This Weekend: 10 Family-Friendly Earth Day Activities Near You

Earth Day is the perfect time to get outdoors, connect with the environment and engage in family-friendly activities that leave you wondering “why don’t we do this more often?”

Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22, when events are held worldwide to support the environment. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated by the Earth Day Network and observed in more than 193 countries each year. MetroParent Magazine put together a list of Earth Day activities in the Milwaukee area - enough to jump-start any weekend plans.

Here are 10 events to get your family movin’ and groovin’ this weekend in honor of Earth Day:

Friday, April 22

Upcycle: Repurpose old magazines into beautiful centerpieces. Betty Brinn Children's Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Free with regular admission. (414) 390-5437, bbcmkids.org

Earth Day Full Moon Night Hike: See the earth in the light of the moon. Pre-register. Pringle Nature Center, 9800 160th Ave. Bristol. 8-9 p.m. $5. (262) 857-8008, pringlenc.org

Earth Day Celebration: Join the Rock the Green and the city of Milwaukee's Office of Environmental Sustainability for the third annual Earth Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The City Center, 735 N. Water St., Milwaukee. The event will provide opportunities to learn about the city's sustainability plans, Rock the Green and other organizations. Rockthegreen.com

Saturday, April 23

Earthday Workday: Spend the morning working with naturalists to improve the shoreline and wetlands at Schlitz Audubon. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. (414) 352-2880, schlitzaudubon.org

Earth Day Service Fest: Bring the family and participate in activities that promote the health of our community and planet. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. FREE. Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 Hwy Y, Saukville. Pre-register. (262) 375-2715. Riveredgenaturecenter.org

Earth Week Finale: Participate in several free events, including bird watching, planetarium shows, activities, games, papermaking and more. Retzer Nature Center, S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha. 5 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. (262) 970-6680, waukeshacountyparks.com

Gateway Technical College - Celebrate Earth Day on the Kenosha and Elkhorn campuses with childrens' activities, plant sale, green product demos, gardening advice and much more. Free admission and gifts for each family attending. GTC.edu

Hank Aaron State Trail: Help clean up the trail by collecting and removing trash and debris. Sign-in locations are at Miller Park near Klement's Sausage House and at Stormwater Park across from Palermos Pizza. Contact Melissa Cook at melissa.cook@wisconsin.gov or (414) 263-8559. Hankaaronstatetrail.org

Earth Day of Service: The three branches of the Urban Ecology Center are hosting various activities and events, including hikes and community lunches. Each is free. (414) 344-5460,urbanecologycenter.org

Milwaukee Riverkeepers at Havenwoods: Be a part of the 20th annual clean up of Lincoln Creek. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee. (414) 527-0232, friendsofhavenwoods.org

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