Earth Day Nature Walk Adventure Guide

Earth Day is right around the corner, April 22nd to be exact! Celebrate our home and observe a day about preserving our planet than with a nature walk. After a long winter and keeping everyone cooped up indoors, this is a great way to stretch your legs and get outdoors with the whole family. Follow along for a fun and educational guide for your Earth Day Nature Walk! 

Pack & Prep: Earth Day Adventure Essentials 

Choosing the Right Location

Where does one go for an Earth Day Nature Walk? Check out nearby parks, local nature trails, a botanical garden, or even your own backyard!

What to Pack for a Springtime Nature Walk

If you're raising multiples or an active toddler, you've probably developed efficient routines already, but it never hurts to double check! 

• Sweaters or Windbreakers     
• Comfortable Sneakers
• Snacks & Drinks
• Wipes
• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Sunglasses 
• Umbrella 
• Hip Seat, Wagon, Stroller

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Spring showers tend to pop up at a moment’s notice. Planning ahead with umbrellas, rain jackets, or rain ponchos will allow the fun to keep going even in a bit of rain. Earth Day is all about connecting with nature, so plan on bringing an extra pair of clean and dry clothes to leave back in the car just in case! 

10 Earth Day Scavenger Hunt Items For All Ages

This interactive list features items that explorers of any age—from toddlers to adults—can easily spot along the way. Engage all your senses as you discover these natural treasures, whether your little one is exploring on their own two feet or enjoying the view from a stroller. 

- Smooth Rock

No matter where your nature walk takes place, search alongside pathways, flower beds, next to sidewalks, or at a park. Encourage your little one to feel the rocks and spot the difference between smooth and bumpy.

- Pointy Pinecone

Check under pine trees to find some pointy pine cones. Bonus points if you can locate a few for another Earth Day activity in this article!   

- Green Leaf 

The perfect opportunity to point out the colors of nature. From the bright blue sky, yellow flowers, and budding green leaves. See if your child can find all the colors of the rainbow. 

- A Trickling Stream

This is something your children will have to listen for. Any small waterway counts—even the local park's fountain.

- Soft Bird Feather

Search for a soft bird feather underneath trees or around large bushes where birds may be nesting. Just be sure not to disturb any wildlife. Allow the children to search but also teach them how to be respectful of the plants and animals that were here first.

- Wiggly Worm

Kids love playing in the dirt, and for today, we encourage it! Tip over some rocks or move around a bit of soil, and you’re sure to find an earthworm and maybe even some pill bugs— better known as a roly poly. 

- Beautiful Butterfly

With flowers starting to bloom, keep your eyes open for a fluttering, colorful butterfly. These insects prefer to hang out where wildflowers grow. Check near the edges or natural fields. 

- Silly Squirrel

We aren’t the only ones who enjoy some sunshine. These cute little critters will be running from tree to tree, playing, rolling about, and soaking up the warm spring breeze. 

- Flying Bird 

Be sure to look up towards the sky and point out any birds that are soaring through the trees. 

- Piece of Trash to Recycle 

Earth Day is all about protecting the planet. This is the perfect opportunity to teach our children how properly disposing of trash can protect nature. Not to mention why it's important to take the time to recycle.  

Extra Fun Earth Day Activities to do During Your Walk

Little Hands for a Big Cleanup 

Bring along some trash bags and gloves while out on your nature walk. Have one bag dedicated to trash and another for recycling. This is a great time to teach how to properly dispose of trash. Talk about what would be considered garbage, what can be recycled, and why we should recycle. 

Get Crafty With Pinecones

Pinecone bird feeders are a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Bring one of the scavenged pinecones home, spread on some natural peanut butter, and roll it in bird seed. Using a piece of twine, hang it in your favorite tree and let the birds enjoy! See how many different bird varieties will visit this repurposed bird feeder. 

Count How Many Animals You Can Spot 

Learning our numbers? Count how many dogs, squirrels, birds, and insects you see while on your nature walk. Bring a small notebook and allow the kids to keep a tally going. 

Make Earth Day About Getting Outdoors—Even if it’s Just to the Backyard!

Getting outdoors is incredibly beneficial for kids of all ages and stages. It promotes healthy activity, sensory development, motor skills, and it can improve moods drastically—even for newborns or babies in strollers. Being outside pushes the limits on imaginative play, which is perfect for those days where screens seem to be taking over.

 
Get Some Fresh Air 

Being a parent to multiples does mean a little more juggling, but by using the Foldable Infant Play Mat, you can keep your baby covered and cushioned while allowing everyone to be outside, reaping those incredible benefits. 

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Enjoy Safe Play 

Toddlers are quick, so having a safe space for them to play is a must. Having a portable Play Yard can allow those little wanderers a chance to sit and play outside while allowing you peace of mind. 

8-Panel My Play® Portable Play Yard

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Plan a Backyard Picnic

Planning a picnic or an afternoon snack time outdoors can make a fun activity for the whole family this Earth Day. Make it even easier by using a portable Booster Seat. This keeps your little one part of the group while they are able to enjoy a snack on an attachable table. 

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As Earth Day reminds us to reconnect with our planet, a nature walk offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the wonders right outside our door. Whether you're exploring with little ones experiencing their first spring blooms or sharing peaceful moments with older family members, these experiences create memories that last far beyond a single day of celebration.

We hope this guide inspires your family to step outside, breathe deeply, and celebrate Earth Day not just today, but throughout the seasons. After all, the greatest gift we can give our children is a deep appreciation for the natural world they'll one day be responsible for protecting.

What other Earth Day activities does your family enjoy?