Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in the Twin Cities

Check out these ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family in 2026!

With Earth Day approaching, you might be wondering how to involve your kids in the ecological discussion. They are never too young to enjoy Earth Day events, participate in eco-friendly habits such as recycling, and even start to see that their world goes beyond your backyard.

Helping with the recycling is a great start, as is making art out of reusable products — toilet paper rolls, clean foil, bottle caps, you name it. Your child will love finding stuff around the house or heading down to Artscraps in St. Paul — an innovative store that combines waste management with craftiness. The place is filled with unique recyclables, overstock, scraps and other landfill fodder. Or you can start in your own backyard — digging for worms, smelling flowers, rolling in the grass and touching the trees.

Additionally, Minnesota has about 70 state parks stocked with walking trails and wildlife. All offering free admission on April 26.

Get out there and enjoy, with no judgment about the depth of the woods you explore or the level to which you are happy to get your hands dirty. Just get out there. Even the most metropolitan Minnesota parent feels a sense of relief and calm when momentarily trading concrete for greenery. You’ll also enjoy the added benefit of a well-worn toddler at bedtime. Fresh air and exercise is magical in that sense.

As for the big day? Earth Day falls on a Wednesday this year and you’ll find plenty to do across the state that weekend. Most cities and parks have organized clean ups — totally doable for your family.