Earth Day Fun and Festivities in NJ

Reduce, reuse recycle…. a mantra that all of our NJ kids know. But there is more to saving and protecting the Earth than the three R’s. Take your kids out to celebrate Earth Day 2013 and learn how people can work together to make our Earth a healthier place in which all its creatures can live. Earth Day is officially April 22, but there are many celebrations occurring on different dates, so check online or call ahead before you head out.
 

A New Day: Earth Day at Liberty State Park (Jersey City, NJ)
The annual 5K Walk/Run will be held on Saturday, April 20 starting at 10am. The Kids Kingdom and Fair is from 11am to 4pm. Free.

Earth Day Celebration at the Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland, NJ
Essex County celebrates Earth Day with crafts, music and a variety of Earth-friendly activities. Included in this free day of education are demonstrations by beekeepers, bird walks, live music and plenty of food. The event is free and begins at 11 on April 20. (973) 226-6082.

Hunterdon County Parks Earth Day Festivities, Flemington, NJ
Rizzo’s Reptiles and Eyes of Wild are two of the wild animal shows being showcased at Deer Path Park’s Earth Day 2013. Kids can enjoy some special Earth-friendly recycled crafts, participate in carnival-type games and take a canoe ride. The activities begin at 10:30 on April 20. (908) 782-1158.

Centenary College’s Earth Week Celebration, Hackettstown, NJ
Centenary College’s annual celebration kicks off at 8:00 with “Breakfast with the Birds”, a bird watch and walk which culminates with a continental breakfast. The rest of the day’s events begin at 11 on April 27, and include crafts, music, and a science fair with projects created by local students. There will also be a passport program, where children will receive stamps and tickets in a passport once they have completed certain activities. The passport can then be redeemed for goodies at the end of the day. This year, families can enjoy a recycled materials fashion show as well! Registration is required for the breakfast; call (908) 852-1400. The events at Centenary are free.

Earth Day Walk at the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood, NJ
The New Jersey Botanical Gardens is hosting an Earth Day Weekend for 2013. On 4/20, take a wildflower walk to learn about the many living things and the geology of northeastern New Jersey. Kids can participate in a Home Depot workshop where they will build a garden-themed project. On 4/21, participate in an Earth day walk. This event is free. Check the website for times for each activity. (973) 962-9534.

Party for the Planet at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Jenkinson’s Aquarium will be hosting a day’s worth of activities dedicated to recycling and our role in Earth’s ecosystem. The aquarium itself is small and kid-friendly, and families can enjoy the boardwalk and beach after participating in Jenkinson’s program. The event begins at 1 on April 20, and is free with general admission to the aquarium. (732) 899-1659.

Vernon Earthfest 2013 at Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ
Heaven Hill Farm hosts Earthfest once again this year. In addition to vendors, crafts, and other activities, there will be demonstrations by Rizzo’s Reptile Discoveries, Snakes and Scales, Lenape Lifeways, and the Delaware Raptor Center. Hayrides, live music and a monarch butterfly release will suit kids and parents alike. The festival begins at 11 on April 28. Check out their Facebook page or call 973-764-0764.