It’s essential for kids to understand the world they live in, especially as we continue to see it change. This Earth Day, go to events that not only celebrate the planet but show kids just what makes it beautiful.
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Earth Day New York 2018
This annual outdoor event takes place in Union Square and features dozens of exhibitors. There are kids’ activities, live performances, green businesses, and even more organizations represented as well as interactive displays and fun for the entire family. They also host a 5K on April 20. 12-7pm, April 15, earthdayinitiative.org
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Harlem Grown Earth Day Celebration
Join Harlem Grown on April 21 at one of their three Uptown locations for a free event. All ages can participate in family-friendly activities and help with planting. Check the website for more information. nycgovparks.org
image: harlemgrown.org
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Farmhouse Family Day and Tree Giveaway
In partnership with New York Restoration Project, this April 21 event lets participants pick up a free tree to be planted in any of the city’s boroughs. Families can also make ink from black walnuts through crushing and boiling them. They can also participate in numerous seasonal activities on site. nycgovparks.org
image: wyckoffmuseum.org
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Family Art Project: Earth Day Gratitude Garden
This is just one of many Earth Day events hosted by Wave Hill in the Bronx (be sure to check their site for a full calendar). In this activity, kids can craft a tiny garden using oil clay, then write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper: Everyone’s paper flags are then planted in the site’s “gratitude garden.” nycgovparks.org
image: nycgovparks.org
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Earth Day Celebration
At the Aubudon Center, the Prospect Park Alliance will put on a celebration in honor of Earth Day on April 22. The event offers catch-and-release fishing lessons in Prospect Lake (fishing license included), as well as an opportunity to see birds of prey up close: Wildlife specialists will be on to answer questions throughout the two-hour, ongoing program. nycgovparks.org
image: inhabitat.com
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Additional park events
There are so many events leading up to and following Earth Day (Arbor Day is April 27!) going on in the city’s parks. Check out park hikes, smaller events, and more at this page.
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"Vanishing"
This exhibit at the New York Hall of Science, through photographs, highlights animals that are becoming endangered as a result of human activity. Teach your kids about the impact of humans on their environment, as well as environmental conservation. nysci.org
image: nysci.org
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The Butterfly Conservatory
Head over to this popular exhibition, back for a limited time, before it closes in May! The American Museum of Natural History showcases butterflies; your kids can learn all about them! amnh.org
image: amnh.org
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Unseen Oceans
On Earth Day, don’t forget about the oceans! The Unseen Oceans exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History shows you just what we know about the deep and what we have yet to learn (it’s a lot more than you’d expect). amnh.org
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Court 16 Brooklyn Celebrates Earth Day
Court 16 comes together with Cut & Crafted for a full-day affair that includes Earth Day-themed arts and crafts, story time, music, and more. The event is free, and there will be open court time from 2:45pm to 4:15pm. court16.com