Fun and Eco-Friendly Summer Activities for Kids and Teens.
Share
The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to bond with your children while teaching them about the wonders of nature.
Here are some engaging and environmentally friendly activities that will not only keep your little ones entertained but also educate them on the importance of taking care of our planet.
Disclaimer: Please supervise children at all times during these activities.
1. Compost Exploration 🌿
Materials: A compost bin or a designated area in the garden, organic waste (vegetable peels, fruit scraps, leaves), and soil.
Instructions:
- Create a small compost bin and add organic waste regularly.
- Observe the decomposition process and the creation of nutrient-rich compost for plants.
This activity teaches kids about waste reduction and sustainable gardening.
2. Seed Germination Experiment 🌱
Materials: Cotton pads, seeds (like beans or lentils), water, and clear containers.
Instructions:
- Place a cotton pad in a clear container, moisten it with water, and place a few seeds on top.
- Observe the seeds as they germinate and grow.
This experiment highlights the importance of plants and the water cycle.
3. Plant-Based Dye Experiment 🎨
Materials: White fabric or paper, fruits and vegetables (like beetroot, spinach, blueberries), pots, water, vinegar.
Instructions:
- Boil the fruits or vegetables in water to create dyes.
- Add vinegar to help the dye set.
- Dip the fabric or paper into the dye and let it soak.
- Rinse and dry to see the colours.
Your kids will love seeing how nature can create beautiful, vibrant colours.
4. DIY Bird Feeder 🐦
Materials: Pine cones, peanut butter (or nut-free alternative), birdseed, string.
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter on the pine cones.
- Roll them in birdseed until covered.
- Tie a string around the top and hang them outside.
This activity attracts birds to your garden, giving your kids a chance to observe local wildlife.
5. DIY Terrarium 🌿
Materials: Glass jar, small stones, activated charcoal, potting soil, small plants, moss.
Instructions:
- Layer small stones at the bottom of the jar for drainage.
- Add a layer of activated charcoal to keep the soil fresh.
- Add potting soil and plant your small plants and moss.
- Seal the jar and place it in indirect sunlight.
Creating a mini ecosystem teaches kids about plant care and the balance of nature.
6. Homemade Recycled Paper ♻️
Materials: Used paper, blender, water, screen or mesh, sponge.
Instructions:
- Tear the used paper into small pieces and soak in water.
- Blend the soaked paper into a pulp.
- Spread the pulp evenly on a screen or mesh.
- Press with a sponge to remove excess water.
- Let it dry to create recycled paper.
This is a great way to teach kids about recycling and reusing materials.
7. Homemade Rocket 🚀
Materials: Empty plastic bottle, vinegar, baking soda, cork, duct tape.
Instructions:
- Fill the bottle with vinegar.
- In a small piece of paper, put baking soda.
- Secure the paper with the cork.
- Quickly turn the bottle upside down and watch the rocket launch!
This fun experiment demonstrates chemical reactions and basic principles of physics.
8. Baking Soda Volcano 🌋
Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, washing-up liquid, food colouring, a small plastic bottle, and a tray to catch the mess.
Instructions:
- Create a volcano shape using cardboard or clay around the bottle.
- Mix baking soda, washing-up liquid, and food colouring in the bottle.
- Quickly pour vinegar into the bottle and watch the eruption!
A classic experiment that never fails to excite, showing the power of chemical reactions.
9. Water Filtration Experiment 💧
Materials: A clear plastic bottle, gravel, sand, activated charcoal, and dirty water.
Instructions:
- Create a simple water filter by layering gravel, sand, and activated charcoal in a plastic bottle.
- Pour dirty water through the filter and observe how it becomes cleaner.
This activity teaches the importance of water filtration and the value of clean water.
10. At-Home Spa Experience with Obvs Skincare Organic Oat Gentle Face Mask 💆♀️
Materials: Obvs Skincare Organic Oat Gentle Face Mask, accessories, cosy setting and don't forget your discount code.
Instructions:
- Set up a relaxing spa area at home.
- Apply the Organic Oat Gentle Face Mask from Obvs Skincare to each other. Have fun adding water to the powder and watch how it dries quicker on certain parts of your faces than others.
- Share secrets, stories, and enjoy some bonding time while the masks work their magic. The Gentle Organic Oat Face Mask is suitable for the most sensitive of skin - just wash off before it dries completely.
Teaching your kids the importance of self-care is just as crucial as teaching them about nature. Plus, you can save 20% on all face masks and accessories, making this a pampering treat for you and your little ones. Use LOVEMASK20 at checkout.
With these activities, you’ll be sure to create lasting memories while teaching your kids valuable lessons about nature and self-care. Enjoy the summer holidays and have fun exploring the natural world together!
