The month of April is geared to celebrating our beautiful planet, and a number of family-friendly destinations are getting in on the festivities. Make sure to take your kids to one (or several) of these tree-hugging activities.
The Memphis Botanic Garden kicks off events on Sunday, April 1st, with an Earth Carnival held in My Big Backyard from 2 to 4 p.m. At this eco-friendly party you’ll find conservation games, outdoor activities, and crafts. Come dressed in a creative recycled costume and you might just win a prize. Then mark your calendar for each Monday of this month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for After School Green Hour, when you can enjoy a special drop-in program. Each Monday afternoon will investigate different aspects of our place on the planet. Topics include Wind Dancers and Leaf Windows (April 9), Magic Carpet Ride (April 16), Scavenger Hunt (April 23), and Water Alive (April 30).
World of Plants: An International Children’s Festival also takes place at MBG from April 24-27, and April 30-May 4. Geared to school groups, this field trip teaches children about how plants are used in different parts of the world. Grades 2-6, $6/per student.
The Memphis Zoo hosts Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 14th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Earth Day celebration places special emphasis on conservation and the many projects the zoo is involved with to save endangered species. Education stations will teach about conservation, along with special keeper chats, a scavenger hunt, and eco-friendly crafts. It promises to be a day to remember. Included with zoo admission.
Finally, Shelby Farms’ Down to Earth Festival takes place Saturday, April 21st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lots of live music, family activities, a kids’ zone, eco-friendly art, and of course, fun at the Woodlands Discovery playground. Try riding to the park via the Greenline. Or try out the kayaks and watercrafts available for rent at Patriot Lake.