Tips for Having the Perfect Playdate

Since March 2020, parents and children have been left with primarily virtual connections, with some children born during the pandemic who have never enjoyed a simple playdate at all.

Let that sink in for a moment…

As a mom of three girls - age 5 1/2 years, 3 years and 4 months - the last 18 months have been difficult for our family. Virtual junior kindergarten wasn’t exactly the way we envisioned our daughter crossing that milestone off the list. Seeing her interact with her new friends through the computer, celebrate birthdays over Zoom, talk to her neighbourhood friends from the sidewalk and constantly cover the smile on her face with fabric decorated in rainbows and unicorns was not exactly what we had in mind.

But this year, things are changing. Kids are back in school, organized sports, birthdays and backyard hangouts are a go. The playdate is making a comeback. 

Play is extremely important for our children - the simple act builds creativity, creates positive feelings and fosters connections. It contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of out children. And for adults, play helps to reduce stress, improve brain function, improve productivity and provides positive energy. Play is imperative in childhood development, and, believe it or not, in adults’ too.

The pandemic has definitely changed how children play and interact with others, and Fisher-Price wants to help bring people back together and connect through play - be it virtually, in-person or in a hybrid environment. For more than 90 years, Fisher-Price® has created toys that spark childhood learning and development through play. 

When thinking of the perfect playdate, what comes to mind for you and your children?

For the perfect playdate, it is important to balance the play needs of multiple age groups. One way to do this is by incorporating toys that are not only age appropriate, but that are also suitable for multiple age levels.

Two of our current Fisher-Price® favourites include the Giant Rock-a-Stack® and Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym.

The Giant Rock-a-Stack is perfect for all ages. For our littlest, it can help develop her coordination skills by grasping and shaking the six extra-large, colourful rings, our preschooler can use her problem solving skills to figure out how to sort and stack the rings from biggest to smallest, and our oldest can have fun playing with her younger siblings (she’s often in the role of ‘teacher’).

The Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym is also a hit. It has five light-up piano keys, a repositionable toy arch, 5 repositionable toys (a self-discovery mirror, elephant teether, crinkle panda, lion rattle & monkey cymbal clackers) and four musical settings that keep your little one rocking out for years. The best part is that this infant activity gym grows with baby, from lay and play to tummy time, sit and play and take along. Baby sister is just learning to roll, so the girls love getting down to her level  on the colourful animal mat to encourage her new moves. 

Looking for more playdate tips and ideas? The Fisher-Price “Lets Be Kids” platform celebrates seeing the world as a kids sees it. Check out the playdate tip sheet that encourages communication and imaginative play between children, their playdates and their families. 

Parents, welcome back to childhood. Together, lets celebrate play through the lens of a child. 

What are some of your tips and tricks for creating a successful playdate? I would love to hear!

DIY Family T-Shirts - The Perfect Holiday Gift Made with the Cricut Joy & EasyPress 2

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by To & Fro on behalf of Cricut, and contains affiliate links. All opinions are 100% that of To & Fro. 

Love making homemade gifts for friends and family? This holiday season, put your Cricut Joy and Easy Press 2 to good use with these DIY personalized family t-shirts - the PERFECT holiday gift. 

My four year old LOVES to draw! Scrap paper? She'll find it. And not long after, it will be covered in letters and drawings. Mostly the names and depictions of close family members.

So this holiday season, I decided to put her writing and doodling to good use and turn it into a gift for family members using the Cricut Joy and Easy Press. 

Today I'm sharing how to make personalized t-shirts with an easy Cricut Joy and EasyPress 2 tutorial, and you are going to be shocked at just how simple it is to create fun shirts for your family at home! 

DIY Personalized Family T-Shirts 

What You'll Need

Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens 

Cricut t-shirt blank(s)

Cricut EasyPress 2 (9'' x 9'')

Cricut Joy Standard Grip Mat (4.5'' x 12'')

Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy Blade + Housing

Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets 

Starter Tool Set (Weeding Tool)

White printer paper

Parchment paper

Scissors

Heat resistant tape (optional)

Lint roller

What To Do

1. Create! This is the fun part. I gave Morley the infusible ink pens and printer paper and let her go to work creating her masterpiece. I had asked her to draw photos of our family of 4, with one parameter - no words (because they would transfer backwards). The drawings also had to be a specific size (smaller than the EasyPress 2), so I gave her a specific-sized piece of paper to use.

2. Prepare your blanks. In order for the ink to transfer properly, the blanks (in my case, t-shirts) had to be clean and lint-free. You can use any "blank" (i.e. t-shirt, tote, etc.), however, it is important to note that Cricut brand products will give you the best quality transfer. 

3. Consult the heat guide. Once the blanks are prepped, consult the Cricut Heat Guide for the EasyPress 2 to know exactly how hot the press should be based on the product and material you are using. This guide will also give you instructions as to the layering process for using the EasyPress 2, and the length of time to apply the press. 

Tip: If you purchase Cricut t-shirts, they will come folded with a piece of cardstock. This piece of cardstock can be used when pressing. 

4. Further customization. This is a totally option step, but adds a little bit more personalization to your gift. After our infusible ink design was successfully applied, we decided to further personalize the t-shirts with the Cricut Joy and infusible transfer paper. This is where we added text to the t-shirts.

Using the Cricut Design Space app, I created the text. It was then cut out of black infusible transfer paper. (I consulted help.cricut.com to learn how to use the Cricut Joy to cut the transfer paper properly, as it is a slightly different than the vinyl.) Don't forget to mirror the image, or it will transfer backwards! 

After weeding the transfer paper, I again consulted the Cricut Heat Guide for further instructions on applying this transfer paper to the t-shirt using the EasyPress 2.  As it was a different material than the original design, the instructions slightly varied. 

And voila, our personalized family t-shirts, care of Morley.

I am fully aware that there will come a day that Morley will not want to be caught dead wearing matching homemade family t-shirts, but until that day, I'm going to embrace every single second and cherish the fact that she wanted to make these shirts for members of our family.

 The PERFECT holiday gift made with our Cricut Joy and EasyPress 2, don't you think?!

Now, what shall we make next?!

Do you have a Cricut machine? Do you use it to make gifts? What is your favourite holiday gift to make with it? I'd love to hear!

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Tips for Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School in a COVID-World

Next week, our oldest heads off to kindergarten. And in the world that we currently live in, I would be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit stressed.

Starting "big kid school" alone is enough of a worry for parents - how will my child do, will my child make friends, will they miss me, and so on and so on, are all valid questions on our mind. Truth is, I don't feel prepared. BUT add on a global pandemic, potential exposure, new health and safety policies and procedures, wearing a mask all day, etc. etc., and things get a bit more worrisome.

(^^ How was that one year ago already?! ^^)

The past few weeks I've spent a lot of time talking with other family members, parent friends and teacher friends to learn how they're feeling about sending their kids back to school, and the techniques they're applying to ensure a smooth transition.

Here are some of the things I learned, straight from the mouths of parents and teachers.

Side note: I understand that school has already started for some and for us in Toronto, is quickly approaching next week. However, it doesn't help to apply these tips anyways. 

Tips for Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School in a COVID-World

1. If your child is not used to wearing a mask, get them used to it as soon as possible.  Start in small increments (5-10min) and gradually build up.  Perhaps you can put a mask on their favourite stuffy to "normalize" it a bit more.  

*I know that school starts next week for us here in Toronto, and it may be too late to apply this tip. However, if you live outside of Toronto and masks are not mandatory in your child's school, it may not hurt to start applying this tip in the evening, just in case. 

2. If you are out shopping with your child, be intentional about showing them the signs and stickers on the floor which point out directions and the need for proper social distancing and what that looks like. 

3. For lunch or snack times, pack a tea towel or cloth in their bag for them to use as a placemat.

4. Make sure to pack a spoon and/or fork for your child to use so that they are limiting the need to put their hands in their mouths-especially for fruit which can be very sticky. 

5. Make sure that your child can open and close all of her/his containers,packages or thermos meals. 

6. Start practicing with your child how to zip up/button clothing and make sure to send your child to school with velcro shoes. Laces will not be tied up.👟

7. Start practicing a hand washing routine and how to do so properly (between the fingers, wrists, back of the hand). Same with sanitizing.  Do it multiple times in the am and pm.  

8. Talk to your child about how to behave in the bathroom at school.  It's not a place to play. Do your business and get out. And stay off the floor. 

9. Have a safety plan. If you are working and receive a call from the school that your child is ill, is there someone who can pick them up?  What protocols does your place of work have for parents who need to pick up a sick child?  

10. Invest in good outerwear for your child-rain boots, raincoat with a hood, snow pants and jacket, warm mittens and hats. This year students will be spending A LOT of time outdoors-rain or shine. 

Check out some of our favourite back-to-school gear for outdoor play, here.

 

11. Remember to pack an indoor pair of running shoes for the first day of school so that soiled outdoor shoes remain out of the classroom area.  Children will need a set of clothes to remain at school in case of spills or bathroom accidents. 

12. Label everything-masks, clothes, masks, water bottles etc. Mabel's Labels are durable labels that can get wet and won't wear off. We buy the Ultimate Back-to-School combo which includes 40 small rectangle labels, 70 Tag Mates stick on clothing labels and 16 shoe labels. 

Additional tip: If you have multiple children, order labels with your last name instead of the child's first name. This makes it easier if they share belongings. 

13. Invest in a breakaway lanyard or fanny pack for your child to place their mask when not in use. (We used this breakaway lanyard and this fanny pack - both Canadian small shops.)

14. Practice having your child apply sunscreen.  In the past we have helped apply it, but will be unable to do so this year.  Show them what an appropriate amount is and important places it needs to be applied.  

15. Ensure your child drinks enough water to stay hydrated. Talk about the importance of drinking water, and how it can help to keep them healthy. (This is our favourite reusable water bottle for kids.)

16. Pack extra masks in your child's backpack, just in case. Place them in a clean resealable sandwich bag. Also have an extra bag on hand for soiled masks. 

17. Have conversations. Having open, age-appropriate conversations with your children will help them know they are not alone, that we do not have all the answers, that flexibility is very important and that parents, teachers, doctors, etc. are doing everything possible to ensure their health and safety.

18. After spending many long months at home, children may feel nervous about going back to school and being apart from family members. There's a strong possibility of separation anxiety. Have conversations about going back to school and try to develop tools for your child to feel connected to home, such as notes in their lunchbox, or a family photo they can bring to school.

19. While visiting the interior of the school may not be allowed, take a walk through the outdoor yard. Show your child where they will enter, where you'll pick them up at the end of the day and where they will play outdoors. Children (especially kindergarteners) are creatures of habit, so walking them through where they will spend their time may make them feel more at ease. 

20. Remember, we're all in this together. Talk with your children and help them understand that anyone can get the virus, no matter where they are from in the world. We all must do our part to keep ourselves, family, friends and others safe and healthy. 

Keep in mind - these tips can be applied to children of all ages and are not restricted solely to those entering kindergarten. Practicing proper hygiene and health and safety procedures is important for everyone, regardless of your age. 

Do you have any tips and tricks for preparing your child for back-to-school in a COVID-world? I'd love to hear!

For those that have already started school, did you apply any of these tips? And did you find they were effective? Please share!

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Let's be honest, school is going to look A LOT different this year. With more outdoor time planned, it's important we send our kids to school with the appropriate gear for the activities AND the weather. As September approaches, and you begin to create your back to school shopping lists, be sure to check out our favourite back to school gear for outdoor play!

I've always been a big advocate for outdoor education. As an environmental education professional for the past decade plus, I see the benefits of getting kids outside and connecting them with nature. Whether the intent is to learn about our environment, or just spend time outdoors for fun, being outside has a positive benefits on mental health. Extending the classroom to the outdoors, even if being forced to do so for public health and safety and the ease of social distancing, is beneficial for everyone - teachers, students AND parents. 

A recent report by the Children and Nature Network documents how getting students outside more enhances learning and academic performance and is good for physical and emotional well-being. The report found that more outdoor learning contributed to lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases, reduces anxiety and depression and engages students in their schoolwork. And at a time where mental health may be at an all time low thanks to COVID, anything that takes my daughter's mind off of the anxieties of that come with "the big bad germs" and improve her physical and emotional well-being, is welcome in my books. 

One key to creating an enjoyable outdoor experience is ensuring children have the proper outdoor gear. Staying warm, dry and comfortable is definitely key. And it doesn't hurt to be over-prepared for the weather. As a friend in Alaska, where you can blink and the weather has changed, once told me, "It's easier to take off the layer you have, than to put on the one you don't have." Simply put, layering is key because you can always take them off. Wise words I live by, and now enforce with my girls.

With the amount of time we spent outside in all seasons, we've learned a thing or two over the years about what being dressed for the weather and outdoor play means. And now, we're sharing that info with you! Check out our list of favourite back to school gear for outdoor play below.

Back to School Gear for Outdoor Play

Outdoor Clothing & Gear

1. MEC Toaster Suit: Full coverage and warmth for small skiers and riders who want to play outside in wind or wet snow (because wet snow is the best building snow). This classic one-piece suit offers warmth and weather protection when there's fun to be had in fall and winter. Redesigned for 2018 based on member feedback, the Toaster Suit is now waterproof and tougher than ever. Durable waterproof fabric helps them stay warm and dry through hours in the snow, and it's abrasion-resistant to stand up to the demands of serious play. The suit has room for layers and a hem that can be let down to accommodate growth, then (if you need it) tacked up again to ready it for the next kid in line. Also comes in infant sizes. *Easily our favourite clothing item from MEC for our children.

2. MEC Toaster Bib Pants: These waterproof insulated pants offer weather protection when there's fun to be had in foul conditions. Redesigned for 2018 based on member feedback, these snowpants are tougher than ever. New durable waterproof fabric helps them stay warm and dry through hours in the snow, and it's abrasion-resistant to stand up to the demands of serious outdoor play. Room for layers lets you dress for the weather, and an adjustable hem accommodates growth, then (if you need it) readies them for the next kid. Variable-thickness insulation allows ease of movement while retaining warmth. And a center zip makes them easy to get on and off.

3. MEC Long Toaster Parka: For those days where the cold comes at you from every angle, a little extra parka goes a long way. The Long Toaster Parka keeps the youngest members of the family warm and comfortable, and that is in everyone’s best interest. Thoughtful details include soft trim around the neck and pockets, reflective piping, zipper pulls that can be grabbed with mittened hands, and insulation that's tapered in the arms, so movement isn't limited.

4. MEC Newt Suit: An outdoor classic for wet days. Redesigned based on member feedback, the updated Newt Suit returns to the durable, tried-and-true fabric of previous years. Taped seams and waterproof fabric stand up to wet playgrounds and rainy hikes, so kids stay dry and comfortable no matter where their explorations take them. Long zippers make for easier outfit changes when it's finally time to head inside. Also comes in infant sizes.

5. MEC Aquanator Jacket: The fully waterproof-breathable fabric on this jacket ensures dryness through wet and windy conditions.The relaxed silhouette easily fits over several warm layers and can be worn just a light jacket as conditions require. Comes in the pictured pink pattern and blue. Also comes in youth sizes.

6. MEC Heritage Rain Pants: These rain pants are built for the wettest weather and the splashiest activities imaginable. The seams are fully taped and the fabric has a DWR finish. Ideal in extremely wet conditions when the goal is to stay completely dry. Comes in blue, grey and black. Also comes in infant sizes.

7. MEC Campfire Fleece Jacket: This mid-weight polyester fleece jacket works perfectly as a mid-layer to wear under a rain jacket or ski shell. On its own it takes the chill off outdoor play. It has classic style and even a bit of a retro nod, but the brushed polyester is entirely warmth-without-weight modern. Comes in a handful of colours, including purple and orange.

8. MEC Sunnyday Joggers: These joggers are perfect for campsite exploring and recess adventures. With a UPF rating of 50+, the Sunnyday joggers are ready for fun in the sun.The lightweight fabric is treated to repel water and resist dirt, keeping kids looking cleaner longer. 

9. Sunday Afternoons Play Hat: This sunhat gives the perfect sun coverage for small heads. The cape provides neck protection and compresses easily for leaning back in a car or stroller. A buoyant foam core in the brim keeps the hat afloat if it falls out of the canoe. The lightweight fabric allows it to dry quickly, and also resist water and dirt. Breakaway chin strap provides security and safety, which is extremely important on the playground. Comes in a variety of different colours. 

Outdoor Footwear

10. Kamik Riptide Rain Boots: These Canadian-made rain boots are 100% waterproof for foul weather protection. Kamik's lightweight rubber protects you from the elements without weighing you down, while the insole has an antimicrobial treatment to keep things fresh. Comes in a variety of colours. 

11. Kamik Snowbug 4 Boots: These winter boots are perfect for the littlest members of your family. They'll keep your little ones wonderfully warm, and the easy-fit, extra wide openings and adjustable elastic Velcro® strap provides a snug, stay-on fit.

12. Smartwool Toddler Trio Socks: This 3-pack of Smartwool socks are made from 70% merino wool, and their medium thickness makes them perfect to pair with winter boots and high-volume footwear.

13. Smartwool Merino Hike Stripe Light Crew Socks - Children: These mid-calf height Smartwool socks are made from 48% merino wool, making them perfect for hiking, camping, winter and even daytime at school. 

Additional Gear

14. Hydro Flask 354mL Wide Mouth Kids Bottle: Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this TempShield™ double-wall insulated keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and won’t sweat in their backpack - perfect for making sure your child has access to cold water to stay hydrated all day long.

15. MEC Process Bookbag: The much-loved MEC Book Bag has a fresh look and an updated name. Dedicated spots for your laptop, books and academic supplies are still in the equation, but we've added a new heritage-inspired logo and better organization for electronics. There's a low profile side pocket to hold a water bottle or a slim vacuum flask of caffeinated motivation, and the fabric is more durable than ever. This unisex bag comes in a variety of colours. 

16. Light My Fire Spork: It's a knife, it's a fork, it's a spoon. It's the perfect addition to any kiddos lunch bag. This durable utensil is made of a corn-based co-polyester that won't scratch non-stick coatings and is dishwasher safe. Comes in a variety of colours, and as a single or 2-pack. 

17. SkipHop Kids Insulated Lunch Box: This roomy, insulated lunch bag keeps food and drinks cold, including when outside for longer periods of time. They are easy to clean, machine washable. An interior mesh pocket can hold utensils, and a handle clip to allow attach to any backpack. Comes in a variety of fun characters including unicorn, butterfly, owl, monkey and more. 

18. Bentgo Kids Brights – Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box: This bento lunch box has five practical compartments, portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite (recommended for ages 3-7). It is made with BPA-free materials and is drop-proof, with rubber-coated edges and sturdy design - ideal for active kids on the go.

19. Mabel's Labels Ultimate Back to School Label Combo: Make sure your kiddos never loose their outdoor (or indoor) gear again with these durable, waterproof name labels.  Perfect for backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, water bottles, pencil cases and so much more. Sign up for their newsletter and receive 20% off your purchase. 

What's on your back to school shopping list for your kiddos? Needing to purchase any additional gear in anticipation of longer outdoor time? I'd love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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5 Fun & Easy Summer Cricut Joy Projects (+ Preschooler Flashcard DIY)

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer. The days are long, and the kids are out of school. And chances are high that you’ve also been home from work - maybe juggling working and caring for your children? Ya, me too. Keeping them busy and engaged, while limiting screen time to allow you to get work done is not an easy task. And if there is ever a time to pull out the Cricut and create some fun projects with (or without) your kiddos, now is the time.

Today, I’m sharing why I love my Cricut Joy™, specifically five of my favourite Cricut Joy DIY projects that I’ve made at home this summer using Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl™.

5 Fun & Easy Summer Cricut Joy Projects

Vegetable Garden Markers

One of my favourite things about our new house is the backyard. It’s crazy what a little green space can do for your mood. Since moving in last summer, I have been so excited for the girls to finally have a place to get outside and play. But, this new green space also meant that I could build an even bigger and better vegetable garden than the container gardens we had on our condo terrace last summer. So we were able to tell what was what, I created these vegetable garden markers using up cycled paint stir sticks that I simply spray painted white and Smart Vinyl - Permanent in black. I measured the size of the paint stir sticks and created the vegetable labels text (DJ Juicy font) in the Cricut design space app. I applied the labels to the painted stir sticks with Transfer Tape, and once completed, added them to my garden next to the appropriate fruit or vegetable. Much better looking that the generic tags that come from the Garden Centre. 

Wooden Welcome Sign

This wooden welcome sign is one of my favourite Cricut Joy projects to date. Earlier this summer, we added a deck to the back of our house, and to give it some added personality, we created this “Welcome to Our Deck” sign. It was also super easy to make, and with several home update projects already on the go, we had all of the materials we needed already at home. I simply created the text in the design space app (Babette font for "Welcome" and Creative Memories Tiny Treasures - Rubber Ducky font for "to our deck"). My design can be found on Design Space here.

Mailbox Decal

While our front porch is going to be next summer’s focus, I couldn’t help but take our ugly white mailbox and give it some curb appeal by painting it black to match the porch railings. I then personalized the mailbox with “hello” text created in the Cricut design space app using Babette font (easily my favourite cursive font in the app). Once the mailbox was dry, I applied the cut vinyl in the desired spot using Transfer Tape. 

Stemless Wine Glasses

We love to entertain. And while this summer may look a little different when it comes to entertain, I am happy that we have still been able to have those in our bubble over for backyard BBQs. I recently purchased more backyard-friendly plastic stemless wine glasses and decided to jazz them up a little using Smart Vinyl - Permanent in gold. I measured the size of the glasses and created the “cheers” text (Babette font) in the Cricut design space app. I then applied the labels to the outside of the clean glasses uses Transfer Tape. They were very easy to make, and added a little something extra (including lots of compliments and questions about where I bought them) to our backyard get togethers.

Preschooler Flash Cards

These flashcards were one of the first projects I made with my Cricut Joy when schools closed back in March. I was determined to keep the learning continuing, and these super simple flashcards were a great help in doing so. Using construction paper and Smart Vinyl - Permanent, in white, I created a set of capital letter cards and small letter cards. These flashcards could be used for letter recognition, spelling names and/or matching capital and small letters. The flashcards were very easy to create in design space, as the font Cricut Alphabet Circle already existed. I simply printed it on the vinyl, and applied it to the construction paper using the Transfer Tape. I did used two separate colours of construction paper, one for the capital letters and one for the small letters. But if you wanted to up the difficulty, you could use the same coloured paper for all. 

Next up on my Cricut Joy DIY list? Story blocks. Stay tuned to see how they turn out.

The Cricut Joy makes home DIY projects so easy. Unlike other Cricut machines, the Cricut Joy is a compact cutting machine, less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker—making it perfect for people without a dedicated crafting area (like me)! From customized pillows, to personalized glassware and welcome signs, the possibilities are nearly endless with this fun tool.

For the majority of my projects, including those outdoors, I use Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl - Permanent which is water- and UV-resistant, and lasts up to 3 years. Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl also comes in removal and writable, and a variety of different colours, including mattes, metallics, holographic and more. 

Be sure to check out the Cricut blog, where you’ll will find more DIY inspiration and tutorials! Use the hashtag #CricutAtHome when sharing your project on social media - I would love to see what you create!

Do you have a Cricut machine? What’s your favourite project to make? I’d love to hear - I’m always looking for inspiration!

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How to Celebrate Earth Day While Social Distancing - 30 Ways to Connect Outdoors & Virtually

Hug a tree, not each other.

It’s how we’ll be celebrating Earth Day 2020, in the face of this global pandemic.

This pandemic has undeniably reshaped life across our beautiful planet. Cities have shut down, businesses have closed, restaurants are solely offering takeout, sports seasons have come to an unexpected end, full time jobs are being done remotely and the kids are home from school. Sigh, the kids are home from school. 

Safe to say, this pandemic has affected each and every one of us.

One thing it hasn’t affected is our ability to celebrate Earth Day. With social distancing in affect, we may not be able to hug each other, but we can definitely still hug a tree and celebrate Mother Nature and the planet we call home.

How did Earth Day begin?

In 1970, US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin had the idea for a national day to focus and raise awareness on environmental challenges. On April 22, his idea inspired 20 million Americans (at the time, 10% of the US population) to take to the streets, college campuses and cities to demand a new way forward for our planet. 

The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event. Earth Day was, and continues to be, a unified response to an environment in crisis.

This Wednesday, April 22, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. 

With social distancing guidelines still in place across the world, Earth Day will look a little different this year. But rest assured, it will still take place. 

While in-person community events are out of the picture for the most part, there are still many ways to celebrate Earth Day's 50th anniversary whether it is virtually online, at home or in your neighbourhood.

Here are 30 ways to that YOU and your family can celebrate Earth Day, while social distancing.

How to Celebrate Earth Day While Social Distancing

OUTSIDE

1. Create some sidewalk art with chalk - bring a smile to those passing by!

2. Have a picnic on your porch or in your backyard (if weather allows). 

3. Green your space! Build a vegetable garden in your backyard. Plant some vegetable seedlings indoors. (Most suppliers such as Home Depot Canada, Canadian Tire, Lowe’s, etc. will allow you to order supplies online and pickup curb-side.)

4. Create a fun social distancing mood board, such as this one we did. Have some fun with it, and make it outdoors related!

4. Hang a birdhouse or bird feeder and watch who visits. How many different types of birds do you see?

5. Take a walk around the neighbourhood and look for flowers.

6. Go on a neighbourhood scavenger hunt. One of ours can be found here.

7. Ditch the single use plastics! Decorate a reusable water bottle.

8. Teach your kids about the 3 Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle!

9. Take the opportunity to do some spring cleaning around the house and in the garden. 

10. Start running, or sign up for a virtual run! This website has a comprehensive list of virtual runs from across the world, all supporting different charities. 

11. Go for a walk and collect sticks, leaves, etc. Bring them home and create your own art project!

12. Play with bubbles! (You're never too old to play with bubbles.)

13. Get up early to watch the sunrise. Stay up late to watch the sunrise.

14. Pull out your camera and go on a photo safari around your neighbourhood.

Remember, before going outside check your local restrictions before heading out and stick close to home, so you don’t spread the virus elsewhere.

And if you can’t get outdoors, here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day from the comfort of your home. 

VIRTUALLY

15. Support local - shop online at your favourite small shop, order takeout from your favourite local restaurants or even buy a produce box from your local farming co-op. 

16. Inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers and conservations in your house with Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants. Live stream topics include oceans, biodiversity, women in science, space exploration, ocean plastics, climate change and more. 

17. Check out one of the many amazing documentaries about animals and the environment on your favourite streaming service. Our favourites can be found on Disney+ and Netflix.

18. Check our your favourite zoos and aquariums to see what virtual learning resources they are offering. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has a comprehensive daily calendar of live streams and activities. 

19. Tune into Earth Day Network’s Earth Day Live 2020 - they have an all-star lineup of speakers and performers. The 15-hour stream will run from from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST. 

20. Take a virtual tour through a US National Park, such as Yellowstone National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska or Joshua Tree National Park in California, to name a few.

21. Check out Earth from space with Google Earth. Can you find where you live?

22. Check out "NASA Science Live" on Wednesday at 3pm EST (NASA TV and YouTube), featuring NASA experts discussing how NASA plays a big role in understanding and improving the earth.

23. Check out virtual programming offered at your favourite museums and science centres.

24. Go ‘scuba diving’ on the Great Barrier Reef with Sir David Attenborough (think Planet Earth) as your guide. Learn about the animals that call this reef home, its importance in our everyday life and the threats it faces. 

25. Check out the cherry blosson "Bloom Cam" at the National Mall, a 24/7, live, real-time look at one of the most popular and beloved sites in Washington, DC. The blossoms signal the arrival of spring and symbolize hope, renewal, and friendship.

26. Start to plan your next vacation. There are lots of great online resources to inspire you travel plans, including Lonely Planet, Frommer’s and even social media. Search your favourite travel-related hashtags on Instagram - #travel, #goexplore, #wanderlust, for example.

27. Create some earth-inspired art! There are many great resources online to inspire your own art project. For example, the Bob Ross ‘Joy of Painting’ series is available to watch on YouTube, where you can learn to paint a beautiful landscape. 

28. Explore available online environment related curriculum activities with you kids. If you are a  water lover and city dweller like me, these activities to help understand the urban watershed may be of interest to you. 

29. Use the US Environment Protection Agency's online Carbon Footprint calculator to learn how you daily activities affect the environment. 

30. For those high school and university students and parents looking to learn more, check out Coursera, which offers courses, certificates and degrees online from world-class universities and companies. Check out this free course about exploring the Arctic, offered by the University of Colorado. 

Also, don’t forget to check out these 50 essential outdoor activities for Spring for more things you can do with your family this season. 

The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. 

How will you celebrate Earth Day while social distancing? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.

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