Did you know that Earth Day started right here in Wisconsin? Founded in 1970 by former state senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day began on April 22nd as a day of rallies, events, marches, and public lectures to raise awareness about ongoing environmental issues. Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22nd across the country and beyond. This year, there are plenty of family-friendly events and activities right here in Madison!
UW-Madison Earthfest
- April 21st – 29th
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Earth Fest at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will bring together all things environment and sustainability and unite our campus over the one resource and interest we all share: our world. Dive into groundbreaking research or dig in the dirt at community gardens. Sift and winnow the latest research or sort and filter recyclables. Make career connections for your future or master sustainable techniques for your home. Earth Fest is for all members of the Badger community: from students to alumni, faculty to friends, and seasoned experts to future Badgers. Most events are free; some may require a nominal fee or registration.
Madison Children’s Museum: Earth Day & Nature-Related Events
- Wild Wonders: Adopt a Succulent
- Thursday, April 17th, 5-7 pm
- Pick out a clay pinch pot and bring home your own cutting from MCM’s Rooftop’s succulents! Learn to take care of your new friend, so you can help it grow and thrive.
- STEAM Time: Renewable Energy with KidWind
- Friday, April 18th, 11 am – 12 pm
- Experiment with renewable energy using our KidWind turbine kit! Build wind turbines, test out their energy output based on fan blade shape, size, number, and angle, and make modifications to create the ideal windmill.
- Let’s Move! Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
- Saturday, April 19th, 10-11:30 am
- Thursday, April 24th, 10-11:30 am
- Friday, April 25th, 10-11:30 am
- Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dances, group games and balance activities, we’ll enjoy different opportunities to move our bodies every day.
- Exploration Station: Seed Planting
- Saturday, April 19th, 10:30 am – 12 pm
- Sunday, April 20th, 10:30 am – 12 pm
- Start your own mini-garden by planting seeds to take home, and decorate your own paper plant pot!
- Let’s Move! Earth Day Dance Party
- Wednesday, April 23rd, 10-11:30 am
- Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dances, group games and balance activities, we’ll enjoy different opportunities to move our bodies every day.
- Wild Wonders: Pollinator Seed Balls
- Thursday, April 24th, 5-7 pm
- Create seed balls using a native pollinator seed mix grown on the museum’s Rooftop Ramble! Find out what it takes to plant pollinator gardens, and gain a better understanding of plants’ life cycle from seed to flower.
- Exploration Station: Seed Paper
- Saturday, April 26th, 10:30 am – 12 pm
- Sunday, April 27th, 10:30 am – 12 pm
- Use recycled materials and native prairie seeds to craft handmade seed paper. Once the paper dries, spread the joy by creating special greeting cards or start your own pollinator garden at home.
City of Madison Parks: Earth Day Challenge
- Saturday, April 26th 12-2 pm
- Celebrate Earth Day with your neighbors and friends by volunteering to clean up your local park! Join this community-wide volunteer effort to help make a difference. We are seeking 900 volunteers at 60+ parks, located throughout the city to assist with trash pickup, raking, weeding, and removing sticks. We supply gloves, garbage bags and rakes. All ages are welcome; registration is required for everyone age 14+.
Cave of the Mounds: Earth Day Celebration
- Saturday, April 19th, 7-9 pm
- Join us for a one-of-a-kind Spring Celebration and Earth Day experience at the breathtaking Cave of the Mounds! This special event invites guests to enjoy an enchanting evening inside the cave with LIVE MUSIC resonating through the limestone chambers, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty. Each guest will receive a souvenir photo to commemorate their adventure, plus a complimentary drink and an array of delicious appetizers. To honor Earth Day, guests can take home a small bag of native seeds to plant, fostering new life in their own outdoor spaces. Celebrate the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature in an unforgettable setting.