Teaching our kids about how our planet works and the things that we can do to help our environment can be difficult especially when their heads are consumed with video games and the latest technology. April 22nd marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day so there’s no better time than now to get the kids involved in helping to preserve our beautiful planet.
Just a simple walk outdoors can provide you and your child with ways to discuss and discover our planet. Spring is the perfect time for a nature walk or hiking experience and there are several parks in the area that offer easy and safe trails for kids, such as: Topanga State Park, Balboa Park or Malibu Creek State Park. Even a walk around the neighborhood with the magnifying class can provide a closer look at the different trees, bugs and different types of life that belong to our planet.
There are several books offered that provide not only information about our planet and the environment, but that also give activities on how to be part of the solution to save it. The classic book “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss and “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, both are sweet fictional tales for all ages that presents a look into the importance of understanding and giving to our planet and the environment. “Green Crafts for Children” by Emma Hardy or “Recycled Crafts Box,” by Laura C. Martin, both give ways for kids to make fun crafts with reusable materials.
There are also festivals being given around the Los Angeles area to honor Earth Day. On Sunday, April 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Star Eco Station is having their 10th annual Children’s Earth Day festival, admission is free and tours of the Star Eco Station are $5. Kids will have the chance to meet celebrity guests and environmental heroes, eat exotic foods, play Eco games, and make environmentally conscious crafts. There will be live entertainment and giveaways. It’s located at The Non-Profit Environmental Science Museum & Exotic Wildlife Rescue Center in Culver City, for more information go to www.ecostation.org.
