Looking for meaningful, fun, and FREE ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family? From hands-on volunteer opportunities and outdoor festivals to free zoo nights and nature hikes, there are plenty of ways to honor the planet across Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding areas.
Whether you’re raising little nature lovers or just looking to soak up the spring sunshine, here are the top free Earth Day events happening near you in 2025!
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Earth Day Celebration
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Admission: Free after 5:00 PM
Details: Enjoy live music, food vendors, and interactive stations hosted by the Zoo’s Horticulture, Sustainability, Conservation Impact, and Education teams. ​
Arbor Day Celebration at Smale Riverfront Park
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Details: Many activities for all ages from Raptors Inc, games, bounce house, wood carver, live music with The Foles and The Traveling Jam, and more! They will also be giving away 300 trees to commemorate Tree Planting Day.
Cincinnati Nature Center – Earth Day Weekend
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, April 26–27, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Details: Free admission to Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails. Activities include hiking, picnicking, and a Spring Native Plant Sale. ​
Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival at Summit Park
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Details: Over 125 interactive booths, exhibits, live music, and a Green Career Fair. ​
Art & Earth Day at Pyramid Hill
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Admission: Free with general park admission
Details: Celebrate Earth Day and International Sculpture Day with Pyramid Hill as they host a day focused on creativity and conservation.
Great Parks of Hamilton County – Free Admission
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: ALL DAY!
Admission: Free
Details: Waived vehicle permit fees at all park locations in celebration of Earth Day. ​
Five Rivers MetroParks – Adopt-A-Park
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Admission: Free
Details: Volunteers of all ages can participate in various projects like invasive species removal, habitat maintenance, and gardening across multiple park locations. ​
Aullwood Audubon – Earth Day at Aullwood
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission: Free (with $20/vehicle parking fee; free for members)
Details: Activities include draft horse wagon rides, a raptor show, and mural creation. ​
