Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22 this year — and there’s no better place to celebrate it than right here in Central New York. Whether your family loves getting outside to explore nature or attending community events to make the day meaningful, CNY has plenty of ways to mark the occasion. From guided bird hikes and evening nature programs to hands-on crafts at your local library, this is a wonderful time of year to slow down, step outside, and appreciate the world around us — together.
If you’re looking for family-friendly ideas, we’ve rounded up the upcoming Earth Day events happening throughout the region, plus a few ways to extend the celebration at home!
Earth Day Events in CNY
Friday, April 17
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.
📍 Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville
Give back to one of CNY’s most beloved natural spaces. Grab your gloves and head out to Beaver Lake for a morning of clean-up and conservation — a wonderful way to model environmental stewardship for your kids. Volunteers also receive free admission to the park for the day!
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
📍 Great Swamp Conservancy, Canastota
An evening out in nature — a great way to mark the week of Earth Day and get outside after the school and work day winds down. Check the listing for full details on location and registration.
🐦 Birds & Blooms: Sapsucker Woods Walk
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
📍 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca
💰 $14 general admission | Free for Cornell Botanic Gardens Access Pass holders
Join guides from Cornell Botanic Gardens and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for a combined bird and plant walk through the beautiful Sapsucker Woods — one of the region’s premier birding spots, with over 200 bird species recorded on its trails. This spring walk is perfectly timed for migration season, and binoculars are available to borrow. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Note: The Visitor Center opens at 10 a.m.; please meet outside the main entrance.
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
📍 Derby Hill Bird Observatory, 36 Grandview Ave., Mexico, NY (Oswego County)
April is prime time at Derby Hill — one of the top hawk-watching sites in the northeastern United States. Naturalist and former Derby Hill Hawk Counter Anna Stunkel (via Baltimore Woods Nature Center) leads this guided field trip, offering an insider’s look at spring raptor migration, how the hawk count research works, and tips for identifying birds on the move. Hundreds — sometimes thousands — of raptors pass through on a single day. This program is designed for ages 12 and up. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them; extras will be available. Contact Baltimore Woods to sign up.
Saturday, April 18
🌳 Baltimore Woods Earth Day Celebration
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcellus
Head into the woods for a celebration of the natural world! Baltimore Woods is hosting an Earth Day event filled with nature activities, exploration, and family fun — the perfect excuse to unplug and get outside together.
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Ithaca Commons, Ithaca
Celebrate Earth Day with the whole community at this lively festival! Expect vendors, activities, and plenty of green-minded fun for all ages in the heart of Ithaca.
Wednesday, April 22 — Earth Day!
🚶 Earth Day Walk at Beaver Lake Nature Center
📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
📍 Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville
End Earth Day on a peaceful note with a guided nature walk at Beaver Lake. Breathe in the fresh spring air, take in the scenery, and celebrate the planet the best way possible — by enjoying it.
📚 Earth Day Party – Utica Public Library
📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.
📍 Utica Public Library
Celebrate Earth Day the library way! This free party is packed with eco-themed activities and crafts for kids — stop by after school and make Earth Day feel extra special.
Saturday, April 25
📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Meet in front of Central Rock Gym, 600 N. Franklin St., Syracuse
Keep the Earth Day momentum going with a community clean-up in Franklin Square, hosted by Central Rock Gym and DeTrash Syracuse! It’s a simple, hands-on way to make a visible difference in your neighborhood — and a great activity to do alongside your kids.
Celebrate at Home: Simple Earth Day Ideas for Families
Earth Day doesn’t have to mean a big event or a long drive. Some of the most meaningful ways to celebrate happen right at home or in your own neighborhood.
Get outside. Take a walk or hike at a local nature center, park, or trail. Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville is a perennial favorite, with miles of trails and seasonal wildlife — and spring is a wonderful time to visit. Green Lakes State Park also offers walking trails where you can take in views of its two glacial lakes — known for their bright blue-green color.
Pick up litter in your neighborhood. Grab a bag and spend 20 minutes cleaning up your block, a local park, or a trail. Kids of all ages can get involved, and it’s a simple, tangible way to make an impact.
Plant something. Whether it’s a small herb garden on the windowsill or a few flowers in the backyard, planting something together is a hands-on way to connect with the earth.
Talk about it. Earth Day is a great conversation starter. Ask your kids what they know about the environment, what they love about nature, and what they’d like to help protect. You might be surprised by what they have to say. For more on how to approach these conversations, check out our article on Earth Day Talking Points: How to Teach Kids About Environmental Issues.
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check out our CNY Events Calendar to find more events near you!
