Earth Day Events for Families in Toronto
Earth Day has a lot going for it. There are no special foods to make, presents to buy, or lengthy to-do lists to accomplish. It’s in spring, and the emphasis is on appreciating and bettering nature. That’s good for the mind, body and soul. Earth Day is on Saturday, April 22 this year, and it’s worth taking the time to check out one of these great weekend activities and start developing environmentalism. It IS easy being green.
Earth Day at Downsview Park: Sunday, April 23, 11 am-4 pm.
We’ll being enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of nature as we plant trees in support of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. There will also be a campfire, tour of the park and birds of prey demonstration. It’s like a mini-break combined with doing something great for the environment, all in our own backyard.
RSVP at downsviewpark.ca.
One Million Trees Mississauga: various locations, Saturday, April 22, 9:30 am-12 pm
Eleven wards, 150 trees, loads of happy volunteers: it’s all part of Mississauga’s 2017 tree planting program and celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. Mississauga’s One Million Trees project is a plan to plant one million trees in the city by year 2032—what a great green goal that is! It will be a great morning of planting, connection and community.
Register here.
StreetPLAY for Earth Day: Pendrith Ave (Christie Pitts), Thursday, April 20, 4-7 pm
Earth Day Canada’s StreetPLAY pilot project is certainly headed in the right direction, aiming to open up local streets for play that is safe, free and accessible. There will be a demo ball hockey game with Ken Dryden, a ramp network for riding bikes, scooters and skateboards, and lots of chalk for a giant mural or hopscotch. There’s also free food, drink and music—making for an awesome street party all around.
More info here.
ParkPLAY for Earth Day: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Saturday, April 22, 11 am-3 pm
Earth Day Canada is also hosting a day of outdoor adventure play via their ‘Wild About Canada’ pop-up adventure playground. It’s a good example of the EarthPLAY program, which encourages kids to build, create, make-believe, get messy, invent, collaborate and take calculated risks. That’s what adventure playgrounds support, and this event is a great opportunity to have some amazing fun with a true adventure playground—think tires and ropes courses lots of obstacles, and creativity to infinity and beyond.
More info here.
Earth Matters: ROM, Sunday, April 23, 11 am-4 pm
As part of Family Fundays at the ROM, Earth Matters will feature lots of great hands-on activities celebrating the earth. We’re talking hanging out with live insects, investigating the relationships between milkweed and the gorgeous monarch butterflies, and so much more.
Free with museum admission, more info here.
Earth Day Celebration: Toronto Botanical Garden, Saturday, April 22, 12-4 pm
We’re pleased as punch that one of our favourite places in the city is hosting a fun, family-friendly and free(!) event. We’ll help plant in the teaching Garden, listen to stories and make crafts, learn about wildlife, and even enjoy a smoothie made with a blender bike! Don’t forget to lug a mug – snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
More info here.
Celebrate Earth Day: Todmoren Mills, Saturday, April 22, 12-4 pm
Todmoren Mills is offering some free fun stuff for Earth Day, including participation in creative and collaborative artwork (eco-friendly, of course). They’ll also detail how the ‘make and mend’ habits of the past were good for the earth. Tours to see the 1940s cottage and Wildflower Preserve are also on offer.
More info here.
Mississauga Earth Day Activities: Assorted libraries, Saturday, April 22
Mississauga’s libraries are hosting some wonderfully creative and informative sessions on Earth Day. There are lots of LEGO clubs and crafts, as well as using recycled materials to make everything from a bird feeder to musical instruments. Or try your hand at creating a terrarium. PS: It’s all free.
More info here.
TRCA Take Pride Earth Day: Duffin Heights, Pickering, Saturday, April 22, 10 am-1 pm
We’re not sure which aspect the kids are more excited about, making the area clean by picking up litter, or meeting the Earth Rangers animal ambassadors. We’re also keen to plant trees and generally enjoy the great outdoors.
More info here.
Science March Toronto: Downtown, Saturday, April 22, 11 am-2 pm
Toronto is joining the more than 400 marches and rallies (lots in Canada) taking place on April 22 in support of ongoing scientific study into climate change and other environmental topics. Citizens and scientists will be coming together to champion science for the sake of the common good, and the important role it plays in our lives and communities. The march is from Nathan Phillip’s square to Queen’s Park, so certainly manageable for all ages.
More info here.
