How kids can celebrate Earth Day in Houston

With Earth Day around the corner on April 22, parents may be wondering how their kids can get involved and celebrate in Houston. Families can attend one of the many celebrations around Houston or participate at home.

Earth Day is a wonderful chance to foster environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility toward our planet in kids. A variety of places in Houston will have fun, kid-friendly Earth Day celebrations, and there are also activities and crafts they can do at home to get involved. 

Here are some opportunities in Houston that can help your kids get involved in Earth Day celebrations and environmental conservation:

1. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Earth Day Celebration

Join the Houston Arboretum on April 19 for a free, family-friendly event celebrating Earth Day. Activities include guided and self-directed nature hikes, hands-on crafts, informative booths, and live animal demonstrations. It’s an excellent opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife.

• Date: Saturday, April 19
• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Location: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024

2. Discovery Green’s Green Mountain Energy Earth Day Celebration

Discovery Green will host an Earth Day event on April 19 focusing on renewable energy. The celebration features interactive art, educational activities, live music, and crafts suitable for all ages. It’s a fun and educational way for families to learn about sustainable energy sources.

• Date: Saturday, April 19
• Time: Noon-5 p.m.
• Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

3. Urban Green 

The Student Conservation Association’s Houston Urban Green program offers paid and volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults to engage in environmental conservation projects. Participants can restore parks, build trails, and gain valuable environmental knowledge while contributing positively to the community. There are school-year, summer, and special fall programs, all offering different opportunities for kids to collaborate with their peers while doing activities like planting trees, conservation projects, and camping. 

Ages: Various programs for K-12
Location: Various parks and natural areas in Houston

4. Earth Day Celebration: Free Family Night at the Children’s Museum Houston

Here’s what to know about the Earth Day celebration at the Children’s Museum Houston:

Recycled Friendship Bracelets: Learn how to create a meaningful accessory from repurposed materials that support sustainability.

Times: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. at the Picnic Tables

Butterfly Buddies by Express Children’s Theater: A bilingual interactive show where kids can help perform a story about butterflies working together to save their endangered habitat.

Times: 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm in Brown Auditorium

Live Tree Giveaway: Celebrate Earth Day by planting your very own tree with Trees for Houston, helping grow a greener, healthier community.

• Date: April 17
• Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Location: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004

5. Houston Arboretum Teen Volunteer Program

The Houston Arboretum offers volunteer opportunities to work closely with the Conservation Team. Activities include maintaining native habitats, removing invasive species, and learning about local ecology. It’s a great way for teens to gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation.

• Ages: 13-17
• Location: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024

6. Eco-Friendly Crafts

Kids can get creative with recycled materials to make eco-friendly crafts. At home, they can make bird feeders from toilet paper rolls, design planters from old containers, or build fun sculptures using plastic bottles and caps. This teaches them the value of repurposing items that might otherwise end up in landfills. 

7. Plant a Tree or Garden

Planting trees or starting a garden is a great way for kids to connect with nature. They can plant native plants in their own backyard, helping to attract local wildlife while improving air quality. You can buy seeds for a variety of trees and plants locally at places like The Arbor Gate or Houston Garden Center. They offer a selection of native plants that are perfect for Houston’s climate, and have knowledgeable staff that can provide guidance on how to plant trees and care for your garden.

To plant a tree:

1. Pick the Right Spot – Choose a spot that has enough sunlight and space for the tree to grow. Make sure it’s not too close to buildings, power lines, or underground utilities.
2. Dig a Hole – Dig a large hole (about twice the width of the root ball and the same depth).
3. Place the Tree – Gently remove the tree from the pot and place it in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
4. Fill the Hole – Refill the hole with soil, patting it down gently to remove air pockets.
5. Water and Mulch – Water the tree after planting, and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots.
6. Ongoing Care – Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years while it grows.

8. Recycling Education and Action

Kids can use online resources to learn about how recycling works and the importance of reducing waste. Kids can recycle at home by setting up a station for plastic, paper, and aluminum or using green recycling bins placed near most regular blue trash bins outside.