WASHINGTON — The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is right now.
This Earth Day impart the importance of being environmentally conscious on your little ones by taking part in one or more of the many fun and free Earth Day events happening around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
These celebrations are open to all ages, so go ahead and bring the whole family.
9+ 2024 Earth Day events and activities happening in the DMV:
Saturday, April 20:
Earth Day Observance at 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE
- From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. head to Northeast for a day of Earth Day activities including cleanups, nature walks, water monitoring, rock painting, and earth bench building.
- This event is free and open to the public.
Earth, Art, and Eats: An Earth Day Festival! at 3809 Rhode Island Avenue
- Celebrate Earth Day with this free festival from noon until 4 p.m. in Brentwood, Maryland.
- There will be local artists, food vendors, and eco-friendly offerings available to the community.
- Workshops are first come, first-served, and each can accommodate up to 25 guests.
- Since parking is limited, officials say to arrive early or easily find free parking at the Bunker Hill Fire Station (which is just one block away from the festivities.)
Park Care Days: Earth Day at Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion
- From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., help clean up the community park and contribute to a greener environment in honor of Earth Day.
- During the in-person event, participants will be asked to plant trees as well as pick up trash.
Earth Day Collage Workshop at 3809 Rhode Island Avenue
- All ages and experience levels are welcome at this free workshop led by artist Ben Whitcher.
- Using recycled materials and sustainable practices, participants will craft collages that honor our planet's beauty and diversity.
Earth Day Art Popup! at Creative Grounds DC
- From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., join in on an Earth Day celebration at Creative Grounds DC.
- The free popup event will feature local artists and small businesses showcasing their environmentally focused photography, jewelry, products, prints, and clothes.
- Grab a cup of coffee, meet the creatives, and pick out your favorite art to take home.
- The day will feature a novel reading from a local author from 3-4 p.m., and an interactive community art piece.
Honor Earth: An Earth Day Celebration at Smithsonian Anacostia Museum
- From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., honor the Earth by taking part in family-friendly activities and by learning more about plant care with the Smithsonian.
Sunday, April 21:
Mini donut decorating at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
- From 10 a.m. until noon join Astro for a sweet celebration of Earth Day.
- Tickets are $15 per donut making kit. Each kit includes six mini cake donuts and assorted decorations.
Earth Day Every Day Festival at 4500 Langston Boulevard
- This free, family-friendly festival in Arlington will feature four local bands, 30+ arts vendors, environmental booths, children's activities and storytimes, free plant giveaways and more.
- No tickets necessary, just show up!
Monday, April 22:
Celebrate Earth Day with USDA at 1400 Independence Avenue SW
- From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., take part in a variety of environmentally-friendly activities with USDA.
- No RSVP required, and you can even take a plant home with you.