Learning how to conserve water might not interest your kids if they don’t understand the importance of preserving our limited resources. As parents, it’s your job to help make conserving water fun and interesting.

Now that summer’s right around the corner, there’s no better way to teach kids how to save water than getting them involved in fun projects around the house. Here are some great projects on how to save water for kids to get you started.

Let Them Take Care of Their Own Plants

Let your kids take over the task of watering your plants inside and outside your home. Explain that plants need water to survive, but using too much water is wasteful and even harmful to the plant.

Your kids will learn to check the soil to see if the plant needs more water, and to recognize signs the plant is being overwatered. This summer project not only teaches kids how to conserve water but also responsibility, since they’re caring for your plants.

Create a Rainwater Barrel

Summer sometimes brings clouds and rainstorms, which makes it the perfect time to get your kids involved with using a rainwater barrel. The barrel sits underneath the downspout of your gutter system and collects the water that runs off your roof.

Your kids can then use the water for different things, including, watering your plants, giving your dog a bath, or cleaning your vehicles. Put your kids in charge of checking the barrel on a regular basis and letting you know when it’s full. Without a barrel, the water is wasted, making this a great way to show kids the importance of being creative and reusing resources.

Turn it into a Game

Kids love playing games and competing with each other, so turn conserving water into a fun game to get them involved. Create a bingo board where each box represents one activity that conserves water. For example, boxes could say “turn off the water while you brush your teeth,” or “shorten your shower by two minutes.”

Hand these bingo boards out to your kids, and whoever is able to complete the board the quickest wins a night off of chores! It’s a fun activity to help kids understand ways to conserve water as they go about their daily routines.

Collect Old Water Bottles

Is there someone in your family who always seems to leave half-empty bottles or glasses of water in the house? Ask your kids to search the house every evening for any water bottles or glasses that aren’t empty. Instead of pouring the water down the sink, use it to water your garden or houseplants.

Make a goal to get your kids involved in these fun projects this summer. Your children will enjoy themselves so much they won’t even realize they’re actually spending their summer vacation learning!

And not only that, but you’ll be doing your part to help protect our Earth for generations to come. It’s never too soon to get your kids involved with green living.