Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Around Houston
Since its conception in 1970, Earth Day has been a time to consider our impact on the world around us, and take part in ways to preserve the ecosystem we call home. All across the country this month, celebrations feature family fun, activities, food, music and more to help us consider ways that we can make a positive difference on the environment. Here in Houston, families looking to connect with nature and take part in celebrations will find all sorts of ways to participate in this important annual tradition. Here are some of the events planned around the city.
Children’s Museum Houston
The Earth Day Bash (https://www.cmhouston.org/events/earth-day) on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. commemorates the very first Earth Day celebration in 1970. Families can expect nature-inspired projects, awe-inspiring demonstrations and mind-blowing experiments.
Trees for Houston will giveaway tree saplings. Scientists from the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) will show off their research in water filtration and lead hands-on activities. Harris County Public Health Avian Team helps guests discover the fascinating world of avian wonders. Learn about the impact ants have on our ecosystem, and join the RicePOP (Rice University Physics Outreach Program) for a series of experiments designed to get kids interested in science. All activities are included with general admission to the museum.
Discovery Green
Downtown Houston’s Green Mountain Energy at Discovery Green celebration (https://www.discoverygreen.com/signature-experiences/earth-day/) is an all-afternoon affair. From noon to 5 on Saturday, April 20, families can expect a slate of performances, live music, art installations, face painting, crafts and activities. Also planned are educational talks, panel discussions, spoken word performances and more.
This year, the Discovery Green Conservancy has also partnered with Citizens’ Environmental Coalition to bring guests the Houston Public Works’ Water Works Festival. With a focus on art, and how art and artists can educate, inform and delight, exhibits and activities will have a focus on environmental preservation. Admission is free.
Energy Corridor/Terry Hershey Park
The Energy Corridor District’s Earth Day Celebration CITGO Fueling Good (https://energycorridor.org/the-energy-corridor-districts-earth-day-2024/) on April 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. is a free event with a host of family fun. Local high school students hit the catwalk in the Recycled Fashion Show, featuring their own original creations made entirely from recycled materials. Guests can grab a paintbrush or marker and contribute to a community art piece symbolizing our collective commitment to Mother Earth.
There will also be DJ, food trucks, tree seedling giveaways, electronics recycling,eco-friendly vendors, face painting and other kid-friendly activities.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
The Earth Day Celebration (https://houstonarboretum.org/event/earth-day-celebration/) is a free event , encouraging families to get outside and explore the variety of plants, animals and people that call our city – and our planet – home. Planned activities include a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, self-guided nature hikes and other fun designed to showcase how special Earth is. The event will take place rain or shine.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
All month long, the museum hosts Celebration: Earth (https://www.hmns.org/celebration-earth/), with a series of events and educational activities designed to help you better understand the planet.
From April 12 through 28, you can take in a new sculpture by Luke Jarrem, GAIA, which shows what the Earth looks like from space. Take part in observing and recording wild species April 26 through 29 using the iNaturalist app. Other events explore climate, gardening and more.
Space Center Houston
On April 20 and 21, Space Center Houston hosts its popular Planet Earth Celebration (https://spacecenter.org/featured_events/planet-earth-celebration-2024/). Activities and activation show how unique our planet is, and ways we can sustain, conserve and preserve its important natural resources.
The weekend’s highlights include a special live broadcast from the Gulf of Mexico, a 45-minute presentation from the scientists at sea who are restoring habitats that were impacted by the Deepwater Horizon spill. You can learn about their work, ask questions and find out how can help their efforts. TechnoCycle E-Recycling will be on site, and you can bring your old electronics to have them safely recycled and disposed of. The Galveston Bay Foundation and Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network are just two of the organizations that will take part in a host of activities during the weekend. Admission to the Earth Day celebration is included with entry to Space Center Houston.
