Teach kids about Earth Day with these 5 fun, easy activities

April 22 marks Earth Day’s 45th anniversary, which means many parents have been celebrating Earth Day since you were young. Keep the momentum going and carry on the tradition with your own kids this year.

Here are some fun ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family.

Let the Lorax inspire you

This famous Dr. Seuss book provides valuable lessons for kids on protecting the environment. Pick up the book for story time or this special Lorax package (including the movie and a stuffed animal) at walmart.com. After watching the movie and reading the book, make your own truffula tree–preferably out of recycled materials. Or, better yet, make truffula tree cupcakes for an Earth Day celebration. The Lorax, $8.44, walmart.com

Design a more Earth-friendly house

Let your kids help you revamp your house this Earth Day to be more environmentally friendly. Let them pick out colors for recycle bins (and even decorate them with permanent markers or stickers). Suncast multi-colored recycle bin kit, $39.99, walmart.com

Get your green thumb dirty

Even if you don’t have the outdoor space to plan a new tree, your kids can help you plant a sustainable garden–or even start a kitchen herb garden. These aero gardens with six different types of herbs are a great project for kids to raise. Bonus: Homegrown herbs can get your kids interested in healthy eating and cooking, too–and save you money at the grocery store. Miracle-Gro AeroGarden 6, $96.33, walmart.com

Make a commitment together

Part of celebrating Earth Day is creating lasting, new life patterns that extend throughout the rest of the year. Make a promise to Mother Earth and write it down on cards, cut-out globes or another craft project.

Get outside–and have fun for a good cause

A simple day outside in nature is the easiest and most cost-effective way to celebrate Earth Day. Try this themed scavenger hunt to give some structure to your outing and teach your kids about the environment, too. Plus, leave the Earth a little better than before when you pick up trash as part of the game.