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. 2022 events are back! 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.”
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.
- Choose from over 400 Parks for a great family nature walk and maybe a picnic.
- State Parks and National Parks are particularly great for hiking and enjoying our State’s best natural resources.
- 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.
FUN EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES
We have a sampling of Earth Day family events here as well as some Arbor Day events 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.
Earth Day Activities – All Month
Shoreview Library, 560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
Drop in to Shoreview library during open hours to find Earth Day books and activities in the children’s area. Best for ages 2-11. April 1-30, 2022.
Party for the Planet is Back!
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul MN 55103
In their usual way, Como Zoo waited until the last minute to announce that they have brought back the Party for the Planet in a press release on April 20th. Visit for family fun, educational programs, story times and more. Don’t forget that Reservations are Required. April 23 and 24, 10am – 4pm.
Earth Day Eve with Meteorologist Paul Douglas
Red Balloon Bookshop, 891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Celebrate Earth Day at Red Balloon Bookshop with local author and meteorologist, Paul Douglas as he discusses his new book, A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet: It’s Not Hopeless and We’re Not Helpless. This book is best for kids age 9-13 in grades 4-6. April 21, 2022; 6:30pm.
Celebrate at Farmington Library
508 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024
Stop into Farmington Library for family-friendly Earth Day activities and a free seedling provided to take home and plant. All ages, FREE. April 22, 2022; 10am-12pm.
Celebrate Earth Day With ArtStart
ArtScraps, 1459 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
ArtScraps Creative Materials Reuse and Idea Center will be celebrating invites visitors to celebrate Earth Day by finding treasures among the trash for a creative spring project. All ages, FREE to visit; materials are priced appropriately. Drop in to the store, Friday, April 22, 2022; 10am-6pm.
Washington County Parks Free to Enter
Washington County Parks will waive entrance fees on Earth Day. Check website for additional activities. April 22, 2022.
Celebrate Earth Day with Interfaith Power & Light
Wabun Park Picnic Area, 4655 46th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406
In all ages celebration of the earth. Families can enjoy games and activities and share stories and songs. FREE, but the organizers request an RSVP for planning purposes. April 22, 2022; 4pm-6pm.
Free Family Friday: Earth Day Walk
Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369,
Participate in a guided walk with a naturalist to learn why we celebrate Earth Day, how to get involved as a Citizen Scientist and just spend time in nature appreciating our beautiful planet. Register for Event #2ENC2200. April 22, 2022; 4pm-5pm.
Earth Day / Arbor Day Celebration
Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
Visitors are invited to plant a tree for Arbor Day and then help to pull buckthorn and pick up litter. Refreshments will be served. FREE. April 22, 2022; 1pm-4pm.
Earth Day Evening Exploration
Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
The nature center will stay open late on Earth Day. While there are not specified time slots for this event, sign up individually or as a family group by calling 651-437-4359 and check in upon arrival. April 22, 2022; 4:30pm-9:00pm.
Earth Day Weekend Community Clothing Exchange
Backyard Rink of Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way, Edina, MN 55439
Drop off clean items that are in good condition by noon. You do not need to donate clothing to shop. FREE & drop in. Details & Rules. April 23, 2022; 10am-4pm.
Family Earth Day Celebration
Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
This annual event has included service projects, trivia, picnics, gardening seminars, naturalist programs, Earth Day games and activities, including a NEW Earth Day sound garden. Call 763-324-3350 for details and to sign up. April 23, 2022; 12:30pm-3pm.
Earth Day Celebration
Harriet Alexander Nature Center, 2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113
This annual event traditionally includes live music, storytelling, earth-friendly activities, crafts and tours. April 23, 2022; 10am-2pm.
North Mississippi Regional Park Earth Day Celebration
4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN, US 55430
Self-guided nature exploration, a scavenger hunt, and art activities. 11am-3pm, FREE. April 23, 2022; 11am-3pm.
Earth Day at Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, 3554 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Join one or all Earth Day events to help plant native oak trees and seedlings, spread grass and flower seeds and clear buckthorn. RSVP is required by April 18th and a picnic lunch will be available at noon. Learn more here. Saturdays, April 23 & 30 and May 7, 2022; 9am-12:30pm.
Note: Lake Elmo residents can also stop by Public Works, 3445 Ideal Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, to receive a free tree on Saturday April, 23, 2022. Bring your own bag between 9am-11am, while supplies last. (Source: April 8, 2022 Fresh Newsletter).
Free Family Fun Day: Earth Day
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Drop in with your work gloves to celebrate earth day with spring tasks. Help remove buckthorn and learn how to spot it in your own backyard. April 24, 2022; 1pm-3pm.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music Of The Grateful Dead For Kids – Earth Day Celebration
First Avenue, 701 North 1st Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
An all-ages cover show of Grateful Dead music to celebrate Earth Day with kids. Tickets $18.00/each. April 24, 2022; 11:30am.
Fridley Earth Week
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave. N.W., Fridley, MN 55432, Minnesota 55432
Activities will include a park clean-up day, story walks, scavenger hunts and more. End the week with an Environmental Fun Fair on May 7th from 10am-1pm. Find more details here. April 29, 2022 – May 7, 2022.
ARBOR DAY EVENTS
Arbor Day Celebration
McColl Pond Environmental Learning & Event Center, 13550 Dakota Ave., Savage, Minnesota 55378
The City of Savage is brining back its annual Arbor Day celebration at McColl Pond. Enjoy hands-on activities from the Wildflower Early Learning Center, tree care and garden presentations, a story time and tree-themed nature hike. FREE & drop in. Schedule of events here. April 23, 2022; 9am-2pm.
Arbor Day Tree Planting
Prairie Pine Park, 3235 223rd Street West, Farmington, MN 55024
Celebrate Eagan’s “Tree City” status with family-friendly activities and a formal ceremony. April 28, 2022; 10am-10:30am.
Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration
North Loop Neighborhood, North 3rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, Minneapolis, MN 55401
The Minneapolis Arbor Day celebration moves parks annually. In 2022 it will be held in the downtown. Enjoy a street festival, help plant trees, participate in a variety of tree-themed art, games and activities. There will also be live music and food trucks. FREE. April 29, 2022; 4pm-8pm.
Arbor Day at the Arb
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Celebrate trees with a special story time, tree bingo, forest bathing, and giveaways. Story time at 10:30am. Included with Arb Admission: $15/adults; Free for ages 15 and under. April 29, 2022; 9am-6pm.
Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair
Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN55346
Back again in 2022, join a walk and then peruse the Green Fair vendors for ideas on how to reduce your carbon footprint. Bring a picnic and let the kids enjoy the playground while you are there. April 30, 2022; 9am-12pm.
Arbor Day Celebration
Lakeview Terrace Park, 3769 Crystal Lake Blvd, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Meet near the playground to celebrate Arbor Day with fun activities, including making tree posters, planting a tree, receive a free tree seedling and cleaning up the park, trail or watershed area. Saturday, April 3, 2022; 9:30am.
Celebrate Arbor Day in Crystal
Bass Lake Park, 5601 Xenia Ave N, Crystal, MN 55429
Participate in a park cleanup, plant trees and listen to the Mayor’s Proclamation; Wednesday, May 4, 2022; 6-7 pm.
Arbor Day and Community Tree Planting Celebration
Texa-Tonka Park, 2750 Virginia Avenue South, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Volunteers can help with planting trees throughout the park. Free. May 7, 9am-noon. Please pre-register online.
Arbor Day Celebration
Holz Farm, 4665 Manor Dr, Eagan, MN 55123
Celebrate Eagan’s “Tree City” status with family-friendly activities and a formal ceremony. May 11, 2022; 4-6pm.
One Last Late May Event:
Art Start’s EcoArts Fest
Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
This annual event will be held in May this year. Find full details here. May 20, 2022.
Teen/Tween Fun
Kerfoot Canopy Tours – Earth Day Special
30200 Scenic Byway, Henderson, MN 56044
Kerfoot Canopy tours is offering its annual 30% off Earth Day special! Book now through April 22nd and save 30% on Monday through Thursday reservations. View the Minnesota River Valley from up to 175 feet above the earth. Learn more here.
Earth Day Events for Preschoolers
Age-appropriate Earth Day events for parent and toddler or preschool-age kids.
My Preschooler & Me & Little Explorers
Several Three Rivers Parks offer programs for preschoolers age 2-5 and their parent to discover nature throughout the year, but with special Earth Day themes during April. Registration is required for these events and they usually cost $4-$5/pp (parent & child).
Carver County Earth Day Story Times
Wed. April 13th: Chanhassen Library, 7711 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen, MN 55317
Mon. April 18th: Victoria Library, 1670 Stieger Lake Lane, Victoria, MN 55386
Tues. April 19th: Norwood Young America Library, 314 Elm Street W., Norwood Young America, MN 55368
Wed. April 20th: Chaska Library, 3 City Hall Plaza, Chaska, MN 55318
Thurs. April 21st: Watertown Library, 309 Lewis Ave S SW, Watertown, MN 55388
Fri. April 22nd: Waconia Library, 217 S Vine St, Waconia, MN 55387
Each of the Carver County branches will offer an earth-themed story time during the week leading up to Earth Day. Read stories, make a craft and celebrate the earth. Best for ages 2+. 10:30am-11am. No registration is required.
Preschool Story Time: Earth Day Celebration
Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Listen to stories, spend some time outdoors, make an art or craft project a meet live animals. Pre-Register by calling 651-437-4359. 10-11am, $6/child. April 22, 2022.
Tinkergarten
Make the outdoors your classroom. Participate in free online activities from Tinkergarten or join an in-person class!
Some of our favorite DIY Tinkergarten Activities to age-appropriately introduce toddlers to environmental issues include:
- Cooking in the Mud Kitchen
- Planting Seeds in Dirt-Filled Pots. You can choose vegetables or flowers, but Tinkergarten particularly suggests herbs or zinnias.
- Create “Magic Carpets” From Leaves, Acorns, Pinecones, Sticks, etc.
2022 PARK CLEAN-UP EVENTS
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. April 23, 2022; 9:30am-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. April 23, 2022; 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, 2022; select your own date and time.
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. More details on Facebook. April 18-24, 2022; select your own date and time.
Brooklyn Park Community Clean Up
Community Activity Center, Brooklyn Park Community Center, 5600 85th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55443
Pick up a “Park Pick Up Pack” that includes garbage bags, disposable gloves and disposal instructions at the Community Activity Center anytime between 8am and 8pm. Then clean up on your own schedule. April 19 – May 23, 2022.
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 21, 2022; 5-7pm.
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 22, 2022; 9am-8pm.
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 23, 2022; 8am-11am.
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 23, 2022; 9am-11am.
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. Registration is required by calling 651-266-0365. April 23, 2022; 9:30am-12:30pm.
Wargo Earth Day Service Project
Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Help clean up and prepare the nature center grounds for summer. Please call 763-324-3350 for details and to sign up. April 23, 2022; 10am-12pm.
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 23, 2022; 9:30am-11:30ampm.
Farmington Pond & Park Clean Up Day
Parks & ponds throughout Farmington
Volunteer to clean up at city ponds and parks. Call 651-280-6854 to volunteer before April 23, 2022. May 7, 2022; 9am-11am.
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. April 30, 2022; 9am-12pm.
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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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.
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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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