In celebration of Earth Day, let’s talk about some ways to foster a love for the environment with our kids. Kids are so impressionable and eager to please, so now is the best time to teach them to love and respect Mother Earth.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”-Native American Proverb
5 Ways to Help Kids Learn to be Kind to Mother Earth
Turn Off the Electronics and Get Outside
The more they are outside in nature, the more they will appreciate it. Sunshine and fresh air are GOOD for all of us, especially growing kids. Did you know sun exposure during pregnancy may reduce the risk of the child getting asthma? Exposure to sunlight also reduces the risk of obesity and food allergies. Get the kids outside!!
We are so fortunate to have so many amazing parks in Columbus. Check out the Columbus Metro Parks. There are so many playground parks around too. Get out and explore!
Visit a Local Farm
There are so many things kids (and parents too) can learn at a farm. You can experience first hand how the Earth provides the nourishment for the plants and animals that nourish us.
Check out some local farms listed below. There is so much to learn and explore. And it is getting close to “you pick” season. (Take a sneak peek at the farms to pick strawberries, other berries and apples.)
At Circle S Farms, they focus on bringing you the highest quality in produce, fruit, gourmet foods and customer service. For those who like to pick their own fruits or participate in a special group tour from June through August, check out more here about Circle S Farms. Circle S welcomes groups with special needs and interests.
The You Pick Your Own fruits vary season to season. Check the website for the most recent information.
Volunteer opportunities involve getting your hands dirty alongside their farmers, learning about growing food in the city, and helping grow more food to feed Columbus!
Acorn Farms continues to grow and expand offering over 800 acres of the highest quality shade and ornamental trees and 45 acres of container stock including wholesale shrubs, perennials, annuals, succulents, poinsettias, mums, and seasonal plants.
Time has been turned back to the 1880s at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. Experience first-hand what life was like on an Ohio farm. As you stroll through the gardens, barns and farmhouse, you will see the farm costumed staff and volunteers going about their daily chores. Pigs, geese, turkeys, Percheron horses and other heirloom animals can be seen.
Check out the local Farmers’ Markets
Columbus is home to so many fantastic farmers’ markets. Take your family, join your community, meet the farmers, get fresh produce, meat, eggs, and cheese fresh from the farm.
This is another great way to get outside 🙂 Meet the farmers who grow your food and raise the livestock that feeds your family. Appreciate the dedication and hard work involved in getting the food from the farm to your family. Check out a comprehensive list here: Columbus Farmers’ Markets
The Westgate Farmers Market was created by a group of residents seeking to address an important community need: to make healthy, locally produced foods more accessible to west side residents and to teach residents the benefits of incorporating locally grown produce into their shopping and daily meal planning.
North Market is home to dozens of unique, independent merchants and farmers who deliver personal and personable service every day of the week.
The Worthington Farmers Market, in downtown Worthington, is open all year, with an indoor market in the winter months.
Easton and Powell also have markets throughout the summer.
Read Together
Reading to your children fosters so many important life skills. Why not use this special time to teach them how to love and protect Mother Earth?
Here are some ideas to get you started. The links are to summaries by Goodreads
Charlie and Lola, Look After Your Planet
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle
Watch Movies Together
We can’t expect kids to be outside all day and night! When it is time for screen time, spend that time wisely. Watch movies together that will entertain both kids and adults and get everyone thinking about the environment. Here are some movies to start with. Check out the reviews from Mother Nature Network
Wall-E
Happy Feet
Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest
Furry Vengeance
Over the Hedge
Hoot
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
