Earth Day Activities for East Bay Families

Earth Day is technically on Monday, April 22, 2024, but many community events will happen throughout the preceding weekend. This guide to Earth Day activities is sponsored by Fourth Street Shops, where folks will gather on Saturday, April 20 for a special event.

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.

Earth Day Events for Your Family Calendar

Bike to Fourth Street for a big Earth Party – Saturday, April 20, from noon to 4 pm. With live music in the streets, earth-friendly crafts, and kids’ activities, there are many reasons to swing by Fourth Street and join in the celebration. If you’re able to bike or walk there, that’s even better. Plan your visit >

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, Albany, Piedmont, 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, 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.

Plants 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 need to be nurtured. Plus getting dirty in the garden is always fun! More tips on East Bay gardening with kids here >>

Adopt a 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 Berkeley’s Fourth Street Shops for sponsoring this guide. See you on Fourth Street on Saturday, April 20 for live music featuring BHS Jazz, The 3 Elements and Smith Dobson.