Celebrate Earth Day 2025: Top Activities in Chicago
Earth Day 2025 is here, and Chicago is buzzing with eco-friendly events for all ages. Whether you're eager to volunteer, explore nature, or learn about sustainability, the city offers a plethora of activities to honor our planet.
Join the 40th annual Earth Day Parks & Preserves Clean-up, a collaboration between the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Parks. Over 170 parks across the city will host volunteers to remove litter, mulch trees, and revitalize playgrounds. This long-standing tradition unites thousands of Chicagoans in a collective effort to beautify our green spaces. fotp.org+2Wikipedia+2Chicago Park District+2Patch+1CBS News+1Chicago Park District
Experience the 14th season of the One Earth Film Festival, themed “Power in Unity.” In partnership with the City of Chicago’s Department of Environment, the festival showcases films that inspire collective action for environmental justice. Screenings and discussions will be held citywide, fostering community engagement and awareness. Choose Chicago+1Eventbrite+1
Lincoln Park Zoo extends Earth Day into a week-long celebration. Highlights include:CBS News
Wednesday: Storytime with the Chicago Public Library featuring Earth-themed books and songs.
Thursday: Sustainability education sessions on eco-friendly products.
Friday (Arbor Day): Nature activities, games, and a free arboretum tour.
Weekend: Participate in the City Nature Challenge at McKinley Park and Nature Boardwalk. CBS News
Head to BUILD's Austin campus for a family-friendly Earth Day event featuring recycled art projects, a seed swap, cooking demonstrations, and a reptile showcase. This free celebration aims to educate and inspire sustainable living practices. buildchicago.org
Join a virtual session hosted by Friends of the Chicago River titled "The Power of Plants: Building Resilience in the Chicago-Calumet River's Shallows." Learn how native vegetation supports wildlife habitats and combats climate change. Registration is free and open to all. chicagoriver.org
Participate in Cleanup Club Chicago's month-long Trash-A-Palooza campaign aiming to collect 500 bags of litter. On April 26, join community members at Greg's Garden (8460 S. Escanaba Ave.) for a cherry tree planting ceremony honoring local environmental advocates. Axios
The Evanston Art Center invites families to a creative morning of eco-friendly crafts. Activities include decorating flower pots, planting seeds, and enjoying live music. This event offers a fun way to engage children in environmental awareness. chicagogallerynews.com
Celebrate Earth Day at the Garfield Park Conservatory with a variety of activities:Block Club Chicago
Wellness walk
ARTWEST artist talk
Dinosaur Discovery with T-Rexplorers
Haiku Happy Hour at noon
Photo booth and more Block Club Chicago
Visit the Chicago Cultural Center's GAR Rotunda for the Earth Day Action Fair. Organized by the One Earth Film Festival, the fair features interactive exhibits, sustainability workshops, and opportunities to connect with local environmental organizations. Eventbrite+1Eventbrite+1Choose Chicago+1Eventbrite+1
Whether you're planting trees, crafting with recycled materials, or learning about environmental initiatives, Chicago offers numerous ways to honor Earth Day 2025. Engage with your community and contribute to a healthier planet.
