Earth Day Activities for East Bay Families
By: Whitney Moss
Earth Day is technically on Monday, April 22, 2024, but many community events will happen throughout the preceding weekend. This guide to Earth Day activities is sponsored by Fourth Street Shops, where folks will gather on Saturday, April 20 for a special event.
Earth Day Events for Your Family Calendar
Bike to Fourth Street for a big Earth Party – Saturday, April 20, from noon to 4 pm. With live music in the streets, earth-friendly crafts, and kids’ activities, there are many reasons to swing by Fourth Street and join in the celebration. If you’re able to bike or walk there, that’s even better. Plan your visit >
Earth Day Events From the {510} Families Calendar
Friday, April 5, 2024
First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm @ CuriOdyssey
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Hayward Earth Day Clean-Up & Community Fair 8:30 am - 1:00 pm @ Weekes Community Center Park
El Cerrito Earth Day Celebration 9:00 am - 12:00 pm @ Hillside Natural Area
Pinole Earth Walk (RSVP) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm @ Fernandez Park
Earth Day at Yerba Buena Gardens 10:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Yerba Buena Gardens
Earth Day Celebration 10:00 am - 1:00 pm @ Unity Park on the Richmond Greenway
John Muir Birthday and Earth Day Celebration 10:00 am - 4:00 pm @ John Muir National Historic Site
Earth Day Celebration at Walnut Creek 11:00 am - 4:00 pm @ Civic Park & Community Center (Walnut Creek)
Earth Day Celebration on 4th 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm @ Fourth Street Shops
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Chabot Earth Day Event 10:00 am - 4:00 pm @ Chabot Space & Science Center
Earth Day Celebration 10:00 am - 5:00 pm @ CuriOdyssey
Earth Day Celebration at Oakland Zoo 10:00 am - 4:00 pm @ Oakland Zoo
Earth Day Celebration 11:00 am - 2:00 pm @ San Francisco Botanical Garden
The Lawrence Earth Day Celebration 11:00 am - 4:00 pm @ Lawrence Hall of Science
Earth Day Color & Pot 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm @ Alameda Landing
Monday, April 22, 2024
Earth Day at Jack London Square 11:00 am - 1:00 pm @ Jack London Square
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Berkeley Bay Festival 11:00 am - 4:00 pm @ Berkeley Marina
More Ways to Observe Earth Day Close to Home
Volunteer at an organized clean-up event
Many East Bay cities host community-wide clean-ups or self-guided opportunities, including Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, Albany, Piedmont, and East Bay Regional Parks. Find one that fits your family’s schedule, interests, location, and mood.
Take a hike in the great outdoors.
Play outside with your children and take in the beauty of our East Bay landscape. Whether you’re up for a stroller-friendly walk, toddler-level hike, wildflower appreciation, rock scramble, or something more significant, our area has so much nature to appreciate. Here are some hikes to try >>
Go outside and pick up trash.
Head to your local park, beach, or even neighborhood block. Bring a plastic bag and wear some gloves, then pick up whatever garbage you find, and properly dispose of it at home. This is a simple, yet effective activity that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Enjoy an eco-conscious book or movie.
The Lorax is a classic, and The Curious Garden is good too. Wild Kratts teaches all kinds of lessons about animals. Common Sense Media has more recommendations for environmentally-minded films. More Earth Day book picks for families >>
Create a green space.
Plants some flowers, vegetables, or even a tree as a family. The greenery from plants purifies the air, supports animal habitats, and teaches kids that plants need to be nurtured. Plus getting dirty in the garden is always fun! More tips on East Bay gardening with kids here >>
Adopt a new environmentally friendly behavior at home.
Make a compost pile, ride a bike or take public transportation, turn off lights in unused rooms, visit a zero-waste store, or conserve water while washing hands or brushing teeth.
Visit a Farmers Market.
Taste the bounty at your nearby Farmers Market or go further afield for Bay Area fruit-picking.
Wander through a local garden.
Savor the beauty of a garden, whether it’s a local rose garden or a specialty garden. It may not be a space that immediately comes to mind, but gardens offer big fun for kids. Look for pollinators, create your own color search, or bring some art supplies for a nature study. Your family can take in the interesting blooms, native plants, and wildlife, plus get some fresh air and leisure exercise. See our Guide to East Bay Gardens for outing inspiration >
** This article was originally published by 510families.com. CLICK HERE to view the full article.