Note: These events have been canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Please check out our virtual events calendar for family fun things to do safely at home.
Are you ready to go a little green? Earth Day is a little different this year, but there are other ways for families to celebrate the holiday on April 22 such as recycled crafts and ways for older kids to go green. Below are the events that happened in 2019 — we’re looking forward to having them back in 2021!
City
Earthfest
When: April 13
Where:Â Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Cost:Â Free with museum admission
Explore the time scales between weather and climate and examine the science behind climate change. Participate in citizen science projects, view art pieces that spark discussion, and meet with climate change experts.
Earth Day at Peggy Notebaert
When: April 22
Where:Â Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Cost:Â Free with admission
Start your seedlings with Gotham Greens as they run Earth Day activities throughout the day.
Ancient Earth Day
When: April 27
Where:Â Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago
Cost:Â Free, registration recommended
Learn all about ancient trash and recycling and how ancient people lived with the environment. Practice creative engineering and innovative thinking to solve problems with limited resources, and use recycled and natural materials to craft your own Ancient Earth Day-inspired creations.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Earth Day Expo
When: April 20
Where:Â Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Cost: Free
Join Beat Bugs Jay, Kumi and Crick in an interactive sing along in honor of Earth Day. The Beat Bugs will sing and dance in two 25-minute performances, then meet with fans for 20 minutes after each set. The expo will also feature Earth Day activities from local businesses and organizations.
Earth Day Celebration
When: April 28
Where:Â Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie
Cost: Free
This year’s Earth Day celebration features games, activities, food and a native plant sale.
Earth Day Party
When: April 28
Where:Â Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
Cost: Free
Celebrate your connection to the Earth withgames, crafts, free wildflower seedlings, birdhouse building, worm composting construction, a live hawk and owl display, and more.
South Suburbs
Earth Day
When: April 20
Where:Â Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
Cost:Â Free
Celebrate Earth Day with hikes, puppet shows, art-making and Earth Day Jeopardy.
Earth, Wind and Fire
When: April 27
Where:Â McCarthy Park, 16801 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park
Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day with hands-on games and activities. The wind will be blowing at the kite fly on McCarthy Field, bring a kite to fly and fill the sky with spring colors. Stop by the warming bonfire to roast some tasty marshmallows.
Earth Day (Pilcher Park)
When: April 27
Where:Â Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet
Cost: Free
Enjoy wildflower hikes, pulling invasive plants, playing games and making crafts out of recycled materials, and visiting earth-wise vendors with great information. The stewardship portion is a good opportunity for community service hours for high school, scout groups, and church groups. Learn why it is important to preserve habitats and good to recycle.
Western Suburbs
Trash to Treasure
When: Weekdays in April
Where:Â The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Cost: Free with general admission
Discover the world of recycling through fun games and make a recycled craft of your own to take home.
Party for the Planet
When: April 14
Where:Â Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield
Cost: Free with zoo admission
Learn about the different ways you can make Earth-friendly choices such as conserving energy, riding a bike, or recycling. During this fun-filled family event, participate in green-themed craft activities, help staff plant flowers and a tree, visit with representatives at the Eco Expo and more.
Earth Fest
When: April 27
Where:Â Public Works Center 201 South Blvd., Oak Park
Cost:Â Free
The event focuses on green neighborhoods, sustainable lifestyles and best practices. Highlights include eco-friendly vendors, local chefs and restaurants, games and activities for children, items for sale, and entertainment. In addition, recycling booths will be available for eyeglasses, sun glasses, hearing aids, rechargeable batteries, cell phones and old blue jeans.
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