Thank you to the Village of Cottage Grove Library Board for sponsoring this article!
Earth Day is a great reminder that even small changes can make a big impact. And when you’ve got kids, it’s the perfect chance to talk about taking care of the planet in simple, age-appropriate ways. Whether you have 10 minutes or want to spend the whole day celebrating, here are some fun, meaningful ways to get involved.
Find a Madison Area Earth Day Event
- Earth Day Storytime in the Forest
Join Ms. Tracy on Saturday, April 19 from 1–1:45pm for a special Earth Day Storytime in the Norman Vethe School Forest! Kids ages 1–6 (and siblings) will enjoy stories, plant a seed, and learn simple ways to care for the planet. Meet at the Cottage Grove School parking lot to walk together to the pond. - Earth Day E-Cycling Event
On Tuesday, April 22 from 8am–1pm, head to the Alliant Energy Center for a free drive-thru drop-off of old tech and patient care items. Hosted by DANEnet, it's an easy way to responsibly recycle and give back. - Madison Parks Earth Day Challenge
Join neighbors across Madison on Saturday, April 26 from 10am–12pm for a citywide park clean-up event. With over 60 parks participating, volunteers will help with trash pickup, raking, weeding, and more. Gloves, garbage bags, and rakes are provided—just bring your helping hands! Sign up ahead of time to reserve your spot. - Bilingual Environmental Conservation Fair at Elver Park
Celebrate Earth Day at ¡El Día de la Tierra!—a bilingual event focused on environmental conservation, sustainability, renewable energy, and more. Held at Elver Park in Madison on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this family-friendly fair includes live music, free tree saplings, raffles for water filters and kites, and plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. - Madison Children’s Museum: Earth Day & Nature-Themed Events
- Wild Wonders: Adopt a Succulent – Thurs, April 17 | 5–7pm
- STEAM Time: Renewable Energy with KidWind – Fri, April 18 | 11am–12pm
- Let’s Move! Earth Day Scavenger Hunt – April 19, 24 & 25 | 10–11:30am
- Exploration Station: Seed Planting – Sat & Sun, April 19–20 | 10:30am–12pm
- Let’s Move! Earth Day Dance Party – Wed, April 23 | 10–11:30am
- Wild Wonders: Pollinator Seed Balls – Thurs, April 24 | 5–7pm
- Exploration Station: Seed Paper – Sat & Sun, April 26–27 | 10:30am–12pm
Earth Day Family Challenges
A fun way to get kids thinking about sustainability is by setting a challenge! Here are some age-appropriate ideas:
Toddlers & Preschoolers
- Sorting game: Set up three bins (or just sections on the floor) labeled Paper, Plastic, and Cardboard. Hand them safe, clean items and let them figure out where each one goes. This introduces recycling in a hands-on way!
- Turn off the lights challenge: Teach them to flip the switch when they leave a room.
- Recycled art project: Give them old magazines, scrap paper, and cardboard to create a masterpiece.
Elementary-Aged Kids
- Screen-free afternoon: Swap electronics for outdoor play or board games.
- Zero-waste lunch: Pack lunch using only reusable containers—no plastic bags or wrappers.
- Walk or bike instead of driving: Even if it’s just a short trip, make it a fun adventure!
Tweens & Teens
- No food waste week: Plan meals together and use up leftovers creatively.
- Trash cleanup challenge: Grab some gloves and a trash bag and head to a local park or trail.
- Repurpose instead of replace: Instead of buying new, challenge them to upcycle an old item (turn an old t-shirt into a tote bag, decorate an old jar into a pencil holder, etc.).
Mini Garden Projects
In Wisconsin, Earth Day doesn’t exactly scream gardening season. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start a little green project indoors!
🌱 Regrow kitchen scraps – Place the root ends of green onions, celery, or lettuce in a cup of water and watch them sprout in just a few days.
🌱 Sprout some beans or lentils – Lay dried beans on a damp paper towel, fold it over, and seal it inside a plastic bag. Keep it somewhere warm and check on it daily—kids will love seeing the roots pop out! Once the sprouts have roots, you can plant them in a cup of dirt indoors.
🌱 Grow microgreens – These little greens (like radish or broccoli sprouts) grow super fast and can be snipped for salads in 7-10 days.
🌱 Start a potato in water – Stick toothpicks in a potato and rest it in a jar of water so half is submerged. After a couple of weeks, it will sprout vines!
🌱 Plant an herb indoors – Basil or parsley can thrive in a small sunny window and be snipped for cooking.
Repurpose Instead of Replace
Before tossing something in the trash, think: Can this be used again? Here are a few easy swaps:
- Old T-shirts → Cleaning rags or DIY tote bags
- Glass jars → Storage for snacks, craft supplies, or a DIY candle
- Egg cartons → Seed starters or sorting trays for little toys
- Toilet paper rolls → Craft projects or bird feeders
- Mismatched socks → Dusting mitts (just put one on your hand and wipe)
Donate Instead of Dump
If your spring cleaning pile is growing, donate instead of throwing away! Some ideas:
- Books & toys – Local libraries, daycare centers, or family shelters often accept gently used items.
- Clothing – Pass down outgrown clothes to friends or donate to a community closet.
- Household items – Many thrift stores and donation centers will take small kitchen appliances, décor, and furniture.
Resale & Consignment Events
Another great option? Sell your gently used items — and shop for great deals — at local consignment and resale events! Events like Just Between Friends, Lil' Badger, and Half Pint (coming up May 2-4) in the Madison area give families the chance to declutter, earn a little cash, and find new-to-you items for less. These sales are a fantastic way to support sustainability while keeping kids' clothes, gear, and toys in rotation within the community
Earth Day doesn’t have to be about big, complicated changes. Even the smallest actions—turning off lights, repurposing old items, or just getting outside and appreciating nature—can make a difference. What are you and your family doing for Earth Day this year?
About the Sponsor:
The Village of Cottage Grove Library Board is committed to expanding enriching library services for everyone in Cottage Grove. All are welcome!
