Earth Day 2015: Southern California Events

Earth Day is just around the corner. Every year on April 22^nd, millions of people celebrate this beautiful planet we call home. Since it falls on a Wednesday this year, you may find it difficult to pin down an event on the exact day, but the weekends before and after are full of fun and educational environmental events. If you’re a Southern California local, here are a few you may want to check out:

Star EcoStation in Culver City – Children’s Earth Day, April 19^th, 10 am-4 pm – Celebrate the planet at Star EcoStation with celebrity guests like Disney’s Austin and Ally and Nickelodeon’s Fresh Beat Band. Enjoy crafts, games, food and lots of exhibitors. Star Eco Station is an environmental science museum and wildlife rescue center. They also care for endangered exotic animals that have been illegally trafficked. 10101 Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232

Long Beach Children’s Day and Earth Day – El Dorado Park, 10:00 am – This fun family event features arts and crafts, food, and entertainment as well as environmental education opportunities. Don’t miss the children’s parade at 1:00. 7550 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA.

Earth Day Expo at the LA Zoo – Included with paid zoo admission – Learn about local wildlife and how they contribute to the health of our planet. You’ll learn about conservation, recycling, and so much more at this fun and educational event. April 18^th and 19^th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA. And on Saturday, April 18th, Paddington will be there and available for photographs from 12:30 to around 4 pm in celebration of the Blu-ray + DVD release on April 28th! Learn more here.

Earth Day Celebration and Concert at Polliwog Park – April 25^th, 11:00 am-4:00 pm – Explore environmental products and information with the family at this Earth Day event that includes music, food, games and lots of fun. This beautiful park is the perfect venue for a “green” celebration. Free eWaste recycling and document shredding at nearby Manhattan Beach Middle School. Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

Earth Day at the Bay 2015 – Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center – April 25^th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – This free event will feature arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, environmental movies and more. Food trucks will be on site and there is plenty of room to explore and play. Bring the family out and enjoy celebrating our planet in one of the loveliest locations in Newport. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA.

Volunteer and clean-up events are also available if you prefer. You’ll find opportunities in Dana Point at the Ocean Institute, in Mission Viejo at the Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration, in San Clemente at the Parque Del Mar by the pier, and in Huntington Beach at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

For more information or to locate and event near you visit https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/publiced/earthday/

Want to educate your kids on how to keep our planet healthy? Check out these fun books!