5 ways you can celebrate Earth Day this year around Chicago and the suburbs

Enjoy the springtime temps and celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2022

Alice Popkorn/GAIA - Germany/CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons/photo cropped by author

(CHICAGO) Earth Day is approaching fast. This year it falls on Friday, April 22, 2022. The theme this year is, "Invest in Our Planet." It's all about encouraging everyone on earth (from private citizens to businesses to governments) to follow more sustainable practices.

You can learn more at earthday.org. According to Earth Day organizers, "We need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet."

If you would like to get out there and celebrate the planet while enjoying the spring weather, read on for these family-friendly activities happening around Chicago and the suburbs this Earth Day weekend.

1. Earth Day: A Party for the Planet at Brookfield Zoo

Clean out your house and dispose of the items in an eco-friendly way by recycling them at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 23rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM.

On Sunday, April 24th, get a glimpse of the zoo during pre-park hours before the public is allowed to enter when you sign up to run the 2.2-mile Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Run. You can register here.

2. The Morton Arboretum in Lisle

Every day is Earth Day in Chicago's western suburbs' outdoor tree museum.

There is much to do and see at the arboretum. If you're bringing the family, the interactive 4-acre Children's Garden is a must-see. Plus, on Sunday, April 23, The Champion of Trees 10K is a picturesque run through a gorgeous landscape.

Spring at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle(Photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum)

3. Chicago Park District and Friends of the Parks Cleanup Day

If you'd like to make a difference this Earth Day you can join the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Parks on April 23, 2022, to help clean up Chicago's city parks and preserves.

Find out more at the Chicago Park District website. Registration is not required.

Photo by Benjamin Rascoe on Unsplash

4. Chicago Botanic Garden

What better way to celebrate the planet than to check out the Chicago Botanic Garden during spring? You can go to the bloom highlights on the website to find out what's in bloom in the garden. Go here for tickets.

5. Hidden Oaks Sneak Peak for Earth Day Bolingbrook

Hidden Oaks Nature Center in the suburb of Bolingbrook was recently acquired by the Will County Forest Preserve from the Bolingbrook Park District. They are offering sneak peeks of their updates this Saturday, April 23, from 12 PM to 4 PM. While there, you can go on a campus tour, meet the staff, see the animals, check out current exhibits, go on a scavenger hunt, and hang out by the bonfire.

Hidden Oaks Nature CenterPhoto by author

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