Nothing says, “Spring is FINALLY on the way” like April in Cincinnati. Flowers are blooming, lawn mowers are humming and bats are cracking down at Great American Ballpark. How about Earth Day, though?
As a kid, Earth Day meant I got a little pine tree sappling in a dripping wet plastic bag at school that I had to keep alive until I got off the bus and could plant it with my Dad. It was a day full of “How to Recycle” lessons and making crafts out of pop cans and Kleenex boxes. Now that I’m older, I’m finding that our beautiful city has so much to offer for Earth Day.
Here are 7 ways to celebrate Earth Day in Cincinnati:
1. Krohn Conservatory
Here’s an option that will keep the kids busy no matter the weather conditions. Rain or shine it is ALWAYS beautiful inside Krohn Conservatory. Spend a little time wandering through their exhibits (like the Majestic Monarch!) or turn it into a scavenger hunt for the little ones. (Who can find 3 pink flowers? Find 1 big leaf, etc.) Bonus: the first 300 visitors on April 22nd get a tree seedling!
2. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
One of the most beautiful places in the city comes alive this time of year. Literally: the tulips are starting to bloom, and the whole place smells like a bouquet of flowers. April 20th’s Party for the Planet is the best Earth Day fiesta in town: make eco-friendly crafts, dance to live music and stick around for conservation talks.
3. Summit Park Earth Day Celebration
This is an all-day Earth Day celebration for all ages! Head to Summit Park April 22nd for The Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration, which includes a Kids Zone with age appropriate activities, a scavenger hunt, recycled costume contest and a lecture series for the grown ups.
4. Explore a Great Park
The Great Parks of Hamilton County offer some of the most beautiful hiking, innovative playgrounds and creative classes is all of Cincinnati. Pick a new one to explore with your kids this April.
5. Start a Container Garden
Nothing makes me happier than seeing all the garden centers starting to open. I could easily spend my life savings on flowers every spring. Take the little ones to a local garden center and let them pick out a few plants to make their own “Container Garden!”
6. Visit the Cincinnati Nature Center
There’s no better place to celebrate Earth Day in Cincinnati than the Cincinnati Nature Center. And Earth Day Weekend (April 22 and 23), the CNC is opening its doors to Cincinnati — for free! Hike, visit the PlayScape, enjoy talks and demonstrations… you’ll definitely want to visit the Nature Center for Earth Day.
7. Go tech-free for an entire day
Shut off the TV. Put down the tablet. Turn off your heat/AC. (It’s Cincinnati, I realize you could have both on in the same day in April.) Head outside for a walk or draw pictures with sidewalk chalk, visit a park, or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, dust off the board games.
About Emily:
Emily grew up just north of Cincinnati in Hamilton, OH and now lives in Western Hills with her husband Jim, their son James and their lunatic yellow lab, Rosey. Emily graduated from Xavier University (Go Muskies!), and is now a stay at home mom after working in marketing and promotions for local radio and TV stations.
Emily spends most of her free time visiting the manatees (James’ favorite) at the Cincinnati Zoo, shopping at local antique shops, or singing Beatles songs with James who typically just stares at her like she’s crazy. Emily hopes one day he’ll join in but for now she enjoys his giggles. She also enjoys photography and has quickly turned into a Pure Barre addict while trying to melt away the daily milkshakes she consumed while pregnant. So far it’s going well, but Skyline frequently gets in the way.
Emily loves to write and is looking forward to connecting with other Moms in Cincinnati while writing for Cincinnati Parent.
