Celebrating Earth Day: Oklahoma City's Healthy Events
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People around the world celebrate Earth Day every year on April 22. Over 47 years ago, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin dedicated a day to bring people together to raise awareness about environmental issues worldwide. Nelson’s simple belief that “we only have one Earth, so we need to take care of it,” still holds true with numerous events around Oklahoma City dedicated to the Earth Day celebration.
To help you participate, here is a list of Oklahoma City’s Earth Day events for 2017.
Spokies Bike Share Ride
April 21 All day.
Any Spokies kiosk location in OKC.
In honor of Earth Day, ride a bike for free around Downtown OKC, Midtown and Bricktown. Spokies is Oklahoma’s bike sharing program and on April 21, Spokies is offering free half-hour bike rides. Use the Earth Day code 04212017 at any kiosk locations, plan out your route and find your starting kiosk.
Earth Day and Party for the Planet Celebration
April 22 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
2000 Remington Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Get your steps in by going to the OKC Zoo for Earth Day. The zoo is partnering with the global Earth Day celebration to teach people sustainable living within our communities. Environmental topics such as recycling, composting, gardening and green products will be discussed by local businesses and organizations. Activities include live entertainment in the Global Plaza, free Keeper Connections throughout the Zoo and an adventure safari for children 11 and under.
Earth Day Garden Tours at the Zoo
April 22 10 a.m. -11 a.m.
2000 Remington Place,
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Also at the Oklahoma City zoo, learn about conserving water and drought-tolerant plants for landscapes with the zoo’s Horticulture team. The team will host free Earth Day garden tours featuring the Water Conservation Garden. For more information about these events, call (405) 425-0262.
Science Museum Oklahoma
April 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
A 2020 Remington Place,
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
The Science Museum Oklahoma will hold several events throughout the day. The Oklahoma Gardeners Association will share gardening knowledge while kids learn to upcycle water bottles to make seed starters and take them home. There will also be a butterfly release at 2 p.m. Their new exhibit, Backyard Bugs: An Oklahoma Insect Exhibit, is perfect to check out for Earth Day.
Normal Earth Day Festival
April 23 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Reaves Park
State, local and city departments come together for the Norman Earth Day Festival for fun, family activities. This includes kids’ hands-on projects and exhibits that teach them how to protect our air, water, soil, forests, wildlife and natural resources. Afterward, play at the park and enjoy the rest of your day.
Earth Day Adventure Walk
April 22 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
The Earth Day Adventure Walk at the Myriad Botanical Gardens is a great event for kids aged five to nine. This nature walk includes exploring the gardens, where kids can gather seeds and learn how they grow into plants. Parents will also get tips on engaging their children with nature.
Earth Fest at Martin Park Nature Center
April 29 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Martin Park Nature Center
The Martin Park Nature Center in Northwest Oklahoma City will celebrate with Earth Fest, a series of earth-friendly educational seminars on alternative fuel cars and more. The event includes family-oriented games, crafts and other nature-based activities.
This Land Yoga
April 22 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
600 NW 23rd Street, Suite 208,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103
This Land Yoga is offering free 60-minute flow yoga classes for all levels, followed by snacks and community. Donations are welcome to support 109world, an organization that’s passionate about raising awareness and funding to support environmental challenges.
If you're looking for an active, adventurous Earth Day, spend the day outdoors hiking the many trails of Oklahoma. The popular Wichita Mountains have plenty of trails for all ages. Take time to learn about the prairie animals like buffalo and prairie dogs. Stop and take a look at the different plant species this terrain has to offer.
However you celebrate Earth Day this year, any of these healthy events and activities are sure to get you and your family outdoors and learning about sustainable living within your community. We only have one Earth, so let’s take care of it together.