Summer is a time for kids to explore, play, and enjoy the great outdoors. It's important to teach our children about sustainability and why we need to protect our planet. We can easily do this when planning our summer activities and birthday parties. 

In this blog, we will explore some fun and eco-friendly summer party ideas that will ensure your kids have a celebration that is filled with fun while also being mindful of the environment.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt:

Organise a nature scavenger hunt where kids can explore their surroundings and learn about the ecosystem. If your party is outside, make a list of things for guests to find. This can include leaves, rocks, or flowers.

Encourage them to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature without disturbing it. To add an arty element you could give the children little packs of pens, pencils, and crayons and a sketchbook. The children do rubbings and drawings of the things they find.

Consider holding the party in a park or garden. Looking for an outdoor space? Check out the amazing spaces on Sharesy that are perfect for outdoor events. Spitalfields City Farm is a great Sharesy venue that focuses on sustainability and is a fabulous eco-friendly party venue.

2. Upcycled Crafts:

Encourage your guests to participate in creative and eco-friendly crafts using materials that would otherwise be discarded. For example, they can create artwork using recycled paper or make bird feeders out of empty plastic bottles. Green Pop has a great post on all things recycled art. Check it out here.

Top tip: Start collecting recycled items ahead of your party so that you have enough supplies for your guests to get creating. Remember to wash out your bottles and jars so that they are clean and ready to use.

3. Water Conservation Games:

Teach your kids the importance of water conservation while having fun. One fun way to teach kids about saving water is to have them do a relay race with cups of water. They have to carry the water without spilling it from one point to another. This activity not only promotes teamwork but also raises awareness about conserving water, a precious resource.

Water balloon fights are fun in the summer and a good way to cool off in the summer heat. However, balloons are not environmentally friendly. Luckily there are alternative options out there if you are really keen on a water fight.

Check online for reusable water balloons for a more sustainable summer activity. Catching rain water in a water butt is also a great way of conserving water.

4. Planting and Gardening:

Involve your kids in planting and learning about plants. Have a selection of seeds, compost and pots for your guests to choose  from. Let them plant their own seeds to take home and look after.

You can teach them about organic gardening, like composting and making seed pots from old newspapers. There is a great tutorial here for making your own pots. It is super simple and a fun activity.

Party Idea: Have a minibeast themed party for your child to learn about bees and insects helping plants grow. Asda has a bee-utiful Bumble bee cake!

5. Outdoor Picnics:

Organise eco-friendly picnics in the park or your backyard. Use reusable containers, utensils, cups and cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to less eco-friendly food covers and are actually simple to make. Check out this guide from the Natural History Museum here.

Another way to have a sustainable picnic is to think about where your produce is sourced. Are there local producers or farmers markets that you can support? This way you are helping the environment and also a local business at the same time.

6. Nature Art:

Encourage your kids to create art using natural materials they find outdoors. They can make leaf rubbings, paint with natural dyes made from flowers and plants, or build sculptures using rocks and sticks. This activity allows them to connect with nature while fostering their creativity.

The artist, Andy Goldsworthy, is a great source of inspiration for a natural arty party. The Library Art Centre created a video with great ideas here. You can either gather natural items to make art at your party venue or create art on the spot.

Top tip: remind your little guests not to put anything they find in their mouths. It is also a good idea to wash little hands after creating their lovely natural art.

When you plan your kids' summer party with eco-friendly practices, you are giving them summer fun experiences. You are also teaching them to care for the environment.

From nature scavenger hunts to upcycled crafts and water conservation games, these party activities will teach them valuable lessons about sustainability and also give them a great time. You can have a perfect summer party while thinking sustainably and reducing your carbon footprint.

Looking for a lovely outdoor space for your green party? Check out these lovely spaces on Sharesy.

Forest Hire, Springfield Community Primary School- A beautiful forest area tucked inside the grounds of the school. Suitable for forest school, as well as small events and parties. There is also an adventure playground nestled in the forest.

Outdoor Space, Holy Trinity CE Primary School- A fun outdoor area, great for parties. There is a climbing frame and seating area.

Forest Garden Hire, Wolves Lane Centre- A beautifully scenic outdoor space, Wolves Lane's Forest Garden is a thriving space for sustainable growing, education, social enterprise and community engagement.

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