I’m an atmospheric scientist. I study climate change, one of the most pressing issues we face today.
I don’t accept global warming on faith: I crunch the data, I analyze the models, I help engineers and city managers and ecologists quantify the impacts.
The data tells us the planet is warming; the science is clear that humans are responsible; the impacts we’re seeing today are already serious; and our future is in our hands. As John Holdren once said, “We basically have three choices: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. We’re going to do some of each. The question is what the mix is going to be. The more mitigation we do, the less adaptation will be required, and the less suffering there will be.”
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Earth Day is a great opportunity for kids to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
With so many fun outdoor games available, it’s easy to create an exciting day of activities that will help them learn about their environment in a playful way.
From tree climbing contests to scavenger hunts, there are plenty of ideas for parents and teachers who want to make Earth Day extra special for youngsters.
Let’s take a look at some of the best earth day games outdoors!
Tree Climbing Contest
The sun was shining bright on this special Earth Day, and it seemed the perfect occasion to celebrate our planet. To really get folks in the spirit of things, we decided to host a tree climbing contest!
It might sound like an odd activity for such a momentous day, but I think you’ll find that there is something quite cathartic about ascending into the great outdoors with your friends and family.
Our contestants quickly got up to speed and began scaling the trees like professionals – some of them even attempted to spot birds or count stars during their ascent!
The competition was tight but ultimately came down to two finalists who had been neck-and-neck throughout most of the challenge. In what felt like no time at all, they were both standing atop their respective trees looking out over the horizon.
It was a truly remarkable sight; these brave adventurers not only conquered physical obstacles but also embraced nature’s beauty from an entirely new perspective.
With pride in their eyes and life lessons learned, everyone descended back down to earth feeling refreshed and inspired by Mother Nature’s gifts.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for an exciting way to get outdoors and celebrate Earth Day, why not try a nature scavenger hunt?
It’s an activity that engages both adults and kids, and can include elements of outdoor exploration, animal tracking, and plant identification.
You’ll get to explore the wonders of nature, while having a blast at the same time!
To get started, you’ll need to decide on a location, create a list of items to find, and make sure everyone’s ready for the adventure.
Keep your eyes open and pay attention to your surroundings; you never know when you’ll find a hidden gem.
With a little luck, you’ll have a successful hunt and come away with a newfound appreciation for the natural world.
Outdoor Exploration
Welcome to the wonderful world of outdoor exploration! There’s nothing quite like a nature scavenger hunt to get your family, friends and even yourself out into the great outdoors.
From rock skipping to bird watching, there is plenty for all ages to discover when you set off on an adventure with a list of items in hand. Imagine the joy of searching for rocks that can be skipped across calm water or listening intently as birds sing sweet melodies from nearby trees. What exciting finds are around each bend? With a good eye and keen ear, you’ll be sure to find something new along the way.
And who knows what treasures await once everything has been checked off your list? Setting up a game like this doesn’t take much effort either—all it takes is a bit of creativity and some willing participants.
So why not give it a try? Who knows, maybe you’ll uncover hidden gems both inside and outside of yourself!
Animal Tracking
Ready for more outdoor fun? How about giving animal tracking a try! This activity is great for all ages and skill levels and can be done either on your own or with the help of friends.
All it takes is some patience, keen observation skills, and an eye to spot the clues that animals leave behind. You might find tracks in mud near a pond or feathers from birds perched atop trees—it’s amazing what you’ll discover when you look closely enough!
For something even more exciting, why not combine bird watching and pond dipping into one game? Not only will you get to observe nature up close, but you might also catch glimpses of fish swimming beneath the water’s surface.
And who knows what other surprises await once everything has been checked off your list? With so much potential exploration ahead, there’s no telling where this adventure could lead.
So let’s go searching! Whether you decide to venture out solo or bring along a few pals, it promises to be an unforgettable experience —and who knows what hidden gems might just show themselves along the way?
Plant Identification
Ready to switch up your nature scavenger hunt? Let’s try our hand at plant identification!
From wildflower spotting to bird watching, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Plus, you’ll get the chance to observe some beautiful flora and fauna up close.
It doesn’t take a lot of equipment either—all you need is a keen eye and a few helpful tips from an expert guide or book. Start by looking out for common plants like daisies or dandelions in grassy areas, then move on to trees like oaks, pines, and maples found deeper in the woods.
Don’t forget about identifying birds too; binoculars can help spot different species flying high above!
With so much potential exploration ahead, it promises to be an unforgettable experience —who knows what hidden gems might just show themselves along the way?
So let’s go searching!
Leaf Rubbing
Now that we’ve completed our nature scavenger hunt, let’s continue the Earth Day festivities with an activity that’s both creative and educational: leaf rubbing! This classic outdoor game is a fun way to connect kids with nature while also teaching them about different types of plants.
Before you start collecting leaves for your rubbings, take some time to introduce bird watching or maybe even do a bit of outdoor cooking together. These activities will help give context to the type of leaves they are looking for when it comes time for the rubbings.
For example, if you see a pine tree nearby then try finding its needles so you can create an impression of this evergreen on paper.
Leaf rubbings are easy to make and require few materials: just wax paper, crayons, and any kind of foliage (leaves, flowers, etc.). Have each child select two or three different kinds of leaves from around the area and place one underneath their wax paper sheet before using the other end of their crayon to trace over the top.
The result should be a detailed outline of their chosen leaf — perfect for framing as an Earth Day keepsake!
Planting A Garden
Gardening is a great way to celebrate Earth Day, and it’s also an activity that you can enjoy all year round. Planting your own garden allows you to reconnect with nature while getting some exercise in the fresh air.
Here are five tips for starting a successful garden:
- Start small; choose easy plants like tomatoes or basil that don’t require too much attention.
- Take advantage of local resources such as farmer’s markets and nurseries where you can buy organic seeds, soil, and other gardening supplies.
- Get creative with containers – repurpose old cans, buckets and even tires into planters!
- Consider companion planting – plant vegetables together that benefit each other from pest control to improved growth.
- Make sure to add bird feeders and baths so you can watch wildlife while tending to your garden!
From outdoor cooking over an open fire to bird watching by the pond, there are plenty of activities for kids (and adults!) to explore when spending time outdoors this Earth Day. Gardening provides families with the opportunity to connect with nature and their community while learning valuable lessons about sustainability – plus its fun!
So get ready to dig in the dirt, grow something beautiful and create lasting memories on Earth Day (and beyond)!
Water Relay Race
It’s time for the water relay race! This fun and active game is an excellent way to get your family outside on Earth Day while also teaching lessons about water conservation.
The rules are simple: Divide up into teams, each with its own bucket of water. At one end, place a pile of recyclable materials—things like plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, or any other reuse-ables you have lying around. At the other end should be a full bucket ready to receive all those items from the first team’s trip back and forth.
The challenge? Each member of the team must fill their empty bucket with as many recyclable items in the allotted time frame before running back to dump them into the second bucket at the opposite side. Then it’s someone else’s turn to run back and help out!
Keep track of how much each team collects over several rounds by measuring what they manage to bring back in terms of weight or volume. The winning team can win a prize like a special treat or bragging rights!
This game teaches important eco-friendly skills that everyone needs these days; plus it gets kids away from screens and off their feet in nature. It’s sure to create some lasting memories — not only will children learn about recycling but also about teamwork and having lots of fun outdoors!
Final Thoughts on Earth Day Games Outside
Earth Day is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy nature while having fun. These outdoor games are simple and easy enough for anyone, regardless of age or skill level.
So gather your family, friends, and neighbors together and celebrate the Earth with some fresh air and friendly competition. But what if you don’t have access to a backyard or park? Don’t worry! You can still play these games indoors in any space big enough for everyone to move around – just make sure it’s well ventilated as kids often tend to run around when playing outdoors.
I’m sure you’ll find something creative that works for your particular situation. Let’s not let anything stand in the way of us all celebrating this special day!
