Even with small steps, kids can have a big impact on the environment. By engaging in these activities, kids can play a part in helping to save rainforests.
Why are rainforests so important to protect? Well, for one, they are home to more than 50 percent of all vertebrate animal species. This includes incredible species like jaguars, sloths, capybaras, and orangutans. Many people live in rainforests, too—depending on its resources to make a living and support their families. And rainforests are also an important source of food, water, and medicine. They even play a role in helping our climate stay cool!
Why we need to save rainforests
Rainforests face serious threats from deforestation, wildfires, and climate change. By doing our part, we can help prevent these threats.
Through these activities, kids can learn more about rainforests and how making eco-friendly choices helps save the planet (including many of their favorite animals). Everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. And kids can have fun learning about rainforests!
10 rainforest activities for kids
These 10 rainforest activities are perfect for Earth Day (22 April), World Environment Day (5 June), or World Rainforest Day (22 June). But kids and families can have fun helping to save rainforests any day of the year!
Look for sustainable foods
Help your parents look for food in the grocery store—like bananas and chocolate—that is grown in a sustainable way. This means that it is grown by farms and companies that support healthy forests, better farmer livelihoods, human rights, and climate resilience. When shopping, look for the little green frog seal that shows ingredients are Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Do a school project on rainforests
Why not do a class project to learn more about rainforests and the plants and animals that live there. Create a skit, write a story, or decorate your classroom to look like a real rainforest. Use our coloring pages to get started.
Raise money for rainforests
Host a bake sale, garage sale, or school fundraiser to raise money for an organization working to conserve rainforests. Consider donating to the Rainforest Alliance. For inspiration, check out our list of ideas for school fundraisers.
Learn about people who live and work in rainforests
Read about people who live in and near the rainforest. Learn how these families depend on the plants and animals in the rainforest.
Talk to friends, family, and classmates about the rainforest
Talk to your friends and family about how important rainforests are. Ask your teacher if you can give a presentation to your class about why we need to save rainforests.
Help your school make sustainable choices
Learn ways you can make your school more sustainable. You could help your school plant a biodiversity garden or reduce food waste in the cafeteria.
Check out our new Environmental Curriculum for schools
Calling all teachers and parents! Discover the Rainforest Alliance Environmental Curriculum for early learners to high schoolers (age 5-18). We have free, downloadable lesson plans—with videos, quizzes, worksheets, and math and art tie-ins—to inspire young students to understand and care for nature.
Reduce, re-use, and recycle paper
Use less paper. Re-use paper instead of throwing it out. You can cut it up to use as a notepad. If you can’t reuse it, recycle it. Help your family learn what types of paper can be recycled in your town or city.
Support organizations helping rainforests
Write a letter to an environmental organization or make a post on social media. Encourage friends, family, and classmates to thank an organization or company that supports sustainability and rainforests.
Find rainforests on the map
Look at a map of the world with your parents or teacher and learn where rainforests are. You can also learn more about the amazing animals that live in rainforests and where their habitats are around the world. Find out how different rainforests in different parts of the world are affected by things like deforestation, wildfires, and climate change.
Do a rainforest scavenger hunt
Search your home, including your refrigerator and pantry, for things you use or eat that have ingredients originating from rainforests. Think about how many things that we use every day come from plants found in rainforests, and how it would affect you if they were no longer around. Make a list with friends or family of everything you use or eat that rainforests produce. Share it with your class or family.
Spread the word
Share this article with friends, family, or your class to spread the word about how important rainforests are and how we can protect them. These rainforest activities can be fun to do at home and at school. By taking little steps like these, you and other kids can make a big difference for rainforests!
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