Earth Day is just around the corner, and there are lots of family friendly events where kids can learn more and have fun. Below are some highlights, and you can find more by searching our Calendar of Events.

April 20-22
Unearth Science Festival
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
With three days of science activities, the Unearth Science festival celebrates science and nature in ways that will encourage you to see, touch, hear, and explore. Participate in drop-in programs, timed demonstrations, free programs, and special events Saturday and Sunday. All ages. See schedule for Friday's special events. 10am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission free, parking fee applies.

April 20 and 21
Kids Nite Out - Earth Day Extravaganza
April 20 at Wicker Park, 2337 W. North Ave.
April 21 at Lakeview, 2864 North Lincoln Avenue
Make some grown-up plans and drop the kiddos off for an Earth Day Extravaganza! MENU: Green Goddess Garden Wraps & Organic Dirt Cups. CRAFT: Build-Your-Own Tin Can Planter. Ages 4 and up. 6-9pm. $40.

April 21-22
Earthfest
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Some of the marvels of human ingenuity are changing our environment in ways we never intended: The fuel we burn is heating up our planet, and the glittering lights of our cities make it hard for us to see the stars at night. At Earthfest, we’ll talk about how our species has shaped - and will continue to shape - our environment and celebrate the planet we call home. All ages. 9:30am - 4pm. Regular admission applies.

April 21
Earth Day at Wonder Works
Wonder Works Children's Museum, 6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park
On Earth Day, Wonder Works will celebrate the wild animals that live in the Chicago area. Discover what mammals, birds, turtles, frogs and bugs do as spring arrives in our parks and neighborhoods. Dig for soil creatures, investigate pond life with magnifiers and microscopes, touch preserved specimens, make tracks like those found near their homes, and play with plush and plastic creatures in the art room and Great Outdoors exhibit. Ages 0-8. 10am - 5pm. Included with $7 admission. 

April 21
Earth Day Celebration
Peck Farm, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva
The Natural Resources Committee of Geneva and the Geneva Park District invite you to bring the entire family out to Peck Farm Park to celebrate Earth Day! Enjoy a variety of activities including bicycle tune-ups, free paper shredding, food and green vendors, chair massages, children's activities and games and more. All ages. 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. FREE.

April 21
Party for the Planet
Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton
Join us as we take part in the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America with more than 100 other zoos and aquariums. Visit with representatives from businesses and conservation organizations and learn about a wide variety of conservation efforts related to nature and wildlife. All ages. 10am - 2pm. Regular admission applies.

April 21
Earth Day at Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento, Chicago
Join us for "Your Earth, Your Legacy," the 29th Annual Chicago Earth Day community celebration and clean-up in Humboldt Park We’ll be assembling at the boat house for a day of positive action and fun! From 9am - noon, join us to clean and green the park at the volunteer clean up. Pre-register with Friends of the Park for t-shirts and gloves available for volunteers while supplies last. At 11 am is a tree planting dedication to community members. From Noon - 2pm is a celebration and lunch with music by Left Setters, Opra-Matic and Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center. All ages. FREE.

April 22
Earth Day Celebration
Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel, Skokie
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Emily Oaks Nature Center! Join us in reflecting on decades of memories, and make new memories at Emily Oaks too, as you participate in engaging activities along the Nature Center trails. Earth-friendly foods and native wildflowers and grasses will be available for purchase. All ages. 12-4pm. FREE.

April 22
Party for the Planet
Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield
Go "green" and head to Brookfield Zoo for the annual Party for the Planet celebration. Learn about the different ways you can make Earth-friendly choices such as conserving energy, riding a bike, or recycling, all of which can have a positive impact on the planet. During this fun-filled family event, participate in green-themed craft activities, help staff plant flowers and a tree, visit with representatives at the Eco Expo, and find about the animals at special Zoo Chats. All ages. During regular hours. Regular admission applies.

April 22
Family Fun Run and Walk the Earth Day at Wildwood
Wildwood Park, 6950 N. Hiawatha Ave., Chicago
The first annual Wildwood PAC Earth Day 5K and 2K Fun Walk/Run brings together families and community members to celebrate our Earth. Join with friends and family to take in the fresh spring air, as we journey through the Wildwood area. Stay and help the community clean up the park and mulching the trees. Food and drinks will be available for puchase. All ages. 9am - noon. $30.

April 22
Earth Day Cookies - Ages 2-5
Taste Buds Kitchen, 2521 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn
It's time to put a spin on our signature sugar cookie and give it a worldly update. Join us as we learn how to make an oh-so-delicious cookie with clear blue water and fresh green land, inspiring kids to treat our world with care. This class is designed for kids and parents to cook together. Ages 2-5 with caregiver. 9:00-10:00am. $30 per child w/one caregiver included.