Looking for ways to honor Mother Earth this Earth Day? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly community events, activities and festivals Earth Day weekend and throughout the month of April.
Natural History Museum
Celebrate Earth Day all month long at the Natural History Museum, which is hosting various Earth Day-themed events and experiences in addition to its annual Earth Day event on April 21. From April 1-30, expect daily stories highlighting the research and discoveries from NHM’s in-house scientists and community scientists, explore “Planting Ideas,” an interactive experience that allows visitors to share something they can do to help save the earth, participate in the annual City Nature Challenge and more. NHM’s annual Earth Day event will include live music, a scavenger hunt and the Science of SpongeBob activities with Nickelodeon.
PBS SoCal’s ‘Earth Focus’
Learn about the Los Angeles River, SoCal deserts and nuclear energy in PBS SoCal’s award-winning original environmental documentary series “Earth Focus.” The new season features two episodes highlighting the Los Angeles River and its impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The fifth season premieres on April 3 on PBS SoCal and will stream online and on the free PBS App following the broadcast.
Earth Day with FoLAR
Learn even more about the L.A. River and other local ecosystems at FOLAR’s first ever Earth Day Extravaganza on April 21 at Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park. The free family-friendly event features hands-on eco learning activities, an eco-inspired art activity, local food trucks, live music, inflatable obstacle course and tables with FoLAR partners like KCRW and Elysian Valley Art Collective. Attendance is free, but registration is recommended. Join FoLAR on April 20 at their annual Earth Day Habitat Restore & Renew event at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. From 8 a.m. to noon, help remove invasive species from the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, learn about the impact of invasive species on the environment, enjoy a nature walk and make your own seedballs using native plant species.
The Good Festival
Visit a Westfield mall near you for free, sustainability-themed experiences across L.A. Westfield Culver City, Westfield Century City, Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park are hosting “The Good Festival,” an annual Earth Day Celebration. Upcycle your old denim with Levi’s at Westfield Topanga make your own bath bomb with LUSH at Westfield Culver City, taste sustainable foods at Westfield Century City and more.
New reDiscover Center
Los Angeles nonprofit reDiscover, which provides kids, teens and adults with tools and resources to engage in creative reuse and self-expression, opens its new location in Mid City this April. Celebrate Earth Day and the grand opening at their Earth Day Fest on April 21. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be activity booths for kids and families, hands-on woodshop demos, musical performances and giveaways. The new Rediscover Center will also be hosting free family crafting Saturdays April 6, 13, 20 and 27.
More Events!
For more ways to celebrate Earth Day in L.A. check out these events and activities:
L.A. County Sanitation District’s Earth Day Festival
10:00am – 2:00pm Sat, Apr 13 | Sanitation Districts’ Joint Administration Office
2:00pm – 5:00pm Sat, Apr 13 | Las Virgenes Creek
Earth Day L.A. River Cleanup with LA Waterkeeper
9:00am – 11:00am Sat, Apr 20 | North Atwater Park
Family-friendly volunteer river cleanup.
Join LA Waterkeeper for a family-friendly community cleanup of the L.A River this Earth Day weekend. Volunteers will be clearing away debris and revitalizing the riverbanks, as they tackle the aftermath of the rainy winter. Learn about the river’s rich history, assist in water quality tests with LA Waterkeeper, and take home native seed bombs to support local pollinators. Don’t miss out on this rewarding experience filled with community, learning, and making a real difference for our environment. Come together to make the LA River shine.
Little Tokyo Earth Day Celebration
10:00am – 1:00pm Sat, Apr 20 | Toriumi Plaza
Join JACCC for a day of sustainable crafts, community performances and an opportunity to share your vision for the future of Little Tokyo. This celebration is free and open to everyone; however, RSVPs are encouraged.
This event is part of Sustainable Little Tokyo’s larger initiative of envisioning public spaces that are active and inclusive for community members of all backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability or housing status. They strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and ask that participants join the event with an open heart.
Activities include a group walking meditation led by JACCC Master Artist in Residence, Hirokazu Kosaka, Shodō (calligraphy) performance by local artist Kuniharu Yoshida, ukulele performance by local musician/JACCC Senior Advisor, Chester Ikei,Sekimori craft making, seed swapping (bring seeds to share!), seed bomb-making, snacks from local restaurants and more.
10:00am – 5:00pm Sat, Apr 20 – 21 | Los Angeles Zoo
Wild Weekends at the L.A. Zoo is a series of themed weekends focusing on our community and our planet through special entertainment, activities and educational opportunities.
Join the Zoo in celebrating Earth Day with Wild for the Planet April 20 -21. Enjoy interactive activities, live entertainment with 3rd Rock Hip Hop, a honey tasting, and inspiring presentations highlighting the Zoo’s conservation efforts. From Planting for Pollinators to an Earth Expo featuring community partners, there are plenty of opportunities to discover how to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Photo Credit: Jamie Pham/GLAZA
Keep It Green, Keep It Clean Earth Day Celebration
10:00am – 4:00pm Sat, Apr 20 | Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center
Get ready to Keep it Green, Keep it Clean with exciting hands-on activities to promote ocean conservation and sustainable living.
Join the Roundhouse Aquarium as they celebrate Earth day with hands on activities and fun interactions with guest booths, such as CSULB Shark Lab. Take part in Earth day fun while learning about the importance of conserving our planet with our different stations. All ages.
Erica Silverman and Hope Anita Smith: Earth Day Poetry Slam
12:30pm Sat, Apr 20 | Children’s Book World
In honor of Erica Silverman’s new book, “The City Sings Green and Other Poems about Welcoming Wildlife.”
Come hear kid poets share their verses dedicated to city poems and environmental activism. Hear poems from author Erica Silverman and special guest Hope Anita Smith, the emeritus Poet Laureate of the City of El Segundo.
9:00am – 4:00pm Sun, Apr 21 | Venice
Come experience car-free open streets at CicLAvia’s 51st event. The public is invited to enjoy this unique pop-up park for the day, whether walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, or simply spectating – any people-powered way. CicLAvia – Venice Blvd connects Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice Beach, for all ages and abilities to enjoy the 5.75-mile temporary park. Always free, CicLAvia participants just show up anywhere along the route at any time to enjoy the open streets and to take the time to explore the westside of the Venice Blvd corridor.
CicLAvia – Venice Blvd includes four Hubs filled with plenty of activities and programs along the route. Hubs are walking zones (mandatory bike dismounts) and meeting points along the route with the Venice Beach Hub located at Windward Circle; Mar Vista Hub located on Venice Blvd near Beethoven St; Palms Hub located on Venice Blvd near Huron Ave; and the National Hub located on Venice Blvd west of National Blvd. Hubs offer family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refilling stations, free basic bike repair, bike parking, and first aid. Free pedicab rides are available at each information booth.
Native Blooms Display for Earth Day
8:00am – 7:00pm Mon, Apr 22 – 28 | Descanso Gardens
The Descanso Gardens is celebrating Earth Day all week long with native plant displays created by the Descanso horticulture staff.
