There is arguably no better place to celebrate Earth Day in New York City than on Staten Island—the borough of parks. Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, this year. There are many Earth Day events on Staten Island and nearby planned for the big day, including concerts, crafts, exhibit openings and more.
History of Earth Day
Earth day is always on April 22. For anyone who’s ever been curious about its origins, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. After a major oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA, Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin who had long been concerned about the environment, announced an idea for teach-ins on college campuses to be held on April 22, 1970, to help raise public consciousness about air and water pollution. The movement, renamed Earth Day, inspired college students and many others to take action and achieved rare political alignment from both Democrats and Republicans alike.
According to Earthday.org, the holiday has led to the creation of many environmental laws and agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and other legislation that has helped protect humans, wildlife and habitat.
Earth Day Today
The holiday has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as more people—including children—have become more aware and concerned about environmental issues such as pollution, climate change and wildlife habitat loss. If your child is one of the many who want to help protect the Earth and save animals, here’s some good news: Staten Island is packed with things to do to celebrate the holiday this year. Browse this list of fun events and activities planned for Earth Day on Staten Island and nearby in New Jersey that families and kids of all ages will enjoy.
Earth Day Events on Staten Island and Nearby
Art in the Park: Seed Starters
WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Rd. W.
WHEN: Friday, April 14, 10am-2pm
WHAT: Head to this crafting event for National Gardening Day to decorate a seed started to plant seeds at home.
WANT TO GO? Free
Earth Day Craft
WHERE: New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Ln.
WHEN: Friday, April 21, 3:30pm
WHAT: Make a fun craft in celebration of Earth Day. For ages 4 and older with parent/caregiver.
WANT TO GO? Free
Earth Day Celebration
WHERE: 114 Wright St.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 9am-12pm
WHAT: Plant flowers and vegetables, paint, and enjoy music and refreshments at this fun Earth Day celebration hosted by the Central Family Life Center.
WANT TO GO? Check the website for more information.
Earth Day Cleanup
WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Rd. W.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 10am-1pm
WHAT: Help show appreciation for Mother Earth by picking up litter throughout Clay Pit on a guided walk. Includes about a mile hike.
WANT TO GO? Free
Car-Free Earth Day on Staten Island
WHERE: Minthorne Street (Bay Street to Victory Boulevard)
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 10am-3pm
WHAT: Car-Free Earth Day is an annual car-free event hosted by NYC DOT. Programming is presented at signature locations citywide to promote activism and education surrounding climate change, sustainability and other relevant topics.
WANT TO GO? Check the website for more information.
Earth Day at the Staten Island Zoo
WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 11am-2pm
WHAT: Every day is Earth Day at the Staten Island Zoo, but on this special day the zoo will showcase steps you can take that will make a difference for animals across the globe. Activities and a scavenger hunt will be available throughout the event. Part of AZA’s Party for the Planet.
WANT TO GO? $10; $7, seniors; $6, ages 3-14; free for ages 2 and younger
Children’s Painting Hour: Pet Rocks for Earth Day
WHERE: St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 2pm
WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day by making your own pet rock and sanctuary for it.
WANT TO GO? Free
Exhibit Public Opening and Earth Day Celebration
WHERE: Staten Island Museum, 1000 Richmond Terr.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 2-4pm
WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day at the Staten Island Museum with the opening of its newest exhibition Vulnerable Landscapes, and enjoy crafts and activities for all ages.
WANT TO GO? Check the website for more information.
Earth Day Seed Bomb Creation and Hike
WHERE: Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex, 625 Father Capodanno Blvd.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 10-11am
WHAT: Create a fun seed bomb from native plants, and then release them in the park for new growth. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? Free
Every Day is Earth Day
WHERE: Blue Heron Park, 222 Poillon Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 11am-12pm
WHAT: Create seed bombs made out of organic materials and native seeds. Walk the trails so you can plant some at the park. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? Free
Earth Science Circus
WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terr.
WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 4-5pm
WHAT: Through life-sized puppetry, juggling, live music, and comedy, the Grand Falloons Science Circus will investigate all things garbage – where does it come from, where does it go, and why is this important? Limited spots available. Event passes will be distributed in the front lobby at 3 and 3:30 pm.
WANT TO GO? $8; free for kids younger than 1
Earth Day Free Day
WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Manhattan
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 10:30am-6pm
WHAT: Thinking of bringing the kids into the city this weekend? Stop by the Whitney for Earth Day Free Day! Museum admission is free all day, though tickets are still required. The museum will also be celebrating the closing of its exhibit, no existe un mundo poshuracán: Puerto Rican Art in the Wake of Hurricane Maria. Families will enjoy a special climate-related kids’ program involving coffee clay from 11am-3pm with an artist from no existe, and three shows on view that tackle issues of the Earth and climate. If you can’t get the museum on Earth Day, stop by any time and save money—kids and teens always get free admission!
WANT TO GO? Free. Check the website for more information.
Earth Day Events in New Jersey
Earth Day Celebration
WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23, 10am-4pm
WHAT: Join the Bergen County Zoo for its15th Annual Party for the Planet. On Saturday, learn about local conservation facilities and how they work to protect the planet. On Sunday, participate in a variety of activities with zoo staff.
WANT TO GO? $1-8
Earth Day Movie Event: Wall-E
WHERE: Brooks Arts Center, 10 Hamilton St., Bound Brook
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 11:30am
WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day by enjoying a showing of Disney’s Wall-E on the big screen. Enjoy snacks and other Earth Day activities, too.
WANT TO GO? $10
Community Day: Celebrating Earth
WHERE: Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St., Newark
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 12-5pm
WHAT: Honor the Earth with a day of artmaking, education and performances that center around endangered animals, climate change and farming.
WANT TO GO? Free
Earth Day Celebration in Hoboken
WHERE: 770 Jackson Plaza, Hoboken
WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 11am-4pm
WHAT: Head to this folk and bluegrass festival in celebration of Earth Day. The event will showcase green local businesses, artisans and engaging green and nature-themed activities for all ages.
WANT TO GO? Free
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