For those who celebrate, Easter is a fun-filled family time – especially for the little ones. But traditional activities often come with a lot of waste, from plastic eggs to unrecyclable wrappers. The good news is, by making a few small swaps, you can make your celebrations greener. So, with Easter just around the corner, why not plan in advance with these easy activities for toddlers.
1. Naturally dyed Easter eggs
Skip the artificial dyes and use natural ingredients like beets (pink), turmeric (yellow), and red cabbage (blue) to color your eggs. Simply boil the ingredients with water and vinegar to create vibrant, all-natural dyes. Not only is this a fun science experiment for little ones, but it’s also a safe, non-toxic way to celebrate.
2. Eco-Friendly egg hunt
Instead of plastic eggs, opt for reusable wooden or felt eggs. If you already have plastic eggs from previous years, reuse them instead of buying new ones. Fill them with small wooden toys, stickers, or homemade treats instead of single-use plastic trinkets. You can even hide seed packets in the eggs so kids can plant flowers or veggies after Easter!
3. DIY Easter baskets
Ditch the store-bought plastic baskets and make your own! Repurpose a wicker basket, decorate a small tote bag, or upcycle a shoebox into a personalized Easter basket. Instead of plastic grass, use shredded recycled paper, fabric scraps, or even real grass clippings for an authentic spring feel.
4. Planting seeds for Spring
Easter is all about new beginnings, what better way to celebrate than by planting something together? Give your toddler a small pot, soil, and easy-to-grow seeds like sunflowers or basil. This hands-on activity teaches patience and responsibility while reinforcing a love for nature.
5. Nature-based Easter crafts
Instead of buying mass-produced decorations, make Easter crafts using items from nature! Try leaf stamping, making bunny ears out of recycled cardboard, or creating a bird feeder by rolling a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed. These activities help little ones get creative while reducing waste.
6. Bake together using locally sourced or organic ingredients
Get toddlers involved in the kitchen by making Easter treats using sustainable ingredients. Try baking carrot muffins, whole wheat cookies, or homemade granola bars. Choose organic flour, locally sourced honey, and fair-trade chocolate to make your Easter baking as earth-friendly as possible.
7. Upcycled Easter decorations
Instead of buying new decorations each year, make your own with recycled materials. Turn toilet paper rolls into bunnies, decorate Mason jars with pastel ribbons, or use fabric scraps to make reusable bunting. These homemade decorations add a personal touch while keeping waste out of landfills.
8. Spring nature walk and scavenger hunt
Take a family walk in your neighborhood, a local park, or a nearby nature trail. Create a simple scavenger hunt for your toddler with items like “a yellow flower,” “a bird’s nest,” or “a butterfly.” This helps toddlers engage with their surroundings and appreciate the season's beauty.
These simple, sustainable Easter activities not only help you reduce waste, but also teach your toddler valuable lessons about caring for the Earth. Small changes can make a big difference, and creating eco-friendly traditions now will help shape a greener future for your little one.
