As moms, we’re always looking for ways to raise kids who care about the world around them. One simple place to start? Right outside your front door.
When it rains in Dallas, the water that runs down your driveway and street flows straight into storm drains—and eventually into local creeks and lakes where your family might fish, kayak or play. That water isn’t cleaned or filtered first, so whatever it carries—trash, lawn chemicals, pet waste is the same water we play in and eventually clean and drink.
That’s where teaching our kids comes in. Little lessons we impart today can grow into lifelong habits that protect Dallas’ water for tomorrow. Here’s how to break it down for our kids and make caring for our waterways part of everyday life.
Teaching Kids Where Rainwater Goes
To really help children understand how our everyday choices impact the water supply, lean into their natural curiosity. The next time you’re on a walk, pause by a storm drain together and crouch down at places your family loves, like White Rock Lake or the Trinity River. It’s a simple, hands-on way to show how whatever’s on our streets ends up in the same water we might swim and play in.
Simple Everyday Activities to Teach Kids About Water Pollution
Here are a few kid-friendly activities to help teach stormwater:
- Scoop the poop together. Next time you walk the dog, explain that pet waste can wash into the lake where kids swim. Have your child help carry the bag and toss it in the trash. And always pick up after your dog at home at least once a week and toss it in the trash.
- Litter patrol. Give your child gloves and a small bag on neighborhood walks to pick up trash. Celebrate the clean spot you’ve created together.
- Garden helpers. Teach them to water only the plants, not the sidewalk.
- Recycling rangers. Turn sorting bottles, cans, and paper into a game. Explain how keeping recyclables out of the street keeps storm drains clear. Oh and, coat hangars and straws, they go into the trash.
- Wildlife watchers. Take a walk near a creek or pond and point out ducks, turtles, or fish. Connect the dots: clean water means a healthy habitat for the animals they love.
Make Water Lessons Fun With Games and Challenges
Turn it into a game—who can spot the most storm drains? Who’s the fastest trash picker? Kids love being part of a mission, especially when it helps their city.
Or, be silly. Ask your kids, could you imagine swimming in all the gross stuff that’s on our streets? Pet waste, car oil, trash, litter bobbing around you? Yuck!
Why Clean Water Matters for Families and Wildlife
These small activities show kids that their actions have power. They learn that caring for pets, picking up trash or being careful with water at home keeps Dallas’ streams and lakes safe and beautiful for everyone. And they’re reminded that clean water doesn’t just mean clear lakes and rivers; it also means healthier fish, turtles, ducks and places for them to play and enjoy. When you’re having a picnic at White Rock Lake or biking along the Trinity River, that fun is directly connected to the little everyday choices you make.
Learn More: Dallas Stormwater Resources for Families
The City of Dallas Stormwater team has kid-friendly resources, activity sheets and volunteer opportunities families can do side by side. Visit dallascityhall.com and search “stormwater” or “water conservation” to explore ways your family can get involved.
Our kids are watching us—and learning that little choices can make a big difference. Together, we can keep Dallas’ lakes and rivers safe, fun and beautiful for years to come.
Partnered content for Dallas Environmental Quality & Sustainability
