Arbor Day is the national holiday dedicated to planting and celebrating trees. It highlights the importance of trees and encourages people to plant and care for them. In most states, it is celebrated on the last Friday in April, and it’s a good opportunity to get kids excited about trees and the wider environment.
The tradition originated in Nebraska in 1872 and aimed to encourage individuals and groups to plant and nurture trees. Arbor Day has since spread across the U.S. and is observed in various ways, including tree-planting events, educational programs and community activities. This is how families can mark the occasion and make it meaningful for future generations. Children, teens and the wider family can mark the occasion with these seven fun ideas.
Arbor Day is for anyone and everyone
Planting and enjoying trees have been central to Arbor Day since it was established by journalist Julius Sterling Morton in the 1870s. Not everyone is in the position to plant a tree, but there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the day. Here are family—and budget-friendly ways to celebrate Arbor Day wherever you live, in the city or the country.
Planting trees
First is the traditional way to mark Arbor Day: Planting a tree. Any type of tree is good, and available space will guide your choice, but a tree of significance can be more memorable or inspiring.
Significant trees include natives, rare or at-risk trees, culturally important trees, or those majestic and monumental species that attract attention and awe. It’s generally more inspiring to plant something with a story behind it, and sharing this story with children will help them to appreciate the moment all the more.
Oak trees are often planted on Arbor Day, especially by community groups. They grow into magnificent trees, and in some areas, they are under threat due to severe oak tree diseases. Continued planting will ensure we still have them in the years to come.
Tree care and maintenance
If you cannot plant a tree, taking time to care for and maintain trees is another way to recognize Arbor Day. Each year, most trees in a garden need to be pruned or sculpted, fertilized, treated for pests, mulched or staked. Small trees kept in pots need to be repotted or given a soil change.
These tasks are less exciting for young children but can be made more memorable for older kids and teens by letting them use new tools for the first time. Small pruning chainsaws, for example, may be suitable for mature children to try under close supervision.
Visit a local botanical garden
Many botanical gardens and arboretums hold special events for Arbor Day. These can be great opportunities for children to learn about different types of trees, especially those native to their region.
Beyond scheduled Arbor Day celebrations, picnic under a beautiful and awe-inspiring tree, find a good climbing tree or do a “tree scavenger hunt.” Prepare yourself with information about notable trees in the gardens to encourage children’s interest. Facts about who planted it, how old the tree is, and how big it is or will be can be fascinating and inspiring for kids.
Tree crafts and art
If it’s raining on Arbor Day, or you can’t get outside to plant a tree or visit a garden, tree-themed arts and crafts are an excellent way to celebrate with children. Get out the paint and encourage them to paint trees from their imagination or put on a YouTube tree painting tutorial as a guide.
Alternatively, print out Arbor Day coloring pages or activity pages. There are hundreds of free tree printables online that will keep kids entertained for hours. This will also help to cement the day in their memory, especially if it’s recognized year after year.
Read tree books
Select age-appropriate books that discuss the role of trees in the environment. Stories that include trees as characters or as a central theme can also add a magical element to the learning experience.
Tree themed kids’ books that are good for Arbor Day reading include “We Planted a Tree” by Diane Muldrow, “It Starts with a Seed” by Laura Knowles, “Up in the Tree” by Margaret Atwood or “Trillions of Trees” by Kurt Cyrus. Local libraries will have dozens of options.
Start a tree journal
Encourage children to start a journal where they can document the trees they plant or observe. They can take notes, draw pictures and even track the growth of the trees they planted themselves over time.
Tree journals are an enriching way to combine education with creativity, offering a hands-on way to connect with nature while fostering observational skills and an appreciation for the environment. It can also become a game or challenge to “catch them all.”
Tree occupations
Lastly, explore the wide array of tree-related occupations with your children and teens. Tree-related career opportunities span from hands-on care and conservation to research and education. Engaging in conversations about these roles can inspire a deep appreciation for nature and might spark an interest in pursuing a future in one of these rewarding fields.
Possible job titles include arborist, forester or logger, silviculturist, tree nursery manager, dendrologist, tree climber, horticulturist, wildlife biologist or park ranger. While most children may not be interested in trees for a career, the knowledge of the people who care for them will expand their appreciation for trees.
Remember Arbor Day each year
Decide to celebrate Arbor Day this year and every year. As it falls during Lawn and Garden Month, it can be incorporated into your overall spring garden plans and preparations.
Children love a celebration no matter the occasion, and Arbor Day is no different. Make it something to get excited about so that the next generation grows up to enjoy, nurture and protect the trees that are important to our environment.
Daniel Morris is the founder of Fire and Saw, a blog that focuses on chainsaws, wood stoves, tree care and related topics. Along with his wife Naomi, Daniel operates the site, where he shares his passion for these subjects.