8 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Ohio

From the beaches of Lake Erie to the rock ledges of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, our state is filled with natural beauty that generations before us have worked to protect. Every year, Earth Day arrives in April with festivals and celebrations that help us learn about our world, take part in cleanups and renew our own commitment to the planet. 

Earth Day Columbus | April 4-28
Take part in this multi-week celebration dedicated to beautifying our capital city. Multiple events and projects are available to take part in, including cleanups and beautification and community garden efforts April 4 through 27. Tree plantings run April 11 through 27 in the city, with three community science days set for April 25 through 28. There is also a community celebration at Scioto Audubon Metro Park on April 27. 

Ohio Earth Day Celebrations | April 14 & 22
Celebrate Earth Day on the campus of Ohio University with activities spread over two days. April 14 features an electric vehicle showcase and sustainability awards. The celebration continues on April 22 with a festive parade that includes Rufus the Bobcat, costumed parade walkers and more.

Hug the Earth Family Festival | April 19
Bring the whole family out to Lost Creek Reserve in Troy to experience community and togetherness on Earth Day Weekend during this free festival put on by the Miami County Park District. All afternoon, guests can enjoy music from the Banana Slug String Band as well as adventurous activities such as zip lining and rock climbing. 

Marietta Earth Day Celebration | April 19
Visit Ohio’s first city for the 26th year of this Earth-centric celebration. Since 1999, this event has celebrated the place we call home by offering free fun for kids and families. Visit Armory Square on the banks of the Muskingum River for a day of crafts, live music, animal encounters and more.

Earth Day Extravaganza | April 26
Head to Osborn Metropark in Huron for a jam-packed day of Earth Day entertainment. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy several activities such as informational stops with organizations like the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as well as activities for kids including craft stations, a miniature horse, face painting and a bounce house. Shopping from local vendors will also be available, along with food trucks such as Kona Ice, The Gaucho & The Gringa and others.

Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival | April 26
Enjoy this free Earth Day festival at Summit Park in Blue Ash. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to fill up at fountains through the day, as well as reusable silverware to use at the food trucks on-site. Throughout the celebration, enjoy a Thrifty Fashion Contest and learn about sustainable career paths.

Earth Day Celebration Weekend | April 26-27
What better way to celebrate our planet this season than by visiting a place that treats every day like Earth Day. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts two days of Earth-focused programming, including activity stations put on by local organizations like the Franklin Park Conservatory. In addition, families can enjoy photo ops with the zoo’s character mascots, keeper talks and a Party for the Planet. 

Lake Metroparks Earth Day 2025 | April 27
Spend an afternoon at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland for free festivities focused on conservation and protecting our planet. Local organizations will be on-site to share conservation tips, and a marketplace is open to sell locally made goods. In addition, visitors can enjoy wildlife programming and kids will love the games, crafts and miniature train rides. Families each receive a tree to take home and plant. 

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