Earth Day is on April 22, and there are lots of ways to celebrate this “green” holiday in Indianapolis. Here are some eco-fun ways you can celebrate the Earth with your family this year. (As with all events we publish, we recommend contacting the venue to confirm final details.)
Free Admission to Any National Park
Saturday, April 17-Sunday, April 25
National Parks nationwide
Earth Day happens during National Park Week, so celebrate the Earth by enjoying some time surrounded by its beauty. All national parks in Indiana and across the country are offering free admission, and will host a variety of special programs, events and digital experiences. There are also special theme days during the week to highlight the different ways everyone can enjoy national parks. FREE
Virtual Earth Day with Broad Ripple Park
Monday, April 19-Thursday, April 22
Virtual, Broad Ripple Park
Celebrate Earth Day with Indy Parks! Grab a fun take-home activity box this week and enjoy some Earth Day fun at home. Ages 2-6. Parents and caregivers can pick up boxes at Broad Ripple Park, 1500 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis. FREE
Brownsburg Parks Earth Day Celebration
Thursday, April 22
Williams Park Outdoor Classroom, 940 S Locust Ln., Brownsburg
Celebrate Earth Day with Brownsburg Parks staff and several other local organizations. Take a guided hike through the woods, participate in activities at different booths around the Outdoor Classroom, register for prizes, and work together as a family to complete a Food Chain activity to take home. $5 per family.
Earth Day Celebration at The Children’s Museum
Thursday, April 22
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Join The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for special hands-on activities to commemorate Earth Day. Local community organizations will showcase the work they do to protect and care for the Earth with resources and activities. Teens from the Museum Apprentice Program will lead activities they created throughout the museum. There will also be special programming in the STEMLab.
Earth Day Recycled Planter
Thursday, April 22
Virtual, Clark Pleasant Branch Library
Celebrate Earth Day with a new plant friend. Pick up your kit at the Clark Pleasant Branch Library in New Whitestown, then join in on a fun Zoom meeting. Kits will be available 3 days prior to the program. Registration required. FREE
Earth Day Volunteer Event at Central Park
Thursday, April 22
Central Park, 1235 Central Park Dr., Carmel
Bring the whole family to celebrate Earth Day to help Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation plant native species at the Woodland Gardens of Central Park. All are welcome to volunteer with this planting. FREE
Trash Your Trash Earth Day Program
Thursday, April 22
Cool Creek Park, 2000 E 151st St., Carmel
Learn about Leave No Trace and how to enjoy our parks without “loving them to death.” We will play games and talk about how we can protect the environment while we play outside. Registration is required. FREE
Earth Day Extravaganza
Saturday, April 24
Pecar Park, 5203 E County Rd 150 N, Avon
Celebrate Earth Day and Pecar Park’s 2nd birthday! Create crafts with recyclables, meet the Nature Center animals, visit booths from area organizations and businesses, and more. $2 per person or $5 per family.
Indy Free Tree Giveaway
Friday, April 30
Riverside Park, 2420 E Riverside Dr., Indianapolis
Visit Riverside Park to pick up your free tree on Arbor Day. The event will be a drive-through giveaway due to COVID-19 precautions. FREE
Earth Day Indiana Festival
Saturday, June 5
Garfield Park, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis
Earth Day Indiana is designed to celebrate and educate on environmental topics such as recycling, conservation of natural resources and sustainable living. Families can learn and be inspired to do their part for environmental responsibility. This free annual event is typically held in April, but it has been moved to the summer because of COVID restrictions. FREE
Earth Day Indiana Recycle Run 5K and 1 Mile Walk
Saturday, June 5
Garfield Park, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis
Coinciding with Earth Day Indiana festivities, the Earth Day Indiana Recycle Run 5K and 1 Mile Walk takes participants along a scenic Indianapolis pedestrian trail, and begins and finishes at the Garfield Park Art Center.
Eco Zine at Carmel Clay Library
Through June 30
Virtual, Carmel Clay Library
The Eco Zine is an issue of the CCPL Teen Zine with a focus on environmentalism, climate change, and nature. All teens in the Carmel community are welcome
to participate in the Eco Zine, and submissions are accepted through June 30. Submissions should celebrate the beauty of nature and wildlife, including written or visual works that inspire people to reduce their ecological footprint. FREE
