2020 Twin Cities Earth Day Family Events
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 it’s our love of spring that may be why 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.
Celebrating 50 years in 2020, Earth Day Network’s first Earth Day was in 1970. 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.”.
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.
If you prefer to celebrate Earth Day at Home, Gianna has gathered 22 Ways to Create a Meaningful and Easy Earth Day.
13 3 REMAINING EARTH DAY FAMILY EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
These Earth Day celebrations are perfect for families with mixed ages. There is something for everyone and families can move at their own pace.
April 25, 2020: Earth Day Celebration | Harriet Alexander Nature Center, Roseville
10am-2pm, FREE. MOVED ONLINE.
May 6, 2020: Arbor Day Celebration and Park Cleanup | Broadway Park, Crystal
Family-friendly event includes a tree give-away, tree planting, information about trees and tree diseases and refreshments. 6-7pm, FREE. CURRENTLY ON.
May 30, 2020: Art Start’s EcoArts Fest | Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington
A celebration of Nature through the Arts. Moved to the end of May in 2020. FREE. CURRENTLY ON.
POSTPONED:
April 25, 2020: Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration | Westwood Hills Nature Center
Join the City of St. Louis Park in celebrating Arbor Day and observing the 50th anniversary of Earth Day ft. music by Kidpower with Rachael beginning at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be provided. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. 9am-noon. POSTPONED.
CANCELLED:
April 18, 2020: Earth Day Birding Festival | Carpenter Nature Center, Hastings
Celebrate the many birds of Minnesota. 8am to 4pm. $5/pp or $15/with lunch. RSVPs are required. CANCELLED.
April 19, 2020: Family Earth Day: Upcycled Windchime | Kiddywampus, Hopkins
DIY Upcycled windchime craft with found and discarded items like buttons, bottle caps, silver wear, keys, and more! Ages 4+. Drop in event. 12-1:30pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
April 19, 2020: Earth Day Celebration | Kroening Interpretive Center, Minneapolis
Naturalist led hike, self-guided nature exploration, art activities, face painting, and help clean up around the park while celebrating our Earth. FREE for all ages. CANCELLED.
April 24, 2020: Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration | North Loop, Minneapolis
Enjoy a street festival, help plant 130 new trees on 3rd Street and a variety of tree-themed art and activities. 4-8pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
April 25, 2020: Family Earth Day Celebration | Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes
All kinds of family fun at this Earth Day celebration: music, hiking, light refreshments, and a make-and-take earth art project. 12:30-3pm, $5/vehicle permit. CANCELLED.
April 25, 2020: Arbor Day Celebration | McColl Pond, Savage
Educational activities and raptor program. 10am-12:30pm. CANCELLED.
April 26, 2020: Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration | Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield
Plant trees and pull buckthorn at Wood Lake. Limit 100 participants. 1-4pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
May 4, 2020: Environmental Fun Fair | Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
Kick off Arbor Month with a day of family-friendly environmental activities. 10am-2pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
TBA: Party for the Planet | Como Zoo & Conservatory, St Paul
Tons of free activities usually take place throughout the weekend, focusing on creative ways to conserve energy. Watch for an announcement a week or two in advance. 10am-4pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
3 DIY EARTH DAY HIKES, WALKS & HUNTS
For the family who wants to get out and move while enjoying nature, these events get your family exploring Minnesota’s great parks. THESE ARE ALL CANCELLED, BUT YOU CAN STILL HIKE ON YOUR OWN – JUST FOLLOW SOCIAL DISTANCING AND HEALTH PROTOCOLS.
April 19, 2020: Digital Scavenger Hunt – Explore Our Earth | Richardson Nature Center
Drop in to explore through hands-on activities at your own pace. 3-4pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
April 22, 2020: Minnesconsin Earth Day Hike | Interstate State Park, Taylor Falls
One and a half mile hike with stops to enjoy views. 6:30-7:30pm, $7/vehicle permit. CANCELLED.
April 25, 2020: Earth Day Wildflower Walk | Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden (Will Remain Closed in 2020)
Garden Naturalist will lead a wildflower tour. Walk the garden trails while learning about and looking for spring wildflowers. FREE. CANCELLED.
4 (MAYBE) 1 EARTH DAY EVENTS FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS
Age-appropriate Earth Day events for the youngest family members. Many of these events are on weekdays, so you can take your youngest while the others are in school.
May 11, 2020: Lowry Little Ones – Caring for the Earth | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
For preschoolers age 2-5 and their parent – indoor activity stations, songs, stories, crafts and outdoor exploration. Registration required. 10-11:30am, $5/pp. Still on as of 4/3/20.
ALL OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
April 10, 2020: Preschool Story Time: Earth Day Celebration | Carpenter Nature Center, St. Croix Listen to stories, spend some time outdoors, make an art or craft project and meet live animals. Pre-Register by calling 651-437-4359. 10-11am, $5/pp. CANCELLED.
April 20, 2020: My Preschooler: Earth Day Celebration | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria Explore the farm and learn with your child through hands-on activities. Maximum of three children per adult. 9:30-11am, $6/pp. CANCELLED
April 27, 2020: Puppet Escapades – Climate Crusaders | Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
For preschoolers age 2-6 and their parent – watch a puppet show and explore activity stations. Registration required. 10-11am, $4/pp. CANCELLED
11 EARTH DAY PARK CLEAN-UP EVENTS
ALL OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HOWEVER, SOME PARK SYSTEMS ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO WEAR GLOVES AND PICK UP TRASH ON THEIR OWN. THIS IS NOT A BAD WAY TO BE OUTSIDE AND STILL REMAIN APART FROM OTHER PARK VISITORS.
When the weather cooperates, these park clean up events can be a great way to get outside, greet the spring and clean up our neighborhoods.
April 11, 2020: Clean up the Park | Brooklyn Park, various sites
Families can choose a park or request an assignment. Clean up the Park Day is April 11, but can take place anytime between April and mid-May on the day of your choice. 1-3pm. FREE; Call 763-493-8333 to sign up.
April 15-May 15, 2020: Blaine Earth Day Cleanups
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 18, 2020: Earth Day Clean Up | Fort Snelling State Park, Saint Paul
Learn more about your state park and trail system; grab you gloves, your pickers, and head out to the park. 10am-12pm. FREE, but a $7 vehicle permit is required. (Note: This was cancelled due to flooding last year. Check ahead before heading out)
April 18, 2020: Minneapolis Parks Earth Day Cleanup sites
No registration necessary. If you have further questions please contact Event Coordinator, Erica Chua at 612-230-6479. 9am-12pm.
April 19, 2020: Mississippi River Clean Up | Coon Rapids Dam Park, Brooklyn Park
Clean up the Mississippi and learn green tips for home. Registration required. 1-3pm, FREE.
April 25, 2020: St. Paul Citywide Cleanup
Drop in to a clean up site between to help pick up the litter left behind after the snow melts. Check the link for a list of meeting locations to pick up bags and gloves. 9-11:30am.
April 25, 2020: Earth Day Service Project | Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes
Please call 763-324-3350 for details and to sign up. 10am-noon.
April 25, 2020: Earth Day Cleanup | Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township
Volunteer for a morning at Tamarack by cleaning up the grounds and trails. RSVP at the above link. 9am-noon, FREE.
April 25, 2020: Eden Prairie Park Clean Up Day
Call 952-949-8463 by April 23th for a park assignment.
April 25, 2020: Maplewood All Parks Spring Cleanup
Clean up materials, coffee and snacks will be available. 8-10am.
May 2, 2020: Minnehaha Creek Cleanup | Creekside Park, St. Louis Park
Volunteers will be divided into crews and cleanup begins promptly at 9 a.m., so make sure to arrive a little early. No registration is required. Gloves, waders, cleanup tools and disposal bags will be provided. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable work clothes. 9-11am.
Earth Day Clean Up at Minneapolis parks
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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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