Earth Day is more than a celebration—it’s a powerful opportunity to nurture eco-awareness in young minds. With the right blend of creativity and intention, even preschoolers can start learning what it means to take care of the planet. These 45 Earth Day crafts aren’t just fun—they’re rooted in sustainability, teaching kids how to reduce, reuse, and recycle while sparking their imaginations.
Why Earth Day Matters for Preschoolers
You might wonder—can a preschooler really understand sustainability? Absolutely! While the concept may seem complex, the core message is simple: take care of the Earth, and it will take care of you.
Earth Day introduces kids to the idea that small actions—like picking up litter, reusing materials, or planting a seed—can make a big difference. Preschoolers learn best through play, touch, and visual experiences. That’s where crafts come in. Crafting empowers kids to create with purpose and see everyday “trash” as a treasure waiting to be transformed.
What Makes a Craft “Sustainable”?
A sustainable craft is one that:
- Uses recycled or natural materials,
- Minimizes waste and avoids single-use plastic,
- Encourages reusing, repurposing, and appreciating nature.
These crafts are not only budget-friendly but also instill eco-conscious habits early on—like sorting recyclables, composting scraps, and valuing what they already have.
45 Creative Earth Day Crafts for Preschoolers
Let’s break these down into themed categories so you can pick what best fits your child’s interests or your classroom plan.
Recycled Crafts
1. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
These mini binoculars are perfect for imaginative adventures and backyard safaris. Preschoolers will love pretending to be nature explorers, spotting birds, bugs, or hidden treasures outdoors.
To make them, tape or glue two empty toilet paper rolls side by side. Let kids decorate with crayons, stickers, or construction paper. Add a string to create a strap they can wear around their neck. Feel free to stop by The Spruce Crafts for a tutorial.
2. Egg Carton Caterpillars
Turn a humble egg carton into a wiggly, colorful caterpillar! This craft teaches kids how to repurpose everyday items into fun, nature-themed characters.
Cut a strip of an egg carton (about 3-5 bumps long) and flip it upside down. Have your child paint it, glue on googly eyes, and attach pipe cleaners for antennae. You can head over to Poofy Cheeks for a tutorial session.
3. Bottle Cap Garden Art
Bottle caps become bright flowers or sunny shapes in this cheerful outdoor-inspired activity. Kids will enjoy the textures and colors while learning how to reuse plastics creatively.
Collect clean plastic bottle caps of different sizes and colors. Help your child glue them onto cardboard or thick paper in the shape of flowers, suns, or patterns, and add painted stems or leaves. Visit Suburbia Unwrapped to get started with a tutorial.
4. Cardboard Box Birdhouse
Instead of tossing out that cereal box, turn it into a cozy little birdhouse. It’s a great way to spark conversations about helping birds and protecting wildlife habitats.
Cut a small round hole in the front of an empty box. Let kids paint or decorate the outside, then add a small perch using a pencil or stick. Hang or place it outside to “invite” feathered friends. Drop by Instructables for a helpful tutorial.
5. Plastic Spoon Flowers
Who knew plastic spoons could bloom into colorful flowers? This simple project is great for fine motor skills and bright springtime fun.
Flip clean spoons upside down and paint the backs in bright colors. Once dry, glue them in a circle on cardboard to form flower petals and add a button or bottle cap as the center.
6. Magazine Collage Earth
Transform old magazines into a beautiful collage of the planet. It’s an easy way to teach preschoolers about the Earth’s blue oceans and green lands while practicing color recognition.
Tear or cut blue and green pages from magazines. Help your child glue the pieces onto a paper circle to create a patchwork-style Earth, then add a heart or handprints around it for a sweet finish. You’re welcome to check out I Heart Crafty Things for a tutorial.
7. Recycled Crayon Molds
Give broken crayons new life with this fun and colorful craft. It’s a perfect way to show how even small bits of something old can become something new and exciting.
Gather all your broken crayons and peel off the wrappers. Place them into silicone molds and bake at low heat (about 250°F) for 10–15 minutes. Once cooled, pop out your brand-new rainbow crayons! Come by Sprouting Wild Ones to receive a tutorial.
8. Tissue Box Monster Feeders
Turn an empty tissue box into a silly recycling monster that “eats” bottle caps, paper scraps, or bits of clean trash. It’s both fun and functional for clean-up time!
Cut a larger mouth-shaped hole in the front of a tissue box. Let your child decorate it with paint, googly eyes, and teeth cut from paper. Use it as a playful recycling bin in the classroom or home.
9. Juice Box Robots
Instead of tossing those empty juice boxes, let kids turn them into friendly robots with personality. This imaginative craft is a favorite for tinkering and storytelling.
Wrap juice boxes in foil or colored paper, then glue on buttons, beads, or small caps for eyes and dials. Use pipe cleaners for arms or antennae and name your new robot buddy! Visit Robert Mahar for an informative tutorial.
10. Paper Towel Roll Trees
Bring nature indoors by creating trees using paper towel rolls as trunks. Kids can build their own mini forest and learn about different tree types and leaves.
Paint or color the roll brown. Then, cut out leafy treetops from green construction paper or tissue paper and glue them to the top. Add texture with real leaves or crumpled green paper.
11. Milk Jug Planters
Upcycle an empty milk jug into a fun planter for small herbs or flowers. It’s a great way to introduce gardening and talk about where our food comes from.
Cut a clean milk jug in half horizontally and let your child decorate it with paints or stickers. Fill it with soil and plant seeds or small flowers. Place it near a window and watch it grow! Feel free to stop by Raising Veggie Lovers for a tutorial.
12. Old Sock Octopuses
Don’t toss that lonely old sock—turn it into a squishy octopus friend! This no-sew craft is perfect for storytelling and sensory fun.
Stuff a clean sock with fabric scraps or cotton, then tie a rubber band or string around the middle to form a head. Cut the bottom into strips to make legs and add eyes with glue or buttons.
13. Button Flower Bouquets
Old buttons become bright, cheerful blooms in this sweet and simple craft. It’s a lovely way to make gifts or brighten up a space using forgotten materials.
Pick a few colorful buttons and glue them onto flower-shaped paper cutouts. Tape or glue the flowers onto popsicle sticks or paper stems, then gather into a small “bouquet.” Visit Instructables to get started with a tutorial.
14. Cereal Box Puzzles
Turn your child’s favorite cereal box art into a custom jigsaw puzzle. It’s great for fine motor skills and visual recognition—and no waste!
Cut the front panel off a cereal box and draw simple puzzle shapes on the back. Cut out the pieces and have your preschooler put them back together again and again. Drop by Instructables for a helpful tutorial.
15. Junk Mail Shape Art
All that unwanted mail can actually become a treasure trove of colorful art supplies. Kids can practice their shapes while building fun, abstract art.
Help your child cut out bright sections from flyers or catalogs. Then, glue the pieces onto a sheet of paper to form shapes, animals, or even scenes like a house or garden.
Nature-Inspired Crafts (Crafts #16–25)
16. Leaf Prints with Paint
Leaf printing is a beautiful and calming way for preschoolers to explore nature’s textures. Each leaf has unique veins and shapes that create stunning patterns when stamped on paper.
To make them, gather fresh leaves from your yard or a park. Brush one side with washable paint and gently press it onto paper. Carefully lift the leaf to reveal its natural imprint—repeat with different colors and shapes! You’re welcome to check out A Piece of Rainbow for a tutorial.
17. Stick Sculptures
Sticks and twigs offer endless possibilities for open-ended creativity. Kids can build towers, shapes, or even mini log cabins while learning about balance and natural forms.
Collect a variety of sticks in different lengths and thicknesses. Use non-toxic glue or string to attach them into simple sculptures—squares, stars, or freestanding designs. Let dry and display indoors or outdoors.
18. Rock Painting
Plain old rocks transform into colorful bugs, smiley faces, or kindness stones with a little paint. This craft helps develop fine motor skills and encourages self-expression.
Choose smooth, clean stones and paint them using vibrant acrylic or washable paints. After drying, add faces, dots, or words of encouragement, and place them in a garden, yard, or gift them to others. For a tutorial, feel free to visit Art Is Fun.
19. Pine Cone Bird Feeders
This classic nature craft invites feathered friends into your backyard while teaching children about wildlife care. Kids love getting their hands a little messy while making something helpful for animals.
Tie a string around the top of a pine cone. Help your child spread peanut butter over the cone’s surface, then roll it in birdseed. Hang it from a tree and watch as birds come to visit. Visit One Little Project for an informative tutorial.
20. Seed Bombs
Seed bombs are little nuggets of possibility—kids can toss them into soil and watch wildflowers grow. It’s a magical way to introduce the concepts of planting, pollination, and helping bees.
Mix 1 part wildflower seeds with 3 parts potting soil and 5 parts natural clay. Add a little water to form small balls, then let them dry for a day or two. Once dry, toss them into your garden or a bare patch of dirt. Explore Epic Gardening for a tutorial and guidance.
21. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Pressed flower bookmarks preserve nature’s beauty in a flat, delicate form. Kids can gift these or use them to mark their favorite storybooks.
Gather small flowers or leaves and press them between sheets of wax paper inside a heavy book for a few days. Once dried, glue them onto strips of cardboard or cardstock and cover with clear tape or contact paper to protect them. Feel free to stop by Entertain The Idea for a tutorial.
22. Nature Crowns
Let your preschooler become forest royalty with a handmade nature crown. It’s a whimsical way to celebrate the outdoors and observe the details of plants and flowers.
Cut a strip of cardboard or thick paper to fit around your child’s head. Glue or tape leaves, flowers, bark, and small twigs to the band. Secure it into a circle and wear it with pride! You can head over to Tinkergarten for a tutorial session.
23. Twig Picture Frames
Twig frames are rustic, charming, and a fun way for preschoolers to showcase artwork or nature photos. It combines natural elements with creativity and a bit of building skill.
Find four sturdy twigs about the same length. Glue or tie them at the corners into a square or rectangle, then tape a photo or drawing to the back. You can also attach string to hang it up. Visit Hachette Book Group to get started with a tutorial.
24. Grass Head Planters
This playful craft turns a cup or sock into a goofy grass-haired friend! It teaches responsibility as kids water their planter and watch it grow like real hair.
Fill a sock or cup with soil and sprinkle grass seeds on top. Decorate with googly eyes and markers to give it a face. Water it lightly each day and watch the “hair” sprout within a week! Drop by Doodlecraft for a helpful tutorial.
25. Acorn Cap Rattles
This sensory-friendly craft uses acorn caps to create a soft, musical shaker. It introduces preschoolers to rhythm while using materials gathered from nature.
Glue several acorn caps in a line along a small stick or dowel. Shake gently to hear the soft tapping sound they make. Kids can decorate the stick with paint, ribbons, or markers for extra fun.
Upcycled Art Projects
26. Magazine Rainbow Collage
This colorful collage uses leftover magazine scraps to create a bright, cheerful rainbow. It’s a great way to teach color matching and sorting while reducing paper waste.
Flip through old magazines and help your child cut or tear out pieces in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Then glue the pieces in an arch shape onto a sheet of paper to form a rainbow.
27. Paper Scrap Mosaic
Instead of tossing leftover construction paper, turn it into a vibrant mosaic! This activity encourages pattern-making and creativity using what’s already on hand.
Tear or cut small pieces of colorful paper scraps. Have your preschooler glue them onto a larger piece of paper in shapes, animals, or abstract art. Let them dry and display their masterpiece proudly. Come by This Crafty Family to receive a tutorial.
28. Fabric Scrap Butterflies
Bring new life to old fabric scraps by turning them into fluttery butterflies. This project explores textures, colors, and symmetry in a simple, hands-on way.
Cut butterfly wing shapes from cardboard and let your child glue pieces of fabric onto the wings. Add a popsicle stick or pipe cleaner as the body and use markers to add eyes or designs.
29. Bottle Cap Stamps
Bottle caps make the perfect base for homemade stamps! Preschoolers will love creating their own stamps to decorate paper, cards, or wrapping paper.
Glue foam shapes, cork, or craft foam onto the flat side of a clean bottle cap. Dip into paint and press onto paper to create fun prints. Experiment with different designs and colors. Visit Laurie Berkner for an informative tutorial.
30. Plastic Lid Mobiles
Create a hanging mobile full of color and movement using plastic lids from jars or containers. This eco-friendly decoration is great for practicing patterns and coordination.
Clean and dry plastic lids of various sizes. Let kids paint and decorate them, then punch a hole in each lid and tie them to a stick or hanger using string. Hang it in a window or breezy spot to watch it spin.
31. Paper Bead Necklaces
Turn magazine pages or colorful ads into paper beads for jewelry. This craft teaches preschoolers about reuse while also working on fine motor skills.
Cut long, skinny triangles from colorful paper. Roll each triangle tightly around a toothpick, starting at the wide end, and glue the tip to secure. Let dry and string onto yarn or ribbon to make necklaces or bracelets. Feel free to stop by Instructables for a tutorial.
32. Cardboard Tube Animals
Cardboard tubes are the perfect base for building animals like owls, bunnies, and more. This open-ended craft encourages imaginative play and storytelling.
Paint or color the cardboard tube, then glue on paper ears, wings, tails, and eyes to match your chosen animal. Add googly eyes or buttons for extra fun, and create a whole animal family!
33. Old T-Shirt Yarn Art
Even a worn-out T-shirt can become art! By cutting it into yarn-like strips, preschoolers can explore weaving and wrapping with soft, stretchy “yarn.”
Cut an old cotton T-shirt into thin strips and stretch them slightly to curl. Let your child wrap the strips around cardboard shapes, glue them into swirls, or use them for finger weaving or bracelet making. Visit Rokolee to get started with a tutorial.
34. Puzzle Piece Earth Collage
Missing puzzle pieces? Don’t toss them! Turn them into a creative Earth Day collage to celebrate our planet’s beauty and complexity.
Glue random puzzle pieces into the shape of a circle on a piece of cardstock. Paint them blue and green to represent land and water, then add a heart or message in the center.
35. Sock Puppets
Give mismatched socks new life as silly, lovable puppets! This classic upcycled craft inspires hours of pretend play and storytelling.
Take an old sock and help your child glue on buttons for eyes, yarn for hair, and felt scraps for a tongue or ears. Once decorated, they can use the puppet to tell stories, sing songs, or put on a mini show. Head to Super Simple for a tutorial and learn more.
Earth-Themed Crafts
36. Earth Globe Collage
Creating an Earth globe collage is a fantastic way for children to visually learn about our planet while having fun with different textures and colors. This activity helps build an understanding of Earth’s continents and oceans.
Use a large piece of blue construction paper as the background. Tear up small green and brown paper scraps to represent landmasses, then glue them onto the blue background. Draw or paint the oceans in between, creating your Earth!
37. Recycled Paper Plant Pots
Upcycled paper pots are an easy way for kids to start their mini garden. It teaches sustainability by using recycled materials and encourages kids to take part in growing plants.
Use old newspapers to roll them into small pots, folding the bottom to seal them. Fill the pots with soil, then let your child plant seeds like herbs or flowers. Once they start growing, transfer them to the garden.
38. Nature Rubbing Art
Nature rubbing is a simple and sensory-rich way for preschoolers to explore textures found outdoors. By using leaves, bark, or flowers, kids create surprising and beautiful impressions on paper while learning about nature’s patterns.
Have your child place a leaf or flower under a sheet of paper. Using the side of a crayon (with the wrapper off), gently rub across the paper until the texture of the object shows through. Repeat with different items to create a collage.
39. Upcycled Plastic Bottle Planters
Transform plastic bottles into useful planters, teaching children how to repurpose waste into something productive. This simple activity encourages kids to take care of plants while promoting environmental consciousness.
Cut a plastic bottle in half and make small drainage holes in the bottom. Let your child decorate the bottle with paint, stickers, or markers. Fill the bottle with soil, plant seeds, and water to watch the plants grow. Visit Miss Known for an informative tutorial.
40. Nature Shadow Tracing
Shadow tracing turns a sunny day into a fun art and science activity. It helps preschoolers observe how sunlight creates shadows while also boosting hand-eye coordination and creativity.
Take a few nature items like leaves, twigs, or flowers outside on a sunny day and place them on a sheet of paper. Have your child trace the shadow outline with a pencil or crayon, then color it in or turn it into a scene.
41. Cereal Box Cityscape
Turn empty cereal boxes into a colorful mini city! This recycled craft helps preschoolers explore shapes, colors, and imagination while building their own little urban world.
Cut cereal boxes into building shapes—tall rectangles, squares, and triangles for roofs. Let kids paint or decorate each building with windows, doors, and fun details. Line them up on a piece of cardboard to create a standing city.
42. Upcycled Cardboard Tree Sculptures
Cardboard is one of the most versatile materials, and turning it into tree sculptures is an engaging craft for preschoolers. This activity also highlights how to reuse packaging materials to create something meaningful.
Cut cardboard into tree shapes and let your child paint and decorate them with crayons, markers, or tissue paper. Add texture to the trunk with crumpled paper or twine. Stand the trees upright on a base, and arrange them for a forest scene.
43. Nature Color Wheel
A nature color wheel helps children recognize the variety of colors in the world around them. It also encourages outdoor exploration as kids collect different natural objects to represent each color.
Go outside and gather leaves, flowers, stones, or twigs in different colors. Glue them into a circular shape on a piece of paper to create a colorful wheel. Label each section with the name of the color to add an educational element.
44. Earth Day Paper Plate Masks
These Earth Day-themed masks allow children to express their creativity while learning about the planet. They can decorate them with symbols of the Earth, like oceans, trees, or animals.
Take a paper plate and cut out holes for the eyes. Have your child color the plate blue and green to resemble Earth or paint it with their favorite Earth-friendly designs, such as forests or oceans. Attach a string to wear the mask.
45. Recycled Paper Mâché Earth Sculpture
Paper mâché is a fun way to recycle old newspapers while creating a three-dimensional Earth sculpture. This craft promotes creativity and gives children a tactile experience of shaping a globe.
Mix flour and water to make a paste. Tear up a newspaper into strips and dip them into the paste, then layer them on a balloon or a large round object. Once the paper mâché dries, pop the balloon, and you can paint the Earth with oceans and continents. Head to Created by Renee for a tutorial and learn more.
Tips for Crafting with Preschoolers
Crafting with little ones is fun, but it can be messy. Here’s how to keep it joyful and stress-free:
- Always supervise when using glue, scissors, or paint.
- Prepare materials ahead of time to avoid overwhelm.
- Encourage imagination, not perfection.
- Use crafting moments to talk about caring for the planet.
How to Extend the Learning Beyond Crafts
Crafting is just the start. Here are more ways to celebrate Earth Day:
Read Earth-Friendly Books:
- The Earth Book by Todd Parr
- Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals
- Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel
Sing Eco Songs:
- “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” (to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle”)
- “This Land Is Your Land”
Explore Outdoors:
- Take nature walks, do mini trash clean-ups, or visit a community garden.
Everyday Sustainability:
- Let kids help sort recycling, turn off unused lights, and save water while brushing teeth.
Conclusion: Planting the Seeds for a Greener Tomorrow
Earth Day isn’t just a single day—it’s a mindset. And it’s never too early to plant the seeds of sustainability in young minds. These 45 creative, eco-friendly crafts are more than just art—they’re tools to build a greener future, one tiny pair of hands at a time.
Which craft will you try first? Share your favorites and celebrate Earth Day with your little ones in colorful, conscious style!
If you’re looking for a reliable and nurturing environment where your little one can learn, grow, and explore, Baby Steps Daycare is here to guide your child every step of the way. We are dedicated to fostering creativity, learning, and sustainability in a caring setting. We have daycare locations in Forest Hills, NY (347-960-8334) and Rego Park, NY (347-644-5528), so we’re easy to spot and always ready to serve. Feel free to visit either of our locations, and let us be your child’s guiding light!
