Spring has sprung in our corner of the state, which means we are all rushing outside to enjoy the warmth and sun. Kids, especially, thrive when given the chance to get a little fresh air, so what better opportunity to teach them about that air – and the rest of our environment – than Earth Day? Earth Day falls on April 22 this year and Cincinnati is rolling out the red carpet for our beautiful planet. It’s so crucial to teach our little ones about the importance of preserving our natural surroundings, and there’s no shortage of fun opportunities to celebrate it this year.
Check out this list of 10 ways to celebrate Earth Day in Southwest Ohio:
Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival
Happy Earth Day! Join the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition for a fun filled day with music, environmental awards, recycling costume contest, crafts, shopping, home improvement, vegetarian food truck off and environmental education.
Enjoy Free Entry to Great Parks of Hamilton County
Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature is a great way to remind yourself why it is so important to protect this planet we call home. On select days, including Earth Day, guests can experience more than 17,700 acres of natural habitat, nearly 80 miles of trails, lakes and river access, playgrounds, dog parks, golf courses and much more without the need for a Great Parks Motor Vehicle Permit.
Great Parks Protect Your Wild Event
Join Great Parks for the cleanup that’s been making a difference for over 30 years with a new twist! Bring a group or work solo – removing the litter from around Winton Lake requires all the hands we can get. Those who volunteer will receive food truck vouchers and exclusive Protect Your Wild swag! Register here, and you’ll be assigned a site before the event.
Visit the Bees at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Bee inspired and “adopt a bee” for a $5 or $10 donation – one more way to help these vital contributors to our planet’s well being. Pollinators are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem. Nearly all pollinators are suffering from declines and installing hives assists their repopulation.
Celebrate Earth Day Every Day in April with the Cincinnati Nature Center
The Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford is a wonderful spot to take your family to spend time in nature and even get a little dirty. Pack your lunch (think eco-friendly!), take a hike, and then spend time getting up close and personal with our Earth and nature in the incredible child-friendly playscape. The Nature Center will also be hosting a series of events – from family-friendly programs to a native plant sale to online programs, there’s something for everyone to do to connect to the Earth in April!
Register for an Earth Day Activity at Greene County Parks & Trails
On April 20, geared to those ages 2-5, GCPT is celebrating Earth Day with Wiggle Worms! And this special occasion brings Wiggle Worms to you in the evening for this month only. Registration is required, space is limited. Our littlest park goers will learn how they can help to “Restore Our Earth” as we take them through a fun earth day hunt collecting supplies needed so they can make a difference in this world. What will you make with all the treasures you find?
Adopt-A-Park From MetroParks
Spend the morning volunteering in parks and other areas across Montgomery County! Volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds will tackle dozens of projects at different natural areas. Projects will include invasive species removal, habitat maintenance, gardening activities, mulching nature play areas, historical farm clean up and more. These projects will improve the environment and beautiful the region’s natural areas. Groups are encouraged to register early to ensure space at available sites.
Days-Long Celebration in Glen Helen
Many celebrations will be taking place in Glen Helen including a community event, birding, native plant swap, Earth Day scavenger hunt and more!
Make a Container Garden at Blooms & Berries
This family-owned Garden Center gem is officially open for the season and has everything you need for gardening success! The Garden Center at Blooms & Berries is different from your typical garden center, as it’s truly a place for families. While perusing the rows of picture-perfect plants, you’ll find simple garden projects, affordable supplies and lots of opportunities to make meaningful family moments. The play yard opens on May 1.
Cohen Recycling Electronic Recycling and Shredding
Partnering with Cincinnati Country Day, Cohen Recycling will be accepting electronics like cellphones, tablets, desk tops and gaming consoles. The shredding event takes receipts, documents, bills and statements. Shredding and small electronics are free, recycle TVs with a $10 cash charge.
