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Earth Day Events for Seattle-Area Families in 2023

Celebrate our planet with story walks, volunteer events and more

Headshot of author Julie Dodobara, she is pictured from the torso up, standing on a boat with a waterfuall in the distance
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Published on: April 11, 2023

Boy in purple vest and boots in garden planting a seedling for Earth Day

Earth Day is a globally recognized day reminding everyone to pause and appreciate this big beautiful rock we live on — and to advocate for its preservation. Many Seattle-area events will help your family celebrate and support the planet we call home. After all, we only have one!

Through April 29: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt, Tacoma
For the entire month of April, take part in an ongoing Earth Day–themed scavenger hunt at Tacoma Public Library’s Fern Hill, Kobetich, Main, Moore, Mottet, South Tacoma, Swasey and Wheelock branches. Search for hidden images throughout the libraries, learn interesting facts and earn a prize!

Through April 30: Earth Day StoryWalk at Lake Wilderness Arboretum, Maple Valley
Take time to ponder your own relationship with the Earth as you read along to this month’s StoryWalk book selection, “The Earth and I,” a playful story about the friendship between one child and the Earth — all while you marvel at the beauty of nature at Lake Wilderness Arboretum.

April 17–23: Earth Day Celebration: Plant for the Planet, Renton
Stop by the plaza (across from the movie theater) at The Landing and help the environment with a free grow kit as you “Plant for the Planet” (while supplies last).

Thursday, April 20, 9:15 or 10:45 a.m.: PlayWise: Earth Day Papermaking, Olympia
Bring the kids to the Hands On Children’s Museum to tear, soak and make a whole new sheet of paper by using recycled pieces. This Earth Day workshop is included with your $16.95 admission fee or membership.

April 20 and 22: Celebrate Earth Week, Seattle
Join Seattle Parks and Recreation for one (or more!) scheduled nature programs during Earth Week. Events include a pollinator workshop, a pond exploration, a bat walk and low-tide beach exploration. Preregister. Some programs are free, others have a fee of $10.

Friday, April 21, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Earth Tales:  A Celebration of Earth Day, virtual
The Seattle Storytellers Guild presents heartfelt stories and whimsy in honor of Earth Day in this virtual presentation. Preregister. Free, but donations are welcome.

Saturday, April 22, all day: Washington State Parks Free Day 
Enjoy the beauty and bounty of our natural spaces at one or more of Washington’s 140 state parks. A Discover Pass is not required to park a vehicle at any state park on Earth Day, April 22.

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.–noon: Auburn Earth Day Clean Sweep
Sign up for a spot at Auburn’s cleanup event to help keep its parks shipshape! Start the morning off with a free welcome breakfast (7:30–8:30 a.m.) at the Auburn Community & Events Center. Projects kick off at 9 a.m. Preregister.

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.–noon: Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to lend a hand and help keep Issaquah looking its best at this city-wide beautification event. Preregister.

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.–noon: Tacoma Parks Appreciation Day
Show appreciation for our beautiful Earth by putting in some work at one of four popular parks in Tacoma. Sign up for a spot to spruce up your local greenspaces.

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.–noon: Mukilteo Earth Day
Do your part to help clean up the community! Not only will you get a free T-shirt, but afterwards you can join other volunteers at Lighthouse Park for a community barbeque, activities and booths. Families are welcome! Preregister.

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Earth Day at the Arboretum, Seattle
Gear up for a day doing some weeding, mulching and invasive plant removal at fantastic Washington Park Arboretum. Preregister. Ages 15 and older.

Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.: Earth Day at 21 Acres, Woodinville
Roll up your sleeves and help out with some volunteer projects at this agroecological farm (ages 13 years and older, please), take a green building tour, join an in-person farm walk tour or do all three activities at 21 Acres. Preregister.

Saturday, April 22, 9:45 a.m.–2:15 p.m.: Earth Day Run, Kids’ Dash and Tree Giveaway, Seattle
Run (or walk) at the Earth Day Run held at Magnuson Park and help the environment! Each finisher will receive a native sapling tree, plus an additional tree will be planted for each finisher. Preregister; $28–$49; $5 kids dash.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Earth Day Expo, Bainbridge Island
Think green! Head to Battle Point Park for this Earth Day Expo and pull some invasive weeds, take part in nature-focused activities and learn about Earth-friendly businesses. You can also grab a bite and enjoy live music. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Leap for Green Family Sustainability Fair, Mercer Island
Bring the family to this annual sustainability fair and have fun while learning about best environmental practices. There will be activities and entertainment for all ages. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Earth Day! Groovy Event, Maple Valley
A Maple Valley Christmas tree farm is hosting a “groovy” Earth Day event, and you’re invited to attend dressed in your best hippie attire (optional). There will be tree planting and volunteer opportunities, as well as activities for the kids, including face painting, a story time and crafts. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Puyallup Tribe Earth Day, Tacoma
Join the Puyallup Tribe at the Canoe Landing to discover what it is doing to promote a greener future and how you can help. Highlights of this fun-filled and informational day include a traditional clam bake and beach walk. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: South Sound Sustainability Expo, Tacoma
Designed for the whole family, South Sound Sustainability Expo is the region’s largest community celebration of all things sustainable. Kids can explore everything from planting seeds to using recycled and reused materials. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Rise Above Plastics and other Earth Day activities, Olympia
Are you ready to help our planet? Learn how to decrease plastic pollution through hands-on activities and crafts at the WET Science Center. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Oxbow Earth Day Open House, Carnation
Oxbow Farm has cooked up something special for Earth Day — a tasty lunch menu from its own farm-grown produce as well as live music, tours and volunteer activities. This is a perfect chance to check out the farm's family-friendly programming and learn about its conservation efforts. Preregister. Free. Items for purchase.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Earth Day Celebration at Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah
Visit your favorite critters at Cougar Mountain Zoo and check out the fun Earth Day activities going on at this annual event. Timed tickets can be booked in advance; $13–$16 per person; ages 1 and younger free. 

Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Kenmore Earth Day Event
Take time to appreciate the great outdoors by bringing the fam to Rhododendron Park, where there will be all-ages activities, including a scavenger hunt, volunteer work party and a guided nature walk. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Sammamish Earth Day Celebration
Head to Beaver Lake Park for family fun and games, including a petting zoo, a bug and reptile interactive station, crafts and a scavenger hunt. Free.

Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Energy Block Party, Everett
Kids will have a blast building a mason bee house, checking out an electric vehicle car show and experiencing “Truckstravaganza,” where they can see utility trucks up close and even take a photo in a bucket truck. The fun is all part of Snohomish Public Utilities’ Earth Day celebration. Free. 

Saturday, April 22, noon–4 p.m.: Carkeek Park Earth Day Celebration, Seattle
Celebrate our planet at Carkeek Park and enjoy games, nature activities, beach exploration and volunteer projects. Kids will love the chance to take a forest walk, explore the beach at low tide with a guide or feed salmon. Free.

Saturday, April 22, noon–7 p.m.: Snohomish Earth Day Community Celebration
Snohomish will host a slew of activities planned at several sites throughout town at its inaugural Earth Day celebration. The day kicks off at the Carnegie with a Lushotseed Tribal dedication and continues all day with shows, plantings and fun for kids and the whole family, including pets! Preregister; some activities are free, others have a $5–$20 fee.

Saturday, April 22, 1–3 p.m.: High Point Earth Day Festival, Seattle
Find the Seattle Parks and Recreation Naturalist booth at West Seattle’s High Point Commons Park to partake in environmentally friendly fun, including art activities, games and nature learning. Free.

Sunday, April 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Sustainability Fair and Neighborhood BBQ, Renton
Join your neighbors at Thomas Teasdale Park for some grilling and good times while you learn about ways to live a greener life. Participants can take part in hands-on science stations, learn about container gardening, enjoy live music and play lawn games. Free.

Sunday, April 23, 2–3 p.m.: Ella Bella Bee & the Pollinators, Kent
Bring the kids to the Kent Library to dance and sing along with Ella Bella Bee & the Pollinators, and learn about the important work of bees and hummingbirds in this comedic, educational musical. Free.

Saturday, April 29, 8 a.m.–noon: Burien Clean Sweep
Help beautify Burien! Sign up for a stretch of road or a section of blocks and put your litter-busting skills to work. Your shift ends with a free to-go lunch. Preregister.

Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.–noon: Simple Ways to Help the Earth, Redmond
Kids ages 6–14 can test their knowledge and win prizes by playing a sustainability game at the Redmond Library. They will learn to make more sustainable choices that will help our planet. Preregister. Free.

More ways to celebrate Earth Day:

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