Are you ready to go a little green? Earth Day is coming up quickly! There are many ways for families to celebrate the holiday on April 22, such as recycled crafts and unexpected ways to recycle as a family.
Here are some local Earth Day events to help make the planet a better place. Looking for more spring activities in Chicagoland? Check out our spring fun family guide!
Earth Day Events in the City
Earth Day Resource Fair at Dvorak (Anton) Park
April 13, 2024
- Address: 1119 W. Cullerton St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Learn how to protect the Earth and sign up for a park clean-up. Visit tables from different environmental organizations, water/energy conservation, gardening, recycling and more.
Earth Day at Commercial Club Playground of Chicago
April 20, 2024
- Address: 1845 W. Rice St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families with kids of all ages can help clean up the park and adjacent playlots at Commercial Club.
Earth Day at Caldwell Woods
April 20, 2024
- Address: West Devon Avenue and North Nagle Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter at Caldwell Woods. There will be supplies for individuals or families to check out during the afternoon.
Earth Day Events in the North/Northwest Suburbs
Earth Day at Busse Lake Boating Center
April 20, 2024
- Address: Higgins Road/Route 72, east of I-290/Highway 53, near Elk Grove Village
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter at Busse Lake Boating Center. There will be supplies for individuals or families to check out during the afternoon.
Earth Day Nature Play at Crabtree Nature Center
April 20, 2024
- Address: 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy playing in the nature center’s three-acre nature play center. There will be Earth Day activities.
Earth Day at Century Park
April 22, 2024
- Address: 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills
- Cost: Free
Come out to Century Park to celebrate Earth Day with an afternoon of sustainability education and activities.
Earth Day Events in the South Suburbs
Spring Cleanup at Rock Run Rookery Preserve
April 13, 2023
- Address: 23065 S. Youngs Road, Joliet
- Cost: Free
Ages 14 and up can celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the shoreline of the Des Plaines River. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
Celebrating Earth Day at Main Park
April 20, 2024
- Address: 400 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy an afternoon of Earth Day fun with learning activities, crafts, kid-friendly games, giveaways and more.
Earth Day at Sand Ridge Nature Center
April 20, 2024
- Address: 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
- Cost: Free
Play Earth Day-themed games, a self-guided litter cleanup and more at this event at Sand Ridge Nature Center.
Earth Day Birthday at Sauk Trail Woods-Central
April 20, 2024
- Address: Forest Preserve Drive, south of West 26th Street, South Chicago Heights
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day at Sauk Trail Woods Central by helping clean up the litter in the forest preserve and playing party games.
Earth Day Celebration at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
April 20, 2024
- Address: 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day with art activities, scavenger hunts and free plant giveaways. Registration required.
Earth Day Events in the Western Suburbs
2nd Annual Trash Bash at Miller Meadows-South
April 6, 2024
- Address: 1st Avenue, south of Roosevelt Road, near Forest Park
- Cost: Free
Bring your old electronics, musical instruments, prescription drugs, books, bikes, clothing and more to donate. The first 50 donors will receive a free, “Don’t be Trashy” T-shirt.
Earth Day Celebration at Lincoln Marsh- Prairie Patch Play Area
April 18, 2024
- Address: 1000 W. Lincoln Ave., Wheaton
- Cost: Free
Children can celebrate Earth Day by enjoying open play at the Prairie Patch Play Area, crafts and activities. Dress for the weather.
Earth Day Cleanup at Jerome Huppert Woods
April 19, 2024
- Address: Thatcher Avenue, south of West Fullerton Avenue, River Grove
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter at Jerome Huppert Woods. There will be supplies for individuals or families to check out during the afternoon.
Celebrate Earth Day Activities at Trailside Museum of Natural History
April 20, 2024
- Address: 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day by helping plant a tree, make a bird feeder to bring home, pick up litter and more. Registration not required.
Earth Day Cleanup at Miller Meadow-South
April 20, 2024
- Address: 1st Avenue, south of Roosevelt Road, Forest Park
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter at Miller Meadow-South. There will be supplies for individuals or families to check-out during the afternoon.
Earth Day: Party for the Planet at the Brookfield Zoo
April 20, 2024
- Address: 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
- Cost: No charge for donation drop-off; tickets or membership is required if you plan to visit the zoo
Recycle unwanted items the Earth-friendly way at the Brookfield Zoo. The zoo will be collecting electronics, textiles and used books. Check lists on the website for what you can and cannot donate.
Earth Day Run at the Brookfield Zoo
April 21, 2024
- Address: 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
- Cost: $30-$35/person (includes admission to zoo)
Get outside and celebrate Earth Day with a 2.2-mile fun run through the twist and turns of Brookfield Zoo during their pre-park hours. Great for all ages. Advanced registration required.
This post is updated annually.
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