Sustainable Practices for Families

1. Pack a Zero-Waste School Lunch 

Packing a zero-waste lunch is easier than you might think. It might be convenient to buy snacks in individually packaged bags, but buying them in one bulk container and repacking them in reusable pouches and lunch boxes for kids saves a lot of waste. Also, consider reusable silverware. 

2. Reusable Water Bottles 

Bringing reusable water bottles or sippy cups on all those family adventures is a simple, sustainable way to cut down on single-use plastic waste. Many places have water refill stations. Not only will reusable water bottles save on waste, but they will also save you money, as you don't need to buy bottled water on every outing. 

3. Consider Cloth Diapers 

Cloth diapers are a sustainable choice that helps reduce the tons of disposable diapers sent to landfills each year. They’re reusable, cost-effective over time, and a way for eco-conscious families to lessen their environmental footprint.

4. Buy Nothing Groups 

Local Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook are full of parents looking to offload old or unused toys, children's clothing, and other potential parenting needs. Before buying something new, check these groups for second-hand items, or post your items to a local group. Second-hand items help reduce waste and keep usable items out of landfills. Plus, kids won't know the difference, and toys will still be new to them! 

Bike through LA at an open streets event. Photo courtesy of CicLAvia Los Angeles

5. Bike When You Can 

It's easier said than done in a car-reliant city like Los Angeles. However, think about popular places that have bike paths that are safe ways for kids to travel via bikes. For example, next time you need to go from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach, bike The Strand instead of driving.

Check our Los Angeles calendar for ongoing CicLAvia events that improve air quality where notable streets thoughout LA go car-free for Angelenos to bike, skate or walk. 

Kid-Friendly Earth Day Events in Los Angeles

6. Impact Event: Park Clean Up with Discovery Cube LA — Sylmar 

Saturday, April 12, 2025 — FREE
Discovery Cube LA is hosting an Impact Event where families can help clean up Hansen Dam Recreation Area. Families that register for the event will receive $5 off general admission to Discovery Cube LA for tickets on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and Sunday, April 13, 2025. In addition to a park clean up, there will also be a nature walk and a resource fair about environmental initiatives. 

7. Wild for the Planet at the LA Zoo — Griffith Park

Friday - Sunday, April 18 - 20, 2025 
Celebrate Earth Day at the Los Angeles Zoo with a weekend full of conservation-focused fun, from interactive animal care presentations to hands-on education stations and green inspiration at the Earth Expo. 

8. Keep it Green, Keep it Clean Earth Day Celebration at the Roundhouse Aquarium — Manhattan Beach

Saturday, April 19, 2025 — FREE
A kid-friendly Earth Day celebration by the sea takes place at Roundhouse Aquarium. From plankton races to dolphin spotting, the event features hands-on eco activities, crafts, and games. 

9. Earth Day - Take Action! Beach Clean Up and Earth Day Fair — San Pedro 

Saturday, April 19, 2025 — FREE
Families can give back to the environment by participating in a beach cleanup. After the cleanup, enjoy eco-friendly activities and exhibits at the Earth Day Fair in the Aquarium Courtyard.

RELATED: The Aquarium of the Pacific: What Makes LA's Biggest Aquarium So Spectacular  

 
Photo courtesy of Heal the Bay Aquarium

10. Nothin' But Sand Beach Cleanup — Santa Monica 

Saturday, April 19, 2025 — FREE
Heal the Bay's monthly Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup in Santa Monica is an Earth Month edition. 

11. LASAN's Earth Day LA 2025 

Saturday, April 26, 2025 — FREE
Celebrate sustainability at Earth Day LA with a full day of eco-friendly fun, including over 40 exhibitors, a kids' zone, city vehicles to explore, and live performances. Bring a reusable water bottle at this zero-waste event, and enjoy free burgers and fries from The Habit while supplies last. 

Earth Day Crafts & Activities for Kids

12. Entertain Kids with Cardboard Boxes 

There's something about cardboard boxes that kids just love. With all the online shopping families do, chances are, there is probably an ongoing cycle of cardboard boxes coming through the front door. Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, repurpose those cardboard boxes. Turn them into costumes, build a puppet theater or lemonade stand, use it as a canvas for an art project, and upcycle cardboard boxes into out of the box ideas. 

13. Recycle Cards Into Bookmarks 

In a digital age, it feels extra special to receive a greeting card. However, after the card has been displayed for a short while, it inevitably gets tossed. Reduce waste and occupy the kids with a fun craft by having them turn greeting cards into bookmarks. This idea helps turn that sweet greeting card from Grandma into a keepsake. 

14. Create a Pollinator Garden 

Creating a pollinator garden is a fun and hands-on way for kids to celebrate Earth Day while helping bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators thrive. It’s a simple activity that teaches kids about ecosystems, supports local biodiversity, and adds beauty to any outdoor space. 

15. Make Wind Chimes 

Turn trash into treasure with upcycled wind chimes—an Earth-friendly craft perfect for spring and fun for kids. Use materials like tin cans, old keys, or plastic containers, then explore the different sounds and decorate with paint or patterned tape! 

Nearby National Parks to Celebrate the Earth 

16. Joshua Tree National Park

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park is a memorable way for kids to connect with nature and celebrate Earth Day in the wild. Exploring its unique desert landscapes and fascinating rock formations inspires curiosity and a deeper appreciation for protecting our planet. Plus, National Park Week typically coincides with Earth Day, and visitors receive free entrance to national parks on the first day of National Park Week.  

17. Channel Islands National Park 

Another nearby national park that only takes a day trip from Los Angeles is Channel Islands National Park. However, it does require extra planning via a boat ride to the islands. With its untouched landscapes and island foxes, exploring the islands teaches young adventurers the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems and preserving our planet for future generations. 

18. Yosemite National Park 

Visiting Yosemite National Park will take more than a day trip from Los Angeles, but is a breathtaking way for kids to connect with nature among towering waterfalls and granite cliffs. While all nine of the national parks in California are stunning, Yosemite is the crown jewel. It’s the perfect place for families to learn about conservation and why protecting our natural wonders matters.