Looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day with your kids in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities? We have a list of events
We’ve got the dirt — pun intended — on some of the best environmentally friendly events in the community that are both fun and educational along with some suggestions for how you can show your love for the planet in your own backyard.

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. Festivities will be taking place all week, according to our events calendar.
Earth Day Events in Champaign-Urbana
We’ve included the Earth Day-related events in chronological order. If you would like to add your organization’s event, please visit our calendar submission page.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Boneyard Creek Community Day
Scott Park, Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Looking for a class volunteer project or a new way to bring the family together? Join the Champaign Park District in making a difference at one of Champaign-Urbana’s natural treasures. Help restore the beauty of the Boneyard Creek in Champaign, Urbana, and Campustown by participating in this organized clean-up.
Earth Day for Everyone - FREE
Crystal Lake Park, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Show some love for our home planet by celebrating Earth Day as you enjoy nature, activities and a free live concert at Crystal Lake Park! They will have music by Anika Emily, bubbles, face painting, recycled art projects, food trucks, and park beautification throughout the event. Guided hikes will leave…read more…
Monday, April 20, 2026
All Ages Earth Day Crafts
The Urbana Free Library, Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Celebrate Earth Day with a craft! Come celebrate Earth Day with a drop-in crafts program for all ages. Make as many or as few crafts as you'd like. The Library is committed to making programs accessible for all. If you need an accommodation to attend a program, please let the…read more…
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Outside Play on Earth Day at The Community Classroom Presented by Sola Gratia Farm
The Community Classroom, Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Outside Play on Earth Day at The Community Classroom Presented by Sola Gratia Farm Wednesday, April 22nd 4-6PM The Community Classroom 2200 Philo Rd. Urbana, IL Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd and the Outreach/Education team at Sola Gratia Farm is also celebrating opening day at The Community Classroom! The…read more…

Celebrate Earth Day at home
Go to one of the many local parks in the area and play! Make sure to bring some garbage bags and plastic gloves and, after playtime, have your kids help pick up any litter in the area.
Plant a tree, a bush, a flower, a seed — anything that allows your child to dig in the dirt and learn about living organisms. If you don’t have space outside at home to garden, sprout a bean seed in a cup or look into community gardening options.
If you don’t already recycle, set up recycling bins and explain to your kids why it’s so important to reduce, reuse, and recycle. For more on local recycling options, click here.

Watch The Lorax or the Disney movie, Earth. Turn out the lights and make a point to tell your family you are conserving electricity.
Grab the baby backpack and go for a family hike or enjoy a family-friendly walking path.

More on all your favorite outdoor activities:
- Avoid the Mud and Muck with Mulch-Free Playgrounds in Champaign-Urbana
- Gardens and Flower Farms in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Top Family-Friendly Bike Trails in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with Your Family
- Walking Paths in Champaign-Urbana
- Camping with Your Family Near Champaign-Urbana
- Best Nature Spots to Explore with Kids Near Champaign-Urbana
- Find the Ultimate Outdoor Adventures with Kids in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Top spots for outdoor recreation near Champaign-Urbana:
- Exploring Turkey Run State Park with Kids
- Exploring Matthiessen State Park with Kids
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Busey Woods in Urbana
- Exploring River Bend Forest Preserve in Mahomet with Kids
- Exploring Moraine View State Recreation Area with Kids
- Exploring Forest Glen in Vermilion County with Kids
- Exploring Lake of the Woods in Mahomet with Kids
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Homer Lake Forest Preserve
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- Visit Friendship Grove in Urbana
- Dark Sky and More: Visiting the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve with Your Family
- Cool Off at the Homer Lake Natural Playscape
- Visiting Clinton Lake With Your Family
- Visiting Imagination Grove Near Bloomington-Normal
- Meet Me Halfway: Kankakee River State Park
- Hidden Treasure in Central Illinois: Weldon Springs State Park
- The Perfect Family Hike: Explore the Sangamon River Forest Preserve near Fisher
- Best Kept Secret: Buffalo Trace Prairie in Mahomet
- Hiking the Sangamon River Corridor Reserve in Monticello with your Family
- What to Do at Kickapoo State Recreation Area





