The summer holidays are a great time for the kids to unwind after a hectic school year. But one thing parents hate to hear from their children during this time is, “we’re bored”.
Instead of handing over the remote control or game console, consider these fun and Eco-friendly alternatives to keeping your little ones occupied and teaching them a thing or two about the environment too.
Here are five low-cost activities to keep the kids and the environment happy.
1. Go on an adventure
A simple walk or hike in your area is the perfect opportunity to learn about native trees, flowers and animals. Click here for some great ideas for outdoor activities. If you have the opportunity to get away for a few days, take the kids on an Eco-camping trip to a national park near your home.
Check out the following links to find your nearest national parks:
- For the UK – www.nationalparks.gov.uk
- For the US – www.nps.gov/parks.html
- For Europe – www.visiteurope.com/Discover/Themes/National-parks
Top tip: Encourage your child’s school to offer environmentally themed field trips and activities. This way, you develop your kids’ love for the outdoors.
Eco-rating: 3/5
Difficulty rating: Simple – may require a bit of extra effort
Cost rating: Free – the field-trip may incur costs
2. Creative and crafty
One of the best ways to take care of the planet is to get more life from things you already have. So instead of tossing out items like bottles, cereal boxes, or old clothes, show your kids how to transform them into something new and useful.
Explain the importance of reusing materials that still have a use, rather than throwing them in the landfill. More than fifty great craft ideas using ordinary household items can be found here.
Top tip: Make sure that your children are using Eco-friendly art products that are safe for the environment and for your little ones.
Eco-rating: 2/5
Difficulty rating: Simple
Cost rating: Art supplies costs vary
3. Green fingers
This activity allows you and your kids to get downright dirty in your very own garden.
Most children are not keen on eating their greens, so what better way to encourage better eating habits than to show them where their food comes from? You can teach them about photosynthesis and nutrient cycles, and how to care for their crops.
Why not use your very own compost too, by getting wiggling worms to break down all of your biodegradable waste. See how easy it is to set up your very own worm farm at home.
Top tip: If you don’t have enough space for a veggie patch, consider planting seeds in pots on your patio.
Eco-rating: 3/5
Difficulty rating: Simple – may require a bit of extra effort
Cost rating: Seeds, pots and soil are inexpensive
4. Get lost in a library
Children have endless imaginations, so why not fuel their creativity by promoting reading?
You don’t need to spend money on brand-new books and videos when you can get an endless supply at your local library. Plus, most libraries have special readings and presentations for every age group throughout the summer at no cost.
Top tip: Look for books to check out that teach an important environmental message, like “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, which teaches children about the importance of trees.
Eco-rating: 2/5
Difficulty rating: Simple
Cost rating: Free
5. Sharing is caring
An important lesson for all children to learn is to how to be charitable. This summer, don’t let shoes, clothes, toys, bikes and the like sit around your home when there is a lot of life left in them.
If your kids are no longer using something, or have grown out of it, donate it to a local organisation that may find further use in the item.
Top tip: If you and your kids don’t have any items to donate, consider giving some time and volunteering to help benefit people and the environment.
Eco-rating: 4/5
Difficulty rating: Simple – may require a bit of extra effort
Cost rating: Free – getting to the volunteering location may cost a little
A super summer
With the sunshine and blue skies overhead, there is no reason why kids need to be indoors 24/7. Instead, get them out and about, climbing trees, pitching tents or growing fresh fruit and vegetables.
Get their imaginations going with art projects and books, and watch the days go by in a blaze or colour and creativity. So play your part, by find entertaining and educational things for your kids to do this summer without taxing the planet, or your budget.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for freshness and consistency.
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Also, consider installing a swimming pool in your backyard for your kids to enjoy. Swimming is fun and also very beneficial for health.
By the way, saltwater pools are a better option from the point of view of sustainability. Because saltwater pools barely emit chlorine gases, saltwater systems are an eco-friendly alternative to chlorine-based ones.