Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to get outside, give back, and teach kids about caring for our planet. Across the North Shore, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly events, from nature festivals and cleanups to animal encounters and hands-on activities.
Here are 10 Earth Day events and activities happening across the North Shore to help your family celebrate!
🌿 1. Nature Fair at Glen Urquhart School (Beverly)
Families are invited to a free, hands-on nature celebration featuring environmental activities, projects, and community partners.
📅 May 2, 2026
📍 Glen Urquhart School, Beverly
This event includes interactive stations led by educators and local environmental groups, making it a great way for kids to learn about sustainability.
🌊 2. Earth Day Festival (Middleton)
Celebrate with the community at Middleton’s annual Earth Day event featuring family activities and environmental education.
📅 May 3, 2026
📍 Rubchinuk Park, Middleton
Families can enjoy activities while learning about sustainability—and even pick up discounted rain barrels to use at home!
🐢 3. Live Animal Earth Day Program (Rockport)
Get up close with frogs, turtles, and salamanders at this engaging Earth Day demonstration.
📍 Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Kids will love meeting live animals while learning about habitats and conservation from local educators.
🌌 4. Earth Day Stargazing Night (Swampscott)
Look up and celebrate Earth Day under the stars with this unique evening event.
📅 April 21, 2026 | 7:30–9:30 PM
📍 Beach Bluff Park, Swampscott
Families can explore constellations, star clusters, and more with the help of local astronomy experts.
🧹 5. Salisbury Beach Earth Day Cleanup
Give back to the planet by helping clean up one of the North Shore’s most beautiful beaches.
📍 Salisbury Beach State Reservation
This hands-on volunteer opportunity is perfect for families who want to make a direct impact.
🌾 6. Appleton Farms Earth Day Volunteer Day (Ipswich)
Spend the day on the farm helping with projects that support the land and animals.
📍 Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Activities may include trail cleanup, farm projects, and hands-on outdoor work—great for older kids and families.
🐦 7. Spring Bird Exploration (Ipswich/Topsfield Area)
Celebrate Earth Day by learning about migrating birds and local wildlife.
📍 Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Families can explore nature trails and discover birds returning for the spring season.
🌊 8. Crane Beach Cleanup & Coastal Program (Ipswich)
Learn about marine debris and help protect the coastline during this educational Earth Day activity.
📍 Crane Beach, Ipswich
This program combines science, conservation, and hands-on cleanup efforts.
📚 9. Earth Day Celebration at Beverly Farms
Enjoy a quieter Earth Day celebration with nature-themed activities and family learning.
📍 Book Shop of Beverly Farms
This event often includes crafts, educational materials, and activities focused on protecting the environment.
🌱 10. Kids Earth Day Planting Event (Gloucester)
A fun and interactive program for younger kids focused on gardening and caring for the planet.
📍 Sawyer Free Library / Trinity Church, Gloucester
Kids can learn about planting, gardening, and sustainability in a fun, engaging way.
🌎 Why Celebrate Earth Day with Kids?
Earth Day is more than just a day—it’s a chance to help kids:
✔ Understand how to care for the environment
✔ Connect with nature
✔ Learn through hands-on experiences
✔ Build lifelong habits that protect our planet
🌼 Macaroni Kid Tip
Many Earth Day events take place throughout the entire week—not just April 22, so be sure to check local calendars for additional cleanups, workshops, and festivals.
