Earth Day falls on April 22nd but we love to celebrate so much in Minnesota, we celebrate all month long and into May. I think our love of spring may be the reason the Twin Cities Metro does not skimp on Earth Day activities and events. While this is a chance to teach our children about good stewardship of our planet, it is also the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the long-awaited spring and fresh air. Peruse our big list of Twin Cities Earth Day Family Events and pick your favorites.
About Earth Day
Earth Day Network’s first Earth Day was in 1970 and has been celebrated for over half a century. Its continuing mission is “to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle to build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations.”
Earth Day family events around the Twin Cities
Science Museum Earth Fest
Date: 04/04/2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
During this special day dedicated to the Earth, families can discover the science of water conservation, habitat restoration, alternative energy sources and more. Included with regular admission $24.95-$34.95.
Open House Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/18/2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Ramsey County Environmental Center, 1700 Kent Street, Roseville, MN, 55113
Drop in to celebrate Ramsey County Environmental Center’s first year in operation. Learn about the services offered and items accepted at the center, tour the exhibit hall, sit for storytime, upcycle a craft and bring home seeds to plant in your garden. Refreshments will be served. See the full schedule of events.
Loring Park Earth Day! (FREE)
Date: 04/18/2026 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Friends of Loring Park are seeking 100 volunteers to help clean up the park in the name of Earth Day. Breakfast and all supplies provided, just bring your energy. Meet at the Loring Park Community Art Center for direction.
Eden Prairie Eco Expo (FREE)
Date: 04/18/2026 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Eden Prairie Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Drive,, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344
The Eden Prairie Eco Expo will have eco-friendly exhibitors, electric vehicles on display and a free Family Fun Zone stocked with things to keep young environmentalists busy.
Edina Earth Day Clothing Swap (FREE)
Date: 04/18/2026 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square # 101, Edina, MN, 55436
Donate your gently used clothing to the Edina Senior Center during the week of April 13-17 from 9am-4pm. Then drop by on April 18th to pick out a new-to-you clothes for the family. FREE.Â
Eagan Earth Day Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/18/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Blackhawk Park, 1629 Murphy Parkway, Eagan, MN, 55122
Drop in to Blackhawk Park to celebrate Earth Day in Eagan. Visit educational and informational booths to learn about the environment and chat with local businesses. Explore the kids compost corner or swap gardening tools.
Wargo Family Earth Day Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/18/2026 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN, 55038
In celebration of Earth Day, make an earthy art project, take in live performances, explore the trails around Wargo Nature Center and visit the booths of the Eco-Fair.
Earth Day Clothing Swap (FREE)
Date: 04/19/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Silverwood Park, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony, MN, 55421
Silverwood Park celebrates Earth Day with a clothing swap for adults and teens 14+. Cost is free. Drop In.
Richardson Family Free Fun Day: Earth Day (FREE)
Date: 04/19/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN, 55438
Celebrate Earth Day at Richardson Nature Center. Make a seed craft to plant at home, go on a self-guided spring hike and play in the outdoor Nature Exploration Area. No reservations needed; drop in anytime.Â
Mendota Heights Earth & Arbor Week
Date: 04/20/2026 - 04/27/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: ,
Mendota Heights is celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day with a full week of fun activities.
2026 Mendota Heights Earth Week events
- April 20-27 Find the Frog. Go on a search for Lily the Frog. She’s hiding near a trail in one of 13 Mendota Heights parks – can you figure out which one? Enter to win an Earth & Arbor Day gift basket.
- April 21Â Yoga in the Park at Market Square Park. Bring your own mat; all ages welcome. 5-6pm.
- April 23 Free Book Buggy at Mendota Heights City Hall. No registration required for this free, all ages event. 5:30-6:30pm.
- April 23 Earth & Arbor Week Movie Night: WALL-E at Mendota Heights City Hall. 6:30-8:30pm.
- April 24Â Live Raptor Show at Mendakota Park. Show starts promptly at 1pm. Free, drop in between 12:45-2pm.Â
- April 25 Kids Garage Sale, Veterans Memorial Community Center. 10am-12pm.
Red Balloon Earth Day Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/21/2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Red Balloon Bookshop, 891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN , 55105
Meet author Tara Perron as she shares her picture book Our Sacred Land of Pȟežúta. This book uses words and images to highlights the treasures of an abundant prairie landscape.
Visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center
Date: 04/22/2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Visitor Center, Science Museum of Minnesota lobby, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
What better way to celebrate our planet than learning more about our local environment and the Mississippi River. Located inside the Science Museum of Minnesota building, but separately run by the National Parks Service, this small museum is FREE* to visit.Â
*If you would like to combine this visit with a visit to the science museum, regular SMM admission fees apply.
Earth Day with Wild Rumpus (FREE)
Date: 04/22/2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, 2522 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
Wild Rumpus Books often hosts special events for reading enthusiasts of all ages. We’re tracking these events here, on our Family Fun Calendar.
- April 18: Earth Day Cleanup & Storytime with Wild Rumpus – Storytime at 9am plus a hands-on gardening activity, scavenger hunt and cleanup event until 12pm.
- April 22: Earth Day with Wild Rumpus – offsite event with author and muralist Katie Yamasaki as reads her picture book Ripples! Plus tips of what you can do to keep the river clean, kid-friendly activities, and a book signing & sales with Wild Rumpus.
Mendota Heights Earth Week Movie Night: WALL-E (FREE)
Date: 04/23/2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118
Mendota Heights Earth & Arbor Week continues with a free movie night at City Hall. The council chambers will screen a free showing of Wall-E. Free popcorn provided for all who attend, all ages welcome. For comfort: bring: a blanket/sleeping bag, a pillow, comfy clothes or pjs and a water bottle.
Earth Week Live Raptor Show (FREE)
Date: 04/24/2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Mendakota Park, 2111 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118
Earth & Arbor Week in Mendota Heights wraps up with a Raptor Encounters live show at Mendakota Park. The presentation shows off 3 different live raptors and a bald eagle. Consider bringing a blanket to sit on.
Earth Day Birding Festival
Date: 04/25/2026 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, MN, 55033
Carpenter Nature Center celebrates its annual Birding Festival on Earth Day Weekend. Kids 10-18 can join a free Youth Birding Competition with prizes for the winners. Other diversions at the festival include live raptor presentations, a kids birdfeeder build and a guided birding field trip opportunities. Cost is $5/pp or $15/includes a box lunch. Advanced registration available – see link.
Minnesota State Parks: Free Park Day - Earth Week
Date: 04/25/2026 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Minnesota State Parks, 75 Locations, throughout, Minnesota
Four days each year all state parks and state recreation areas across Minnesota waive the vehicle fee to visitors and offer free admission! Opt Outside today and visit one of our area State Parks.
Mendota Heights Find the Frog (FREE)
Date: 04/25/2026 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Location: Mendota Heights parks (see link), Mendota Heights, MN
Lily the Frog is hiding near a trail in one of 13 Mendota Heights parks – can you figure out which one? (Hint: She doesn’t hop locations; she’ll stick around the same park April 20-27.) Solve the puzzle and enter to win an Earth & Arbor Day gift basket.
Oakdale Eco Fair and Clothing Swap (FREE)
Date: 04/25/2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Castle Elementary, 6675 50th Street N, Oakdale, MN , 55128
In honor of Earth Day this week, stop by the family-friendly Oakdale Eco Fair for eco-education presented in a fun format. Visit the link below for a list of vendors expected to attend the fair. Admission is free to attend.
Como Zoo Party for the Planet (FREE)
Date: 04/25/2026 - 04/26/2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, Saint Paul, MN, 55103
Visit Como Zoo the weekend before Earth Day for special family fun, educational programs, story times and more. Free will donations appreciated.Â
Harriet Alexander Earth Day Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/25/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Harriet Alexander Nature Center, 2520 Dale Street N, Roseville, MN, 55113
The annual Earth Day Celebration at Harriet Alexander Nature Center traditionally includes live music, storytelling, earth-friendly activities, crafts and tours.
Richfield Earth Day Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/25/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, MN, 55423
Celebrate Earth Day at Richfield Community Center. Family fun includes activities that are appropriate (and fun!) for all ages. Cost is free, no need to register.
Spring Seed Swap
Date: 04/25/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, MN, 55423
Stop by Richfield Community Center with your extra garden seeds to trade for seeds you don’t have yet. Refreshments and seed envelopes will be provided. Kids can help start some seeds with Richfield Rec to be planted around the community center.
*This event was postponed from March 14th due to weather and is now combined with Richfield’s Earth Day Celebration.
Wood Lake Earth Day Celebration (FREE)
Date: 04/25/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN, 55423
Valley Eco Fair (FREE)
Date: 04/26/2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Stillwater Pioneer Park, 515 2nd Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082
Valley Eco Fair is a family-friendly, community-centered event featuring eco-friendly vendors, live music, food trucks, and hands-on activities celebrating sustainability and creativity. Families can learn, shop and enjoy a fun day outdoors at this annual event hosted by Sustainable Stillwater MN.
Earth Day Clothing Swap
Date: 04/26/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Bring gently used clothes to Minnetonka Community Center to exchange for new-to-you items. You do not need to bring items to take items; and you do not need to take items to bring items. Clothing and shoes should be new or gently used. All Ages. Drop In. FREE.
Edina Earth Day Festival (FREE)
Date: 04/26/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Weber Park, 4115 Grimes Ave S, Edina, MN, 55416
Morningside Neighborhood Association is hosting a big earth day festival at Weber Park. Participants can enjoy food trucks, music, family activities, and games. Bring gently used tools and toys to swap. Register for free bike giveaways! Perfect Earth Day outing for all ages, drop in as you wish. Thank you to reader Emily for alerting us to this event.
Shoreview Springfest (FREE)
Date: 04/26/2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Shoreview Commons Park, 4580 Victoria Street, Shoreview, MN, 55126
Celebrate Earth Day in Shoreview with a vendor fair, activities for kids and live entertainment. Meet at Haffeman Pavilion. Admission is free.
MAKE A DAY and explore The Best Parks in Shoreview, Minnesota including the awesome Shoreview Commons Destination Playground!
Springbrook Environmental Fun Fair & Migration Celebration (FREE)
Date: 05/02/2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN, 55432
Peruse outdoor and environmental exhibits, enjoy a bounce house, toy swap, games, crafts and activities. Food trucks will be onsite. Admission is free.
2026 TWIN CITIES PARK CLEAN-UP EVENTS
Earth Day Family Events can be about giving back. At park clean up events, families can pick up trash, recyclables and some organic materials. In our experience with Minneapolis, the park provides bins for garbage and litter, a separate recycling bin and a separate place for twigs and branches to be turned to mulch.
April 1-30 Green Up Eagan Community Clean-Up
Eagan parks & natural spaces
Register ahead, pick up your equipment and pick up trash at a designated location you choose.
April 11-12 Eden Prairie Park Clean-Up Event
Eden Prairie parks
Both adults and kids are invited to schedule a park clean-up between April 6th-April 12th at any of the available parks. Learn more and sign up by Wednesday April 1st.
April 17, 22 & 25 Anoka County Mighty Mississippi Clean Up
- Friday, April 17 – Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park Visitor Center | 9am-12pm
- Wednesday, April 22 Riverfront Regional Park Boat Launch | 9am-12pm
- Saturday, April 25 Mississippi West Regional Park Trailhead | 9am-12pm
RSVP for these work events and dress to work.
April 18 Minneapolis Parks
Parks throughout Minneapolis
Earth Day cleanup in your local park or neighborhood. Supplies handed out at participating sites or use your own supplies anywhere in the city. 9:30am – noon.
April 18 Wargo Service Project
Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN, 55038
Pre-register to participate in this outdoor service project beautifying Wargo Nature Center campus. Stick around for the Wargo Earth Day Celebration. Ages 11+ welcome to participate. 10am-12pm.
April 18-May 16 St. Paul Citywide Cleanup
Parks throughout Saint Paul
Stop into your selected cleanup site to check in with your site hosts and pick up bags and gloves. Then head out and clean up your park or neighborhood of choice. Find clean-up locations here.
April 20-May 15 Blaine Earth Day Cleanups
Parks throughout Blaine
The city of Blaine facilitates community members who want to organize a neighborhood cleanup. You select the date, time, and project. The city provides the supplies. Register your team for a convenient time in April or May.
Wednesday, April 22 Brooklyn Park Earth Day Community Cleanup
Oxbow Commons, Parcels North of 610 and East of Zane
Gloves and supplies provided. 9am-10am. More clean up volunteer opportunities in May & June
Wednesday, April 22 Champlin Earth Day Cleanup
Andrews Park, 7200 117th Avenue North, Champlin, MN 55316
Bring some gloves and dress in long pants and closed shoes. The city will provide trash bags and collection tongs. Call or email to register. Best for older kids & adults. 5pm.Â
Wednesday, April 22 Isanti Earth Day Cleanup
Volunteer to pick up at your favorite park. The city will provide clean up supplies.Learn more. Isantiparks@cityofisanti.us.Â
Saturday, April 25 Minnehaha Creek Cleanup
Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Help clean up along Minnehaha Creek. Come dressed to work. Gloves, waders, tools and bags provided. Registration appreciated 952-924-2699.
Did we miss any of your favorite Earth Day family events? Leave us a comment, so we can share with the community.
More Earth Day family fun near the Twin Cities
April 25 Free Entry Day at Minnesota State Parks
All 75 Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas
The Minnesota State Parks has selected April 25 as one of its four Free Entry days this year. According the Minnesota DNR website, the goal of offering this free entry day is to “encourage families to spend time together with a walk outdoors. Research shows that walking offers multiple benefits, from increased creativity and better brain function to more flexibility and stamina. So you won’t just burn calories, you’ll also improve your well-being”. Learn more here. 8am-10pm.
These are our favorite State Parks within a short drive of the Twin Cities
April 22 Regular Entry Day at National Parks & Public Lands
While Earth Day is not a FREE National Park day in 2026, none of the Minnesota National Parks charge an entrance free, so you can plan an Earth Day outing on Earth Day or any April weekend that works for your family.
DIY Earth Day Hikes, Rides, Walks & Hunts
For the family who wants to get out and move while enjoying nature, hikes, walks & hunts will get your family exploring Minnesota’s great parks and natural spaces. Pack your sports water bottle, dress weather appropriate with a sturdy pair of shoes and get out to have fun!
- Choose a nature scavenger hunt from our Twin Cities Quests and Treasure Hunts for Families.
- Take a nature ride on your bikes along the Mississippi. Anne has mapped her favorite routes on both Minneapolis bike trails and Saint Paul bicycle routes.
- Kid-Friendly Hikes: 10 Twin Cities Hiking Trails That Are One Mile or Less
Fun Earth Day Activities To Try On Your Own
We have a sampling of Earth Day family events here to get you out with your kids and celebrating our environment this month.
- If you prefer to celebrate Earth Day at Home, Gianna has gathered 22 Ways to Create a Meaningful and Easy Earth Day, including earth day crafts, artwork, books and songs.
- Most of these 65+ Fun Nature Play Ideas for Kids can be done at home or on your own.
- Use our Birding Checklist to learn what to pack for a birdwatching adventure and ideas for making your own bird feeder art projects from recycled materials.
There’s a big earth day festival going on at Weber Park in Edina hosted by the Morningside Neighborhood Association and there will be food trucks, music, family activities, games, tools and toys swap, and free bike giveaways!
Forgot to mention it’s on Sunday, April 27 from 12-4pm.
Thank you for this information, Emily. We appreciate community input.
Shoreview’s Springfest is April 21st and has Earth Day activities for kids and families.
Thank you, Gina. We’ll check it out and share with the community.
Just sharing along some upcoming family forward events at Forgotten Star Brewing. Thanks, and let me know if you have any questions!
March 25-29 – Coloring Contest (multiple age groups, weeklong, perfect for those staying home during Spring Break)
March 31 – Easter Egg Hunt
April 14 – Story Time (with local author, Laura Larson)
As always, appreciate all your help sharing!
Thanks, Lauren. I’ll add this Easter Egg Hunt to the list and add both the hunt and story time to the calendar.
What a surprise : nothing for senior citizens, just families & children. Ageism. No wonder a lot of seniors don’t care about the next generations.
While we created this site specifically for families with children because that is what we know, most of these events would have been perfect for intergenerational families. In fact, my 80-year-old mother took my son to our local park clean up.
Pingback: Ways to Give Back This Spring and Build a Healthy, Sustainable Environment | Wood From The Hood
Pingback: Love Your Mother on Earth Day - Midwest Home Magazine
Do you know if any of the recycling centers are offering money for things like aluminum cans on or around Earth Day?
Hi Bjorn:
I think we’ve gone to K&K Metals in NE Mpls, but only if we had other things to recycle at the same time. It’s hard to justify a special trip for 55cents/pound – especially when I know that aluminum recycling funds Minneapolis’s liberal garbage pickup policies.
Pingback: 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Your Littles – Baby Devotions
Do you know what ever happened to the big earth day convention that I think used to be held annually at the MN State Fair Grounds?
Hi Bill:
I believe you are thinking of The Green Expo. I’ve attended that at the fair grounds in the past. It is now held at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Joy.