What better way to get kids interested in nature and doing their part for the planet than with a variety of fun and educational activities in honor of Earth Day? For this year’s holiday, which takes place on April 22 each year, we’ve put together a list of events hosted by local businesses and organizations, as well as some activities your families can do on your own to celebrate our planet. The best part is most of them are FREE or inexpensive!
Be sure to check out our Event Calendar and Spring Fun Guide for even more activities for Des Moines families and follow us on Facebook.
Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day with your kids in Des Moines:
Attend an Earth Day Event
Each year Des Moines area communities, businesses and organizations host fun events celebrating Earth Day. Events include everything from volunteer events to free admission and fun family activities.
Earth Month 2024
A collaboration between the cities & citizens of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Norwalk, Polk County Conservation, Trees Forever, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and Des Moines Water Works and is sponsored by Friends of Des Moines Parks.
Earth Day at the Garden
Hosted by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden visitors enjoy FREE admission all day on Saturday, April 20, 2024. They will also be hosting a special Earth Day Story Sprouts.
Earth Day Family Fun
An annual event hosted by the City of West Des Moines. Enjoy fun Earth Day related activities at a new location this year — Raccoon River Park on Saturday, April 20, 2024 starting at 10:00 am. There will be bonus educational sessions you can register for as well. The main event is free with no registration required, registration is required for the bonus sessions.
Earth Day Celebration
Windsor Heights will be hosting an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Colby Park. They’re planning something amazing for the full family to learn about and appreciate nature from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.
Earth Day Stream & Watershed Cleanup
Ankeny residents are invited to give back to the community by volunteering at the Earth Day Stream and Watershed Cleanup event Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 8:00 to11:00 am. Volunteers should meet at the new City parking lot at 1500 SW Des Moines Street. The City will provide trash bags and gloves.
Earth Day at The Brenton Arboretum
Join The Brenton Arboretum on Sunday, April 21, 2024 for a fun day of tree planting, hiking and other free family activities as they celebrate Earth Day.
Trash Bash / Earth Day
The City of Clive will host a community clean up day on Friday, April 26, 2024. This event aims to enhance the beauty of Clive parks and trail areas, aligning with their commitment to keeping them “Distinct By Nature.” Volunteers are asked to register online and sign a waiver.
Johnston Trash Bash
Join the Johnston Parks Department for the annual Trash Bash and help clean up your community! The event will take place on Friday, April 26, at 1:00 pm at Terra Park. They will also have a tree planting and a city-wide cleanup.
Visit a Landfill or Recycling Center
Local waste and recycling centers offer tours to the public. These are great opportunities for kids to learn more about where all that stuff collected in the garbage and recycle bins goes after it’s picked up. Keep in mind that there will be some prep work involved with visiting a local landfill or recycling center. You will need to contact the business to find out what their visiting hours and policies are. Some require an advanced tour application to be filled out prior to your visit.
Metro Waste Authority Landfill Tours
Every Fall and Spring, Metro Waste Authority offers a landfill tour to the public. This landfill tour is approximately 90 minutes (including drive time) and covers all the landfill basics. Watch their social media sites or sign-up for their newsletter to know when the next tour will be offered.
Tour a Water Treatment Plant
Another fun family field trip is a tour of the local water treatment plant. Kids can learn how water is treated and why. They will also gain a better understanding of the importance of taking care of our water resources and how to protect them.
Ames Water Treatment Plant
Each year, hundreds of people tour Ames’ Water Treatment Plant facilities. You can request a tour by completing and submitting a Tour Request Form found on their website. You’ll also want to be sure to read the Tour Guidelines carefully to become familiar with their tour requirements.
Des Moines Water Works
While Des Moines Water Works no longer offers in person tours to anyone under 18, they have put together two educational videos which show the “Water Treatment Process at Des Moines Water Works” and “Think Downstream – Water Quality at Des Moines Water Works”.
Create a Compost
A great way to recycle your food and yard waste is to create a compost. This can be on a small or large scale and is an affordable project for your family.
ISU Extension FREE Composting Yard Waste Publication
Download this FREE publication from ISU Extension, which explains the materials needed for a compost pile and includes construction directions for building a three-bin composting unit.
Plant Something
A common way to celebrate Earth Day is to plant a tree. You could do this in your own yard or donate one to a local park or other common outdoor area. Also consider planting a garden, flowers or working in the yard. You could also volunteer to help clean up someone’s yard who isn’t physically able to clean up their yard on their own.
City of Des Moines Tiny Trees Program
Each Year, Des Moines residents are able to request up to five FREE individual trees from the Forestry Division. Visit their website for a list of this year’s available species through the Tiny Trees program. Orders for trees are open until April 26, 2024 and the pickup day will occur on May 11 this spring.
Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
Spending time outside and enjoying nature is probably the most quintessential way to celebrate Earth Day. Play outside, go on a nature hike, visit the Zoo, go to the park or enjoy a walk around your neighborhood, while taking time to stop and observe the beauty around you. Below are a few of our articles that will help you plan a fun outing.
- Family Friendly Bike Trails in the Des Moines Area
- Tips 4 a Family Fun Day at Blank Park Zoo
- Inclusive & Accessible Playgrounds for Des Moines Kids
- Things to do in Greenwood/Ashworth Park with Des Moines Kids
- A Few Ways to Make Family Walks More Fun
A little effort goes a long way to helping save our planet! How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day with your kids?
