-related things and perhaps wondering: are there any fun things to do near me?

This year's Earth Day 2026 theme of "Our Power, Our Planet" reminds us that environmental progress is powered by everyday community action. From supporting reforestation to learning how to ID trees and starting a compost, there are plenty of ways you can live that idea throughout April — no matter where you live. The best part? Most of these won't cost you a penny!

Get Outside & Explore

Climb a Tree

You don't have to be a kid to climb trees, but you may need to channel your inner child for a little while (and be willing to look a little silly). Remember a few key safety points: find a tree with low branches and access points, test every branch to make sure it’s alive before resting your full weight on it, and resist the impulse to climb to the top, as higher branches tend to be younger (and more fragile). Just take your time and keep close to the trunk (where the branches are sturdiest) and you should be fine. Once you get comfortable, sit back and enjoy the view!

Go Geocaching

If you love nature + adventures but haven't tried geocaching, what are you waiting for? Download the official geocache app, and hiking will never be the same (sorry not sorry!).  With varying difficulty levels, this is a great activity for all ages: some geocaches are in big containers and easy to find spots, while others are so tiny they require a seriously good eye to catch. Be sure to carry a few small treasures you won't mind leaving behind, and record your name on the included list to let other "cachers" know you've been by!

Go on a Mushroom Walk

Mushrooms are incredible, and there's much more to them than meets the eye. The part we think of as the mushroom is called the "fruiting body". Beneath the soil surface, mushrooms have intricate mycelium networks that can stretch for miles. Feeling intrigued? Mycologists love nerding out about their favorite subject, so sign up for a mushroom walk near you. Prepare to have your socks knocked off when you learn about all the mushroom varieties that are growing around you!

Learn How to ID Trees

If you're like us and LOVE trees, you may already be pretty good at identifying your favorite tree species. If not, pick up a local tree ID guide and see if you can identify the trees around your yard or along your favorite trail. Trees are most commonly identified by their bark, leaves, and buds. It's helpful to be proficient in all three points of identification so you'll be able to confidently ID throughout the year. If you'd prefer to learn in-person, sign yourself up for a tree ID walk with your local conservation organization!

Break Out The Binoculars

Grab binoculars and a local birding guide (or the Merlin app!) and head outside for some good old fashioned bird watching. See what species you can identify based on their songs, physical features, and activities. You might be surprised to learn what your feathered neighbors are up to.

Try Forest Bathing

From towering evergreens to meandering streams, nature is there for us to lean on — we just have to open ourselves up to it. Forest bathing has many proven health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and strengthening your immune system. Plus, it’s as simple as it gets: all you need is trees and time. So head to a forested area and take it all in. Keep in mind: the more natural the setting the better, as it will offer up more for your senses.

Go Stargazing

Next time there's a cloud-free night, grab a few blankets and a thermos filled with hot chocolate or tea, and snuggle up under the stars. Test your knowledge with a stargazer app, or just lay back and gaze upon the infinite mystery of the galaxies. We firmly believe the world would be a better place if more people stopped to look at the stars every once in a while. 

Tour Your Local Waterfalls

If you're lucky enough to live in an area with natural waterfalls, act like a tourist and take a local waterfall tour. What does this mean? Make yourself an itinerary and plan to hit at least three waterfalls within an hour drive from your home. Pack a picnic basket with tasty food and beverages, and make sure to have your phone or camera ready for epic waterfall shots!

Take Action for the Planet

Donate to Plant Trees!

Plant trees to support reforestation in the landscapes where it is needed most. Because when it comes to protecting the planet, trees are the real OG's — and planting them has consistently ranked as a top climate change solution. After all, trees help clean the air we breathe and the water we drink, reduce erosion and improve soil health, provide habitat for biodiversity, absorb carbon, and so much more!

Clean Up Your Local Environment

Nothing says Earth Day like cleaning up trash at local parks or community areas. And with the right group, it can be fun! So volunteer for a clean-up, make sure you are properly attired (yard clothes, sun protection, thick gloves, and a sturdy pair of boots), and get picking! No events near you? Start your own! Invite your friends and family to join you for a rewarding day that ends with a potluck or pizza party to celebrate all that hard work.

Pull Invasive Species

Reach out to your local environmental organization to learn what species are invasive to your area, and how to properly ID them. You may also be able to join an organized invasive species pull to get some experience under your belt. While this sounds suspiciously like manual labor, there's an odd satisfaction to be found in yanking invasive species out of the ground — especially knowing you've reduced the competition pressure on native trees and shrubs that local wildlife depends on.

Befriend Your Local Pollinators

Support your local environment by planting native, pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs — either in containers on your balcony or directly in the ground in your backyard. The birds and the bees will thank you!

Harvest The Rain

Depending on your local ordinances and rainfall, you may be able to collect rain to help water your garden. You can either purchase one that's made with eco-friendly materials or go the DIY route and retrofit an old, clean barrel or garbage can with a lid, a spigot and a downspout. It may take a little effort to set up, but it'll be worth it over the long term!

Get Your Compost On

Depending on where you are, if the ground is thawed, it's the perfect time to set up a compost pile. Want step by step directions on how to start composting? Check out our free composting guide!

Brighten Up The Scenery (Seed Bombs)

With native plants, that is! Seed bombs (or seed balls) are simple to make and oh so fun to disperse. Just make sure the seeds are native and appropriate to plant where you spread them.  

Support Your Local Farmer

Visit a local farmers' market, join a CSA or sign up for a local produce delivery service. Not only will you be supporting growers in your area, but buying local avoids fossil-fuel intensive transport by air, land and sea. We guarantee the food will also be fresher, tastier, more sustainable, and way more nutritious. Bonus: by supporting local farmers, you’ll funnel dollars back into your local economy, which benefits you and your community.

Raise Awareness About Environmental Issues

Use your voice and platforms to share your love for the Earth, the environment and trees. Let people know what actions you are taking to protect our planet—and why it matters.

Start a Forest Fundraiser

Start your own fundraising campaign and share it with friends, family, and your community. Not only will you be advocating for the importance of trees, you'll be raising money for a cause that matters to you!

Get Active in Nature

Dust Off Your Bike

Haul your bike out of storage for some springtime adventures! If you have a local rail trail, awesome. If not, hit up designated mountain biking trails to take in your local environment in a different way. Just don't forget that helmet! Mountain biking requires balance, agility and a good sense of humor when (not if) you hit rocks, roots and other impediments not found on paved bike trails. We think it's worth it, though.

Do Some Outdoor Yoga

Gather a few friends or head outdoors on your own for a solo yoga session. Roll out your mat on a flat, tick-free spot and let your senses guide you through whatever poses feel right. This is a great opportunity to concentrate on mind-body wellness while connecting with the great outdoors. Bonus points if you can get to a local beach at sunrise or sunset for some nature-guided sun-moon yoga!

Break Out The Kayak!

If your local lake or river is no longer frozen, then there's no time like the present to get out there and start paddling! Even if the water is too cold for swimming, there's nothing stopping you from enjoying the scenery from your boat! Just be sure to follow basic safety measures: check for any safety alerts, inform someone of your plans, wear a life vest, apply plenty of sunscreen and pack plenty of snacks and drinks if you're planning to be out for a while.

Go Horseback Riding

Find a reputable (and insured!) local barn or trail riding service, make sure they take good care of their horses (and take your safety seriously), then prepare to enjoy nature like never before! They say the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a (wo)man, and we have to agree that there's something uniquely special about the experience.

Toss a Ball

Sometimes the simplest things mean the most, and playing a game of catch is no exception. Whether with a canine or human companion (or both at the same time!), it's a great way to get everyone outside and enjoying the springtime weather. If you don't come inside with an ear-to-ear grin, you probably need to spend more time playing!

Build a Simple Rock Cairn

This one is as simple as it gets, but it's a great way to relax your mind by working with your hands and focusing on one element of your surrounding environment. Just find some flat-ish rocks and stack them as high as you can. Leave it when you go so others can appreciate your handiwork or even add to it!

Have an Eco Picnic

Pack a healthy meal prepared with local ingredients, a bottle of organic wine and reusable dinnerware, and head to your favorite nature spot for a lovely springtime meal. Spring is a great time to picnic, especially if you can do it before the biting insects come out in full force. Listen closely to the sounds of nature and soak up all the energizing spring vibes.

Get Creative Outdoors

Make A Flower Crown

Channel your inner woodland creature and gather up natural materials that catch your eye, like fallen twigs, leaves, and flowers. Once you've collected a good sized pile, string or braid everything together to create a crown that would make Galadriel proud. To craft a sturdier piece, build a frame using a vine or metal circlet if you have one. And hey, if this inspires an inpromptou photoshoot? Well, we won't judge!

Make an Acorn Whistle

If you were a boy scout or girl scout, you may already know this tip, but it's a great party trick—and even survival tool if you need to signal for help. So first things first: find an oak tree and collect a few acorn caps (typically cast aside by squirrels after they consume the nuts). Make a V with your thumbs and hold the cap in your hands (with the top rim of it positioned in the middle of the V). Put your top lip on your thumb nails and your bottom lip below your thumb knuckles, and blow! You may have to adjust your hold and angle to get it right, but you should end up with a surprisingly loud, high-pitched whistle.

Rock Painting

Head outdoors and gather a few rocks that have smooth surfaces (they'll be easier to paint). Canvas secured, set yourself up with nontoxic paints and have fun painting words, faces, patterns, or anything else you can think of. The world is truly your oyster here, so have fun with it! Want to share your art with the world? Leave your painted creations in places where others will find them, like well-traveled hiking trails, near the beach, around your city or town, or on a friend's patio to brighten their day.

Make a Nature Mandala

Head outside to your yard, local park, forest or beach and gather fallen twigs, leaves, pebbles, shells, blooms, and anything else that catches your eye. When you've collected a nice cache of stuff, create a beautiful nature mandala to relax your mind and delight your senses. You'll know when you're done. And don't forget: it should be fun, not perfect!

Build a Fairy House

This activity is great for kids, but there's nothing preventing you from doing it, too! Spring is the perfect time to indulge in whimsical fun, so channel your inner woodland fairy and collect twigs, stones, moss, pinecones, and any other fallen materials you find to create a sweet fairy house that surely will make you (and everyone else) smile.

Try Your Hand at Macro Photography

Hone your macro photography skills and take note of the tiny details that comprise the world around you. When seen up close, everything from a tuft of moss to an ephemeral violet bloom can spark your imagination and inspire a sense of wonder. As they say, it's the little things!

Make a Full Moon Infusion

On Sunday April 12th, the Full Pink Moon will be glowing bright in the sky. For eons, humans have been following the phases of the moon, and this feels like a pretty special opportunity to celebrate spring with a nourishing lunar infusion. Place your favorite tea herbs in a clear mason jar, cover with pure water and a loose cap, and let it sit under the light of the moon for a magical, healing infusion the next morning!

Plan A Scavenger Hunt

The verdict is in: scavenger hunts are great fun for adults and kids alike. Take the traditional route and hide objects in the woods or host your own mini bioblitz! The person who correctly identifies the most plants wins bragging rights and a fun eco prize. It's a great way to get everyone outside — and a little healthy competition never hurt anyone!

Gather & Celebrate

Host A Farm to Table Dinner

Showcase the bounty of local farms with a spring-themed farm-to-table dinner in your backyard! Have everyone dress up a little bit, bring out a folding table, and set it as if you're a fine dining restaurant. Your family and friends will surely appreciate the chance to get dressed up and enjoy a uniquely delicious, sustainable meal in the great outdoors. 

Have a Backyard Movie Night

Rent or borrow a projector to bring the latest movies to a backyard near you! Invite a few friends, and make it extra special for any kid (and let's be real, adults too!) with cozy seating, popcorn, candy, and other favorite snacks.

Start Gardening

Whether you're direct sowing seeds or purchasing veggie and herb starts, there's nothing quite like getting your hands in the dirt to feel connected to the earth. And the organic fruits, veggies and herbs you'll get out of the deal are pretty great, too. Don't have land to work? That's okay! Just a few pots on your patio,  balcony, or in a sunny window can yield a surprising amount of delicious food. Got kids? Gardening is a great way to teach them food autonomy and foster a connection with the land.

Pitch a Tent

Even if just in your own backyard, a night spent sleeping under the stars can do wonders for your mood and outlook. So find a quiet spot, grab whatever you need to be comfortable, and enjoy a restorative night in the great outdoors.

Dry Your Clothes Outside

Spring has sprung! Temperatures are rising and the sun’s rays are getting warmer, so there's no better time to line dry your clothes and get that fresh air dried scent! Why bother? According to a recent study by the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, "Collectively, dryers cost more than $7 billion to power each year in [the U.S.], and generating that energy emits the equivalent of more than 27 million tons of carbon dioxide."

Leap Into Spring Cleaning!

With warmer weather comes renewed energy and a desire for a fresh start. For many of us, that means organizing and deep cleaning our living spaces, taking stock of our physical environment, and making adjustments that can help us feel less encumbered in our day to day lives. In other words: it's time for some good old fashioned spring cleaning!

Get your OM on (Nature Meditation)

Head to a quiet spot and find yourself a comfortable place to sit (bring a blanket and your meditation cushion if you need to). Settle into a comfortable position (you could even lay down) to meditate on the sounds and scents of nature. Breathe in the healing energy and vibrations of the natural world, and breathe out anything that's weighing on you. Do this for as long as you'd like — even just 5 minutes of meditation can do wonders for your state of mind.

So there you have it! We hope this list inspires you to get out there and enjoy everything nature has to offer. Just want to keep it simple? Support reforestation for Earth Day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Earth Day

What is the 2026 Earth Day theme?

The theme for Earth Day 2026 is "Our Power, Our Planet." It's centered on the idea that individual and collective action are the keys to a more sustainable future. The theme is a reminder that environmental stewardship is sustained by the daily decisions of communities, educators, workers, innovators, and families who understand that protecting the places they live and work is both a responsibility and a long-term investment. You can learn more and find events near you at earthday.org.

When is Earth Day?

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 in over 192 countries around the world. In the United States and many other countries, the entire month of April is recognized as Earth Month, providing an extended opportunity to take action for the environment beyond a single day.

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an annual event that aims to raise environmental awareness and inspire people to take action for nature. Common ways to celebrate Earth Day include beach or park cleanups, volunteer tree planting events, demonstrations, and spending time in nature.

When Was the First Earth Day?

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 in the United States. It was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson after he witnessed the devastation of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969, and was inspired by the energy of the student anti-war movement to create a national day of action for the environment.

What is a Brief History of Earth Day?

More than 50 years ago, an impressive 20 million Americans, approximately 10% of the population at the time, took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to protest alarming environmental issues. These protests focused on the impacts of 150 years of industrial development, including oil spills, toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides. Earth Day is credited with sparking the modern environmental movement and inspiring landmark legislation in the United States, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

By 1990, Earth Day had grown into an international event, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 nations around the world. On the 2016 Earth Day, the historic Paris Climate Agreement was signed. On the 2020 Earth Day, which marked the event’s 50th anniversary, it’s estimated that over 1 billion people participated in Earth Day actions, and 100 million observed the anniversary—making it the largest online mass mobilization in history.

What are the best Earth Day activities for kids?

Great Earth Day activities for kids include growing and planting a native tree from seed, joining a local park cleanup or invasive species pull, and creating upcycled art from materials that would otherwise be thrown away. In the classroom, teachers can divide students into "green teams" each responsible for an environmental action like composting or recycling, or organize a pledge wall where every student commits to one thing they'll do for the planet that month. A classroom forest fundraiser is another hands-on option. For more ideas, see our 7 Earth Day Activities for Students.

How can I celebrate Earth Day at work?

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day at work, whether your team is in-office or remote. Popular options include organizing a volunteer event such as a tree planting or park cleanup, launching a virtual fundraising drive for an environmental nonprofit, hosting a Meatless Monday challenge, or booking an environmental expert for a lunch-and-learn session. For longer-term impact, Earth Month is a great time to form a corporate green team, conduct an office energy audit, or launch a waste reduction initiative. Remote teams can participate through virtual fundraising pages, shared photo challenges, or giving employees a few hours off to get outside on Earth Day. For a full breakdown, visit our guide to 9 Earth Day Workplace Activities.

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