Earth Day 2026 was a meaningful opportunity for Academies nationwide to turn environmental awareness into hands-on learning. Through Earth Day activities ranging from recycled art projects to planting and wildlife care, classrooms transformed big ideas like sustainability, responsibility, and stewardship into fun, memorable experiences.

Earth Day 2026 was a meaningful opportunity for Academies nationwide to turn environmental awareness into hands-on learning. Through Earth Day activities ranging from recycled art projects to planting and wildlife care, classrooms transformed big ideas like sustainability, responsibility, and stewardship into fun, memorable experiences. The Kiddie Academy Earth Day Contest The Kiddie Academy Earth Day Art Contest tasks Academies with creating a large-scale, collaborative art installation that showcases children’s understanding and commitment to protecting the Earth. The theme for 2026 is “The Wonders of Our World” and encourages children of all age groups to spark curiosity and explore the many amazing landscapes, environments, and phenomena found across our planet. 2026 Earth Day Winner: Kiddie Academy of East Setauket We’re proud to recognize Kiddie Academy of East Setauket as the 2026 Earth Day winner, receiving a $1,000 donation to the National Park Foundation. This Academy brought Earth Day to life by helping children explore the wonders of the world while learning why caring for the planet matters. With families contributing more than 200 photos from every continent, students collaborated to recreate each continent using recycled materials. From infants through school‑age children, every classroom played a role, resulting in a vibrant display that celebrates global connection, creativity, and environmental stewardship. The completed project now fills the Academy’s main hallway, serving as a lasting reminder of their Earth Day experience. Standout Earth Day Activities Across Kiddie Academy In addition to our winner, several Academies stood out for their creativity, inclusivity, and educational depth: Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley Children of all ages participated in developmentally appropriate recycled art projects using a wide variety of materials. Kiddie Academy of Grand Harbor Classrooms collaborated on an impressive, recycled art display, with each age group thoughtfully represented in the final project. Kiddie Academy of Kirkland Families contributed recyclable materials for an animal‑themed art contest that blended creativity, collaboration, and environmental learning. Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect Children explored environmental care by planting seeds, tending classroom plants, and creating birdhouses to support local wildlife. Kiddie Academy of Oakland Students and families worked together to source and sort recyclables, culminating in a collaborative Earth art installation featuring each child’s photo. Kiddie Academy of Reston The Academy hosted an Earth Day art gallery showcasing work from every age group and held a silent auction to support the National Forest Foundation. Kiddie Academy of Union Park Through books, discussions, and recycled art, children explored the wonders of our world while collaborating on projects that celebrated teamwork and care for the planet. Big thanks to all the Academies that participated in Earth Day 2026 and helped children build early environmental awareness: Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley Kiddie Academy of Bellevue Kiddie Academy of Bothell Kiddie Academy of Carmel Westfield Kiddie Academy of Chatham Hills Kiddie Academy of Clermont Kiddie Academy of Creekside at the Woodlands Kiddie Academy of East Setauket Kiddie Academy of Elyson Kiddie Academy of Fishers Kiddie Academy of Grand Harbor Kiddie Academy of Holliday Farms–Zionsville Kiddie Academy of Kenmore Kiddie Academy of Kirkland Kiddie Academy of Mill Creek Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect Kiddie Academy of Neptune Kiddie Academy of Noblesville Kiddie Academy of Oakland Kiddie Academy of Reston Kiddie Academy of Robbinsville Kiddie Academy of Sunterra Kiddie Academy of Union Park Kiddie Academy of Winter Garden Why Does Earth Day Matter in Early Childhood Education? Earth Day activities at Kiddie Academy go beyond one day. By engaging children in hands‑on projects, family involvement, and age‑appropriate discussions, our Academies help children develop respect for the environment while building critical thinking, connection, curiosity, and more – skills that support lifelong learning.