Eco-friendly activities for the family

April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on our planet, appreciate nature's beauty, and take actionable steps toward sustainability.

And what better way to celebrate than by involving the whole family? From toddlers to teens, there are plenty of fun and meaningful eco-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some creative and simple ways to go green together this Earth Month.

1. Start a mini garden

Whether you have a big backyard or a small balcony, gardening is a great way to connect with nature and teach kids about where food comes from. You can plant herbs, vegetables, or pollinator-friendly flowers.

Make it a fun science experiment by tracking the growth of each plant and learning about composting food scraps as natural fertiliser.

Tip: Use recycled containers or old egg cartons as plant starters!

2. Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Take a family walk in a local park or nature trail and create a scavenger hunt list of things to spot — like a butterfly, a feather, or a tree with rough bark. This encourages kids to slow down, observe their environment, and appreciate the small wonders of nature.

Bonus: Bring reusable bags and gloves and pick up litter along the way!

3. Do a home energy audit together

Turn off unused lights, unplug devices, and look for ways to reduce energy usage. Get the kids involved by assigning them "energy detective" roles. They can check which appliances are left on unnecessarily or suggest ways to use less water during showers or dishwashing.

Fun twist: Create a family eco-challenge. Example — who can save the most electricity this month?

4. Try a no-waste craft day

Gather materials like old magazines, cardboard, fabric scraps, or bottle caps and challenge each other to create something new.

From toy robots to homemade bird feeders, upcycled crafts are a fun way to repurpose materials and spark creativity.

Pro tip: Share your creations on social media to inspire others and spread the Earth Month message!

5. Host a family swap party

Spring cleaning season pairs perfectly with Earth Month. Instead of throwing away items, host a swap at home! Let each family member pick toys, clothes, or books they no longer use and exchange them with each other. You can even invite neighbours or friends to join.

Eco-win: Less waste going to the landfill, and fewer new things to buy!

6. Watch eco-themed documentaries or movies

Curl up with popcorn and watch a family-friendly film that highlights the beauty of our planet or teaches about climate change. Some great options include The Lorax, Wall-E, Our Planet, or The Biggest Little Farm.

Discussion starter: After the movie, chat about what your family learnt and one eco-action you'd like to try.

7. Support local and sustainable brands

Use Earth Month as a reason to explore local farmers' markets, refill stores, or sustainable brands. Take your kids along and explain how shopping locally reduces carbon footprints and supports community businesses.

Activity idea: Let kids help pick fruits and veggies and create a meal using local produce.

8. Walk, bike, or take public transport

Choose car-free days when the whole family can walk, bike, or ride public transport to your destinations. It's healthier for the environment and for everyone's bodies too!

Make it fun: Plan a walking tour of a neighbourhood you've never explored before.

Earth Month is a wonderful opportunity to show kids that small actions can lead to big change. By making eco-friendly choices fun, hands-on, and family-focused, we teach the next generation to love and protect our planet every day of the year.

So grab your reusable bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to celebrate Earth Month the green way, with love, laughter, and lots of nature!

This article was first published in theAsianparent.