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.
Mother's Day Photo Mini Sessions
It's mini session season!!
Mini sessions are in full swing at our studio park location in Saint Paul, MN on Saturday, May 6 and Saturday, May 13.
Enjoy a 20-minute session and get 10 digital images all for $250 (valued at $500). Don’t miss out on this amazing deal! If you’re ready to have some fun with your family and capture lasting memories, book now!
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
Minneapolis & St Paul
Kids at the Castle: Earth Day
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Attend an earth-centered playdate at the Castle. $10/family includes admission to the museum for the whole family. April 21 or 22, 2023; 9am-10am. Register for Friday. Register for Saturday.
EARTH DAY: Earth Health, Our Health
Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102
Special Earth Day programming centered around climate and our power to impact it, included with daily admission. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 10am-2pm.
North Mississippi Regional Park Earth Day Celebration
4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN 55430
Self-guided nature exploration, a scavenger hunt, and art activities and participate in the park clean up. 11am-3pm, FREE. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 11am-3pm. Registration is required.
Como Zoo Party for the Planet
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul MN 55103
Visit for family fun, educational programs, story times and more. April 22-23, 2023; 10am-4pm. Free Will Donations Appreciated. ** Reservations are no longer required. **
Como Park Frog Pond
Twin Cities North Metro Earth Day Events
Earth Day Art Buffet
North St. Paul Library, 2300 N St Paul Dr, North St Paul, MN 55109; Saturday, April 8, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113; Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Spend the morning making anything you want with Ramsey County Library’s “Earth Day Art Buffet”. The library will have a variety of materials, tools and art supplies. Drop in to create something special. Appropriate for ages 3 and older.
Springbrook Nature Center Environmental Fun Fair
100 85th Ave. N.W., Fridley, MN 55432
Peruse outdoor and environmental exhibits, participate in an interactive nature hike and other family-friendly activities. Food trucks onsite. Find more details here. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 11am-2pm.
Harriet Alexander Nature Center Earth Day Celebration
2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113
This annual event traditionally includes live music, storytelling, earth-friendly activities, crafts and tours. April 22, 2023; 10am-2pm.
Wargo Nature Center Family Earth Day Celebration
7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Make an earthy art project, explore the trails and visit the booths of the Eco-Fair. Plus a bounce house for the little ones and refreshments for all. Vehicle fee: $6. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 1-4pm.
Twin Cities South Metro Earth Day Events
Richfield Eco Fair
Richfield High School, 7001 Harriet Avenue Richfield, MN 55423
Families can learn about sustainable practices and earth-friendly habits, including kids activities and community exhibits. Saturday, April 15, 2023; 10am-3pm.
Wood Lake Nature Center Earth Day / Arbor Day Celebration
Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
Visitors are invited to help clean up litter, participate in a prairie restoration project and visit the booths of an Earth Day fair. Food Trucks onsite. FREE. Sunday, April 23, 2023; 1pm-4pm.
Free Family Fun Day: Story Stroll
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Enjoy a walk along the beautiful park space of Hyland Lake Park Reserve, stopping along the trail to read the poetic nod to Earth Day, Seeing Into Tomorrow by Richard Wright and Nina Crews. This is an all ages, drop-in activity. Sunday, April 23, 2023; 1-3pm. FREE.
Earth Day Birding Festival
Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Carpenter Nature Center traditionally celebrates its annual Birding Festival on Earth Day Weekend. Last year, they also opened late for self-guided exploration. April 22, 2023; 7am-5pm. ($5/pp or $15/includes a box lunch). Advanced registration is encouraged. Call 651-437-4359 to register.
Twin Cities West Metro Earth Day Events
Earth Day Community Clothing Swap
Braemar Arena – Backyard Rink, 7501 Ikola Way, Edina, MN 55439
Drop off clothes starting a 3pm and start shopping other donations at 4pm. FREE. Thursday, April 20, 2023; 4-8pm.
Eden Prairie Eco Expo
Eden Prairie Center at 8251 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Drop into Eden Prairie Center between 10am and 6pm and check out the Family Fun Zone of the Eden Prairie Eco Expo to learn how bees make honey, what bees and butterflies eat, how to protect our water from invaders and test your recycling and racing skills. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 10am-6pm.
Lowry Nature Center Earth Day Adventure
7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386
Participants will go on a hunt for clues in the form of Earth Day riddles to learn ways to help the Earth. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 1-4pm. FREE.
Chaska Earth Day Celebration
McKnight Park, 110400 Pioneer Trl, Chaska
Outdoor exhibits, a guided nature hike, food and family activities. April 22, 2023, 11am-2pm.
Twin Cities East Metro Earth Day Events
Earth Day at Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, 3554 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
The nature center is planning a multi-weekend Earth Day activity April 22 & 29, 2023. Events are dependent on Mother Nature’s cooperation. Schedule updates and weather changes will be posted on SMNC’s website here.
- April 22, 2023, 9am-Noon. Help spread native seeds, including flower seeds, sedges and grasses. Afterwards, enjoy a simple picnic lunch (i.e. hot dogs, chips and a drink).
- April 29, 2023, 9am-Noon. Plant oak seedlings in an area recently cleared of buckthorn. Participants are asked to bring one spade per family, and some work gloves. This event will also follow with lunch.
- Adopt-A-Tree. Families attending the April 29th event can register ahead to adopt their own oak seedling to take home and care for in their own backyard. Seedlings cost $5.00 and must be pre-ordered here.
Free Entry Day at Washington County Parks
Big Marine Park Reserve, 17495 Manning Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047,
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, 10191 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Square Lake Park, 15450 Square Lake Trail Court North, Stillwater, MN 55082
Pine Point Park, 11900 Norell Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55028
Lake Elmo Park, 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Cottage Grove Park, 9653 Keats Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Point Douglas Park, 14593-14741 Point Douglas Drive S., Hastings, MN 55033
Washington County will wave its usual Vehicle Fees on Earth Day. Take advantage of free entry to join a Zumba class at Cottage Grove Ravine, go on a fitness hike or play Frisbee Golf at Lake Elmo, and/or take a Story Stroll at Big Marine Park. You can also explore any of these parks on your own. Learn more here. April 22, 2023; All day.
More Earth Day events near the Twin Cities
Free Entry Day at Minnesota State Parks
All 75 Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas
The Minnesota State Parks has selected April 22, 2023 as one of its four Free Entry days this year. According the 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. April 22, 2023; 8am-10pm.
Free Entry Day at National Parks & Public Lands
We have 6 National Park Spaces in Minnesota – Some are in the Twin Cities metro
Earth Day also happens to be the first day of National Park Week and it is one of five free entrance days for National Parks, Forests and other National Public Lands in 2023. Learn more here. April 22, 2023; All day.
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 from over 400 Parks for a great family nature walk and maybe a picnic.
- 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.
Related Articles:
- 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.
Action for Earth Activities
Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
The Science Museum has gathered these climate change resources available all month on your own schedule:
- Explore climate change with exhibits and Omnitheater offerings at the museum.
- Try some at-home projects and sustainable practices.
- Interactive lessons for the classroom or home school.
2023 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.
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. Saturday, April 22, 2023; 9:30 am to noon.
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. Registration required. Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9am-11:30am.
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. April 10-May 16, 2023.
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. More details here. April 20, 2023.
Eagan Holz Farm Park Clean Up Day
Holz Farm Park, 4669 Manor Drive, Eagan, Minnesota 55123
Do some light cleaning of the farmhouse, mulch/weed the gardens and/or general grounds cleanup. Register online for event #15328004-V6. May 6, 2023; 9am-Noon.
Eden Prairie Park Clean Up Day
Parks throughout Eden Prairie
Residents are encouraged to wear work gloves and bring along trash bags to clean up parks and trails. More details here. April 15-16, 2023.
Farmington Pond & Park Clean Up Day
Parks & ponds throughout Farmington
Volunteer to clean up at city ponds and parks. May 6, 2023; 9am-11am. Call 651-280-6842 to volunteer by April 21st.Â
Maplewood Earth Week Challenge
Maplewood parks, trails and open spaces
Residents were encouraged to go out “Plalking” (picking up litter while walking). Remember to wear gloves and take your trash bag with you or place it in a designated container trash can at the park. April 17-23, 2023.
Minnehaha Creek Cleanup
Knollwood Canoe Landing, 8800 Highway 7, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416
Gloves, waders, cleanup tools and disposal bags will be provided. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable work clothes. 9-11am. Call 952-924-2699 with questions. April 22, 2023; 9am-11am.
Robbinsdale Earth Day Trash Pick Up
Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Avenue N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Please register in advance for this clean up. April 22, 2023; 10am-11:30am.
St. Anthony Village Park Clean-Up Day
Parks throughout St. Anthony Village, MN 55418
Stop by a local park to help with trash pick up or a light gardening project. In addition, the village encourages families to pick up in their own neighborhood on their own schedule throughout the week. April 22, 2023; 10am-12pm.
Tamarack Nature Preserve, Woodbury
Tamarack Nature Preserve, 1825 Tower Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Annual Clean-Up Event. Volunteers are encouraged to explore and get a little dirty cleaning-up this hidden gem. Bring a water bottle, garbage bags and work gloves. Signs will be posted near trail access points showing where collected trash can be left. All ages, drop-in. April 21, 2023; 8:30am-8pm. 2023.
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township
Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110
Clean up the grounds and trails of Tamarack Nature Center. April 22, 2023. Register here or by calling 651-266-0365.
Washington County Parks
A Perfect addition to am Earth Day visit to one of the county parks. Fill out a volunteer interest form with Washington county. The county will provide trash bags, gloves, and cleanup destination maps. April 22, 2023.Â
Doing Good Together
DGT traditionally offers several clean up events on their list of April Volunteer Opportunities in the Twin Cities. They also have a collection of anytime Family Earth Stewardship activities here.
Did we miss any of your favorite Earth Day Family Events? Leave us a comment, so we can share with the community.
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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.
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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.
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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.