Earth Day 2016: How To Teach Your Kids To Appreciate Nature

Every year, the World Wildlife Federation celebrates Earth Hour in March and the rest of the world celebrates Earth Day in April. This year, those dates are set on the 19th and on the 22nd, respectively, which means that it's time for you to plan a few activities for kids to be outside.

Here are a few inspirations for Earth Hour (and Day) activities you can do to get your kids outside and off their TVs and gadgets, and will make them appreciate nature more.

Camp under the stars - if you're participating in Earth Hour on March 19, you will be turning off your lights for an hour. Why stay indoors when you can go out, spread some blankets or sleeping bags outside, lie on your back and look at the stars? Turning off lights will minimize light pollution and the stars will be more visible, and they look beautiful.

Make art out of natural materials - leaves, flowers, rocks, and dirt can all be useful for artistic expression, plus, it's your chance to teach them about the things they find. If artist Andy Goldsworthy can create masterpieces out of things in nature, so can your kids. Don't critic on them too much about it either, just let them enjoy time outside and let their creativity run wild.

Plan a scavenger hunt - who doens't love the idea of finding treasure? A scavenger hunt is a way for kids to appreciate their surroundings. Make a map from clip arts from the internet, or make your own based on the area you want them in. Make sure you have the area cleared for hunting, though!

Sometimes, all it takes is bonding time with mom and dad to keep the children off their gadgets. Keep the activities light and fun, and who knows, your kids might want to do it as a regular bonding activity for the whole family!