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 Events Around the Twin Cities
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. April 15, 2023; 10am-3pm.
Presentation: Minnesota’s Climate Future
Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
Attendees will learn about climate change science, impacts and actions you can take. Food Trucks onsite during this interactive presentation. FREE. April 16, 2023; 12:30pm-2pm.
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.
Environmental Fun Fair
Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave. N.W., Fridley, MN 55432, Minnesota 55432
Peruse outdoor and environmental exhibits, participate in an interactive nature hike and other family-friendly activities. Food trucks onsite. Find more details here. April 22, 2023; 11am-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. April 22, 2023; 11am-3pm. Registration is Required.
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 an Eco Fair. Call 763-324-3350 for details and to sign up. Vehicle Fee: $6. April 22, 2023; 1-4pm.
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. April 23, 2023; 1pm-4pm.
Party for the Planet!
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul MN 55103
After a hiatus, Party for the Planet returned to Como Zoo last year. In their usual way, the zoo waited until the last minute to announce that they had brought back the Party for the Planet in a press release the week of the event. We expect the same in 2023. Visit for family fun, educational programs, story times and more. This is a free event, but don’t forget that Reservations are Required. 2023 TBA. 10am – 4pm.
Washington County Parks Free to Enter
Washington County Parks has waived entrance fees on Earth Day in past years. Check website for additional activities. 2023 TBA.
Three Rivers Parks
Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
The Three Rivers Park District is always good for some Earth Day Family Fun. Look for April events at to be announced by mid-March. We’ll add them as they are announced.
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. Stay tuned. 2023 Events TBA.
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. 2023 TBA; 10am-2pm.
Earth Day at Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, 3554 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Events and programs are traditionally announced seasonally. Look for the spring program guide to be up by early April. Learn more here. 2023 TBA.
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 To Try On Your Own
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.
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. 2023 TBA; 9am-2pm. (4/23/22)
Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration
TBA
The Minneapolis Arbor Day celebration moves parks annually. Last year, it was be held downtown in North Loop neighborhood. 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. 2023 TBA (4/29/22).
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. 2023 TBA. (4/29/22)
Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair
Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN55346
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. 2023 TBA (4/30/22); 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. 2023 TBA. (4/3/22)
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; 2023 TBA. (5/4/22)
Arbor Day Celebration
Sky Hill Park, 3950 Blue Cross Road, Eagan, MN 55122
Celebrate Eagan’s “Tree City” status with family-friendly activities and a formal ceremony. May 17, 2023; 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. 2023 TBA. (5/20/22)
2023 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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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.
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. 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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 2023 TBA.
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. 2023 TBA.
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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