Earth Day Activities for East Bay Families

Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, but many community events will happen throughout the month. Read on for a list of special events designed for families to have a little Earth Day-themed fun, followed by a list of ways to observe Earth Day locally at your own pace.

This guide to Earth Day activities is sponsored by CuriOdyssey. Celebrate Earth Month with CuriOdyssey, where young explorers can learn about the planet and the role they play in caring for it.

Earth Day Events for Your Family Calendar

Earth Month at CuriOdyssey (San Mateo)

See science come to life during Earth Month at CuriOdyssey with special conservation-themed demonstrations that reveal how scientists study, protect, and care for the natural world. Each day at CuriOdyssey features hands-on experiments and interactive storytimes for young explorers. Learn More >

Pollinators & Friends Day (Walnut Creek)

Saturday, April 11, 10 am – 4 pm: The Ruth Bancroft Garden is celebrating all things pollinators at this eco event. Learn about bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other local helpful creatures through crafts, demonstrations, and discussions. Morning and afternoon sessions.  Reserve your space >

Earth Day (Oakland)

Saturday, April 18, 9:30 am – 4 pm: Visit the Oakland Zoo to discover why healthy watersheds matter for wildlife and the community, and learn the small actions you can take to keep the Bay Area thriving. Explore interactive booths to find out how to protect wildlife and make a difference. Learn More >

Earthfest (San Francisco)

Saturday, April 18, 11 am – 3 pm: At the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, children can learn about the importance of living sustainably and supporting animal conservation by interacting with professionals who are making a difference. Learn More >

Earth Day Celebration (Oakland)

Sunday, April 19, 10 am – 12 pm: Explore the vibrant Nurtured Seedling garden space, where kids can plant seeds, make nature-inspired crafts, and learn about the environment in the most hands-on way. Whether you’re a budding gardener or just looking for a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Space is limited; RSVP >

City Nature Challenge (San Mateo)

Friday, April 24, 1 pm: Join CuriOdyssey for a free public marsh hike at Coyote Point and help catalog plants and animals using iNaturalist.  Register Now >

Earth Day Celebration (Berkeley)

Sunday, April 26, 11 am: Observe crawly critters, explore climate science, step into the shoes of a paleontologist, and enjoy a live performance by the Alphabet Rockers at Lawrence Hall of Science’s annual Earth Day celebration. Learn More > 

More Ways to Observe Earth Day Close to Home

Volunteer at an organized clean-up event

Many East Bay cities host community-wide clean-ups or self-guided opportunities, including Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, Richmond, and East Bay Regional Parks. Find one that fits your family’s schedule, interests, location, and mood.

Take a hike in the great outdoors

Play outside with your children and take in the beauty of our East Bay landscape. Whether you’re up for a stroller-friendly walk, a toddler-level hike, wildflower appreciation, rock scramble, or something more significant, our area has so much nature to appreciate. Here are some hikes to try >>

Go outside and pick up trash

Head to your local park, beach, or even neighborhood block. Bring a plastic bag and wear some gloves, then pick up whatever garbage you find, and properly dispose of it at home. This is a simple, yet effective activity that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Enjoy an eco-conscious book or movie

The Lorax is a classic, and The Curious Garden is good, too. Wild Kratts teaches all kinds of lessons about animals. Common Sense Media has more recommendations for environmentally-minded films. More Earth Day book picks for families >>

Create a green space

Plant some flowers, vegetables, or even a tree as a family. The greenery from plants purifies the air, supports animal habitats, and teaches kids that plants must be nurtured. Plus, getting dirty in the garden is always fun! More tips on East Bay gardening with kids are here >>

Adopt new environmentally friendly behavior at home

Make a compost pile, ride a bike or take public transportation, turn off lights in unused rooms, visit a zero-waste store, or conserve water while washing hands or brushing teeth.

Visit a Farmers Market

Taste the bounty at your nearby Farmers Market or go further afield for Bay Area fruit-picking.

Wander through a local garden 

Savor the beauty of a garden, whether it’s a local rose garden or a specialty garden. It may not be a space that immediately comes to mind, but gardens offer big fun for kids. Look for pollinators, create your own color search, or bring some art supplies for a nature study. Your family can take in the interesting blooms, native plants, and wildlife, plus get some fresh air and leisure exercise. See our Guide to East Bay Gardens for outing inspiration >

Thanks so much to CuriOdyssey for sponsoring this guide.