This year Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. If you are looking for an Earth Day activity you are in luck because many Northeast Ohio communities, businesses, and parks are planning fun family-friendly Earth Day events you won't want to miss.

Below you'll find a list of Earth Day Events in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Youngstown, and surrounding areas.

As usual, if you know of any local Earth Day Activities that we've missed, please leave a submit the details and we'll get them added.

Earth Day Activities in Northeast Ohio

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please make sure you are following recommended social distancing practices while you are out.

Arbor Day Plant Giveaway at Geauga Park District
Even though the Earth Day Extravaganza has been cancelled, they will still be giving away the plants that the Natural Resource Management team was growing for the event. Stop by the park on Arbor Day to pick up a free tree seedling or meadow plant (black walnut, shagbark hickory, northern red oak tree species, and blazing star, grey-headed coneflower, purple coneflower, and milkweed meadow plants) while supplies last! (Pickup will be held outdoors in the main parking lot and social distancing protocol will still be important to follow. Limit of one pot of each species with no more than four total pots per family.) {Find Out More}
When: Friday, April 24, 2020; 11am-4pm
Where: Veterans Legacy Woods Park, 14085 Ravenna Rd., Newbury, OH 44065
Cost: FREE

You must put a trip to Worden's Ledges on your bucket list! Located in Cleveland Metroparks Hinkley Reservations, the stone carvings at Worden's Ledges are a fascinating treasure! The short .7 mile hike leads through beautiful scenery and moss covered ledges. Then out of nowhere you'll discover historic carvings among the stones. {Find Out More}

Grab a frisbee and play a game of Frisbee / Disc Golf. There are lots of local courses to choose from.

Fido might want some fresh air too so you could check out a local Dog park.

Visit Beech Creek Gardens
Exploring the trails at Beech Creek Gardens is a good way to get your family outside, breathe in the fresh air, engage in physical activity, unplug from technology and yet maintain the social distancing that CDC is recommending while still having some fun. {Find Out More}
When: Daily; Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm, Sun: 12pm-4pm
Where: 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Cost: FREE

Visit Geauga Park District
Observing social distancing recommendations is easy in the Great Outdoors, making now a really great time to explore your 70+ miles of Geauga Park District trails. Download a trail guide here. {Find Out More}
When: Varies by location
When: FREE

Visit Lake Metroparks
Families are welcome you to use the Lake Metroparks to get outside while keeping a safe distance from other people, and not as places to gather in groups. Lake County is blessed with many county and municipal parks to visit and explore. Park trails, parking lots, and other unstaffed amenities (pier at Painesville Township Park, and the archery range at Hidden Lake) remain open during regular/posted hours. Playgrounds are closed and restrooms are available for emergency use only. {Find Out More}
When: Varies by location (Find closures here)
When: FREE

Visit Mill Creek MetroParks
Various Mill Creek MetroParks outdoor locations will remain open, including Mill Creek Park, Fellows Riverside Gardens, MetroParks Bikeway, Mill Creek Golf Course, James L. Wick Recreation Area, Scholl Recreation Area, Yellow Creek Park, and All Nature Preserves. The MetroParks urges visitors to follow all guidelines from state and local health officials, such as social distancing, not congregating in large groups, and practicing good hygiene, as well as suggesting non-use of items such as handrails, park benches, and other areas frequently touched to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19. {Find Out More}
When: Varies by location (Find closures here)
When: FREE

Visit Summit Metro Parks
Find a park or trail and enjoy the great outdoors at Summit Metro Parks. Please remember that while spending time outdoors in Summit Metro Parks is encouraged, it's important to keep your distance from other visitors. {Find Out More}
When: Varies by location
When: FREE

Hike the trails at a nearby park. Looking for paved paths? Check out our list of Stroller Friendly Hiking Trails. 

​During the spring the local waterfalls are often running nicely. Some easy trails for kids include hikes to Brandywine Falls at the CVNP and The Gorge in Akron.

Spring in Painesville Photo Contest
Share your flowers, kids, pets/animals, buildings/homes, parks, engagement photos, happy faces, and more! Rule: your photo has to be taken in Painesville (township accepted, too). Comment or DM your shots; deadline is May 7, 2020. {Find Out More}
When: Now-May 7, 2020

Earth Day Activities You Can Do at Home

Stark Parks' Fantasy Animal Project
Ohio animals adapt to survive in their habitats. Every trait (physical and behavioral) helps them to get food, water, and shelter within each. Using the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s resources link below, create a fantasy animal using traits (body parts and abilities) from Ohio animals.
1. Draw that animal
2. Switch animals with someone else in your household. (If there is no one to switch with, that is fine)
3. Now draw a habitat in which an animal with those traits would survive successfully by being able to obtain food, water, shelter, and space.
4. Take a picture of your fantasy animal and corresponding habitat and post it in a comment under the post. List the traits you chose for your animal and what you provided for food, water, shelter, and space. {Find Out More}

Join Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Virtual Classroom
Sponsored by Raising Cane's, the Cleveland Zoo is sharing videos where families can learn about the remarkable animals that reside there. {Find Out More}

Live Science with OH WOW!
Families can engage in online science-based activities. {Find Out More}

Curiosity Corner LIVE with Great Lakes Science Center
Discover STEM activities you can do at home, check out behind-the-scenes videos from the science center, and more! Catch it twice daily! {Find Out More}
When: Daily; 10:30am & 3pm

Meet the Animals at Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Learn about the animals that reside at Penitentiary Glen Reservation through videos. {Find Out More}

Make an Earth-Friendly Craft for Earth Week with Summit Metro Parks
Make your own greeting card from repurposed materials to help you keep in touch with friends and loved ones. {Find Out More}

National Backyard Campout
At a time when outward bound has become homeward bound, Trail Life is inviting families to join the 30,000+ Trailmen across the nation for a one night event in the great outdoors. Set up a tent, cook over a fire, create a back yard family adventure, and share your experiences virtually through a safe, filtered, community portal. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, April 17, 2020
Where: Your home

Barnes & Noble Virtual Storytime
Danica McKellar will be this Saturday’s virtual B&N Storytime special guest! Watch her special reading of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 18, 2020; 11am

Duck Pond Virtual Storytime with Lorain County Metro Parks
Enjoy a Facebook Live story with Naturalist Bev! Feel free to ask questions and post throughout the program. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 18, 2020; 1pm-1:30pm

Digital Arbor Week with Cleveland Tree Coalition
This week, in celebration of Arbor Week, members of the Cleveland Tree Coalition will be sharing resources and information to highlight and celebrate trees! Check out the schedule of events – there is something for everyone! Tune in to learn something new, celebrate the trees of the Forest City, and share photos of the trees in your neighborhood. {Find Out More}
When: April 19-25, 2020; Times vary (Check the flyer here.)

Earth Day Trivia: Celebrating 50 Years! with Lorain County Metro Parks
Lorain County Metro Parks' virtual trivia challenge celebrates 50 years of Earth Day! They will post 10 questions each day, from April 20-24, to test your knowledge of Earth related topics. Answers will be posted the following day along with actions you can take to help the planet. {Find Out More}
When: April 20-24, 2020; 2pm-4:30pm

Earth Day Live 2020
Tune in for an Earth Day unlike any other, with messages, performances, and calls to action! The world was not prepared for the novel coronavirus. But we still have time to prepare — in every part of the world — for the climate crisis. The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Fairies, Wizards, Gnomes, and Unicorn Homes at Miller Nature Preserve
You have a chance to become part of a really cool display! Design a garden for whimsical creatures and enter it to be placed within the display. Plus, enjoy featured displays from local clubs, greenhouses, and businesses, plus some special surprises. On April 22, the display begins within conservatory; starting June 1, new displays will be outside. {Find Out More}
When: April 22-August 9, 2020; Open daily 10am-5pm
Where: 2739 Center Rd., Avon, OH 44011
Cost: $2 per person

Virtual Springtime Activities with CVNP
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park has fun DIY projects, games, and recipes to keep you and your family entertained as well as educational resources for at-home learning! {Find Out More}

 

As usual, if you know of any local Earth Day Activities that we've missed, please leave a submit the details and we'll get them added.