Earth Day Activities for Kids

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Parents and children are invited to dive into our Virtual Library and enjoy ebooks, videos, music, crafts,
recommended reads, and more! Check back each week for a new set of themed activities.
Click on the title/image to go to the listed activity, or watch our pathfinder videos if you need help.
To access these activities, you'll need a Thousand Oaks library card and PIN.
Don't have a library card? Sign up for a card now!
If you have questions, call us at 805-449-2660 (M-F 10am-5pm) or email us.

Earth Day
Check out these quick Earth Day facts from Britannica Library for Children.

Arbor Day
Learn about the history of Arbor Day and the ways we celebrate it.

Conservation
Learn how conservationists protect nature, the challenges they face, and how all of us can help the planet.

WATCH AND LISTEN

Nature Cat (PBS Kids) Fred the house cat wants to be Nature Cat, an outdoor explorer. Like many kids, Nature Cat is excited about outside activities, but not always sure what to do. With fun missions and plenty of humor, Nature Cat inspires children to explore the great outdoors. To watch the show, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card, or click "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Sesame Street - Wild Nature Survivor Guy Wild Nature Survivor Guy (Jimmy Fallon) drops by Sesame Street to show kids that, even in the city, nature is all around us. To watch the show, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card, or click "Log In" if you already have an account.
Franklin's Earth Day Franklin is eager to help his class with their Earth Day project, but being too enthusiastic almost ruins it for everyone. This episode also contains Franklin and the Amazing Stupendous Circus Trick. To watch the episode, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card, or click "Log In" if you already have an account.
Earth to Luna! - Recycling Imagination and science combine in this series about a curious girl, her younger brother, and her pet ferret. In this episode, Luna, Jupiter, and Clyde learn all about recycling and what happens to the plastic yogurt cup that Jupiter almost threw away! To watch the episode, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card, or click "Log In" if you already have an account.
Curiosity Quest Goes Green (PBS) This upbeat, educational family show is focused on environmental issues. In each episode, viewers learn about being more eco-friendly and how people are helping Planet Earth. To watch the show, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card, or click "Log In" if you already have an account.
Earth Day (Little Tracks: Songs from the Forest, Track 8) Stream or download this musical pledge to protect the Earth.
Earth: One Amazing Day Soundtrack Enjoy beautiful, epic music from BBC Earth Films' Earth: One Amazing Day. Stream these songs anytime or download 5 songs per week.
Nature's Lullaby Collection Created with soothing nature sounds, this collection of lullabies is a great addition to bedtime, bath time, or quiet time. Stream these songs anytime or download 5 songs per week.
Nature Songs (from Ballads for the Age of Science) Using song and science, Marais and Miranda answer children's questions about nature. Stream these songs anytime or download 5 songs per week.
Water Baby - Nature and Nurture Presented by Baby Be Green, your baby or toddler will love this musical walk by the water. Stream these songs anytime or download 5 songs per week.

READ

Nature TumbleBooks Don't miss our collection of animated nature story books and videos. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the TumbleBook Library icon.
24 Hours in a Lake Spend a day on a lake and learn about the plants and animals that live there. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Celebrate Our Earth eBooks Check out our collection of green reads and environmental adventures! OverDrive ebooks are accessible from any computer and from any device using the Libby or OverDrive app.
Children's Illustrated Animal Atlas Explore animal habitats around the world! Each continent's habitats are introduced with climate facts, iconic animals, and native plant life. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
First Garden Activity Book With colorful pictures and easy-to-follow projects, this title has everything little gardeners need to know about plants and starting their own garden. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Forest Ever wondered what animals live in the forest, how the seasons affect forests, or how to conserve forest resources? DK Find Out! provides the answers, along with beautiful photography and lively illustrations. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Geologists at Work Celebrate the groundbreaking work of geologists! Travel around the world to see how different types of geologists study the Earth. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Habitat Destruction Learn what causes habitat destruction, how it impacts the Earth, and what humans can do to minimize it. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Pollution Find out about different types of pollution, how pollution and climate change are linked, and ways to reduce pollution in our daily lives. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Rainforest Discover giant plants and amazing animals on your trip to the rainforest! Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Renewable Energy Shine a light on natural energy sources, technologies that harness those sources, and why renewable energy is good for the planet. Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Woodland and Forest DK Nature Explorers takes readers to a world of trees, leaves, and woodland animals! Click on the book cover, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read this Gale eBooks title.
Save the Planet Reading List Find your new favorite Earth-friendly book for ages 0-8! In the list, click on "Check the Library Catalog" to see if the Library has an ebook copy.

EXPLORE

Climate Change Learn about the effects of Climate Change and possible solutions from Scholastic's TrueFlix. Watch our pathfinder video for TrueFlix first, then click on the Earth icon.
Farm to Table: Organic Food Find out how farmers grow organic crops and livestock, the differences between organic and conventional foods, and what food labels can tell us. Watch our pathfinder video for TrueFlix first, then click on the TrueFlix icon.
Alternative Energy Want to know how sunlight, water, wind, and other natural forces can be turned into energy? Plug into ScienceFlix's Alternative Energy to find the answers! Watch our pathfinder video for ScienceFlix first, then click on the ScienceFlix icon.
Endangered Species Many animals and plants are in danger of dying out completely. ScienceFlix's Endangered Species highlights several endangered animals, explains the threats to their survival, and shows how scientists and environmentalists are trying to save them. Watch our pathfinder video for ScienceFlix first, then click on the Snow Leopard icon.

ACTION!

50 Ways to Love the Earth Ranger Rick (April 2020 Issue, pgs. 6-15) has 50 ways to celebrate Earth Day's 50th anniversary. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Around the World: An Earth Day Game See who can travel to all seven continents in this high-energy game from Highlights (April 2017 Issue, pg. 13). Create your board, set your challenges, and race around the world! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
How Should You Celebrate Arbor Day? Quiz Find the Arbor Day activity that's right for you with this quiz from Girls' World (June 2018 Issue, pg. 80). Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Earth Day Craft - Mason Jar Bird Feeder Help your feathered friends with this bird feeder craft for older kids (Boys' Life, October 2015 Issue, pgs. 52-53). Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Earth Day Craft - Planter Pals Transform your old plastic bottles into pretty, funny, or fantastic planters (Chickadee April 2020 Issue, pgs. 14-15). Just add your favorite plant, then show off your planter on a windowsill or patio. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Earth Day Craft - Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle Owl (April 2020 Issue, pg. 24) shows you how to create notebooks, snack pouches, tote bags, and face cleanser using everyday and old items. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Don't miss the "One Family, Zero Waste" article on page 12 of the same issue. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Save The Animals Personality Quiz Your comeback critter match is waiting in National Geographic Kids (April 2020 Issue, pgs. 12-13)! Once you've found your match, keep reading to learn how these species were brought back from the brink of extinction. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Coloring Pages Brighten your world with these Earth Day and Arbor Day coloring pages!

PATHFINDER VIDEOS

Find activities in Flipster

Find Climate Change in TrueFlix

Find Nature titles in TumbleBooks

Find Alternative Energy in ScienceFlix