5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Arlington

Published on April 03, 2026

crayon sketch of earth as a heart on brown paper

By the Office of Communication

April 22 marks the celebration of Earth Day! Here are five ways you can get the whole family involved to celebrate together this month or throughout the year.

Attend River Legacy Nature Center's Earth Day Festival

This free, family-friendly festival, set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, includes guided nature walks, story times with readers from the Arlington Public Library, eco-friendly crafts, demonstrations and informative exhibits from US Fish and Wildlife, Native Plant Society of Texas, Trinity River Authority, Wild Birds Unlimited, and more. River Legacy Nature Center is located at 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd. in North Arlington. Read more about River Legacy's Earth Day event.

A child attending a booth about wildlife at the River Legacy Earth Day Festival

Visit a local park or walking trail

Did you know Arlington is home to 100 parks? Enjoy some time outdoors at a playground, on the fishing pier at Lake Arlington's Richard Simpson Park or at one of the many hike and bike trails located throughout the 99-square-mile city. We have more than 4,000 acres of park land for residents to enjoy, including the scenic Crystal Canyon Natural Area in North Arlington, the Meadowbrook Park Sculpture Garden in East Arlington, and the Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve in South Arlington.

Find a Park Near You

Ken Cox and Doris Morgan hold hands while walking the trails at Richard Simpson Park on Sept. 26, 2024.

Try going one day without throwing anything away!

Compost all your food garbage and recycle your papers and plastics. Use this Earth Day to make you and your family more aware of the waste you create. Use a clear container (a water jug works well!) where everyone must put their trash so they can observe how much waste is created at the end of the day. You can also give each of your family member their own container instead so they can become aware of their personal impact to the planet. Even small changes and becoming more mindful can go a long way in saving the earth. Learn about the benefits of composting and see an easy compost recipe.

City of Arlington Curbside Recycling Information

A person composting fruits, vegetables and egg shells.

Plan or participate in a community cleanup!

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup games, Arlington is participating in the North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge. From now through May 31, 2026, Arlington residents, schools, businesses and community groups are invited to organize or join cleanup events and log every piece of trash collected for a chance to earn a Cleanup Challenge award. Register for the Community Cleanup Challenge.

Two volunteers picking up litter in a park.

Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Show your children the importance of conservation by teaching them the three R’s and how to incorporate them into their everyday life. You can spend an afternoon learning what types materials are recyclable, how to reduce your use of natural resources, and exploring the different ways you can reuse things. For examples, try upcycling old containers into something new and exciting, like making a cute pencil holder out of an old candle jar or upcycle golf balls into cute ladybugs for the garden.

three upcycled golf balls painted as ladybugs

The ultimate way to celebrate is by committing to appreciate our planet 365 days a year. Spend some time outdoors with the family and take in the natural beauty our earth provides us with. Staying aware of how beautiful and important our environment is will encourage us to always protect and preserve it!