In the mood for spring greening? Monday, April 22 is Earth Day and prime time to show your love for the parks that make this a bright, happy place. Celebrate—and help spruce things up a bit—at family events happening everywhere from Humboldt Park to Skokie. Read on and get hands-on with cleanup and conservation.
Earth Day at Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie
Take the whole family to enjoy making crafts from recycled materials, nature walks, playing in the AR sandbox to see how topography shapes the environment, stories about nature and animals and more. Apr. 15 & 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Kent Fuller Air Station, 2400 Compass Rd., Glenview; Online: glenviewparks.org
Party for the Planet at Brookfield Zoo
Every day is Earth Day at this wild, wonderful spot. But one day a year, they throw a bash in honor of this big green world we live in. The day is filled with educational and fun activities for the entire family. Take along items for their recycling event. See their website for a complete list of accepted items. Apr. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield; Online: czs.org
Party for the Planet at Cosley Zoo
This zoo is small (just five acres!) but mighty—especially for Earth Day. Explore various ways your family can get involved in conservation initiatives and enjoy live animal interactions. May 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton; Online: cosleyzoo.org
Humboldt Park Earth Day Celebration
The park spans 219 acres and every corner turns up a new discovery, including a boathouse, fishing area, garden, outdoor swimming pool and beach and they’re hosting their annual Chicago Earth Day Clean-Up.
Apr. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1440 N. Humboldt Dr., Humboldt Park; Online: humboldtparkportal.org
photo: Emily Oaks Nature Center
Emily Oaks Nature Center Earth Day Celebration
Skokie’s peaceful oasis is beckoning you to its annual bash. The entire family will celebrate nature with games and activities and earth-friendly foods and native plants will be available for sale.
Apr. 24, noon-4 p.m.; 650 Brummel St., Skokie; Online: skokieparks.org
Cradles to Crayons Earth Day Drive
This Earth Day, help protect the environment by recycling children’s items to Cradles to Crayons Chicago. Families can drop off donations of new and gently used clothing at collection sites in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Check their website for items accepted.
Ongoing; Online: cradlestocrayons.org/chicago
— Maria Chambers
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