Celebrate Earth Week with nature walks, art classes and family fun in Glen Ellyn

Posted April 14, 2026 1:21 pm

By Courtney O'Kray, Glen Ellyn Park District

The Glen Ellyn Park District is celebrating Earth Week with a variety of fun and educational activities for all ages! From April 20-26, there's something for everyone to connect with the natural world and make a positive impact on our environment.

Explore and Learn

Wildflower Watercolor at Lake Ellyn: Take a walk to admire and sketch spring wildflowers in a restored oak woodland at Lake Ellyn Park, then return to the Boathouse to create a watercolor on Monday, April 20. It will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Liita Forsyth of The Little Bits Workshop will provide instruction and encouragement. All necessary supplies, including paints and brushes, will be provided. For ages 18 or older. $24 for residents or $30 for nonresidents.

Migration Morning: Join a guided bird walk on Thursday, April 23, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Experience the excitement of spotting spring warblers in Manor Park. For ages 18 and up. Free with registration.

Arbor Day Tree Planting: Learn how to correctly plant, mulch, and water a young tree on Friday, April 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road. Tools will be provided. For ages 18 and up. Free with registration.

Forest Bathing Wellness Walk: Reconnect with the Earth on Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with a guided forest bathing walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide at Churchill Park. A tea ceremony featuring foraged herbs concludes the experience. For ages 18 and up. $20 for residents, $24 for nonresidents.

Glen Ellyn Park District offers family activities during its Earth Week celebration on April 20-26. Courtesy of Glen Ellyn Park District

Family Fun

Library Storytime: Bring your little ones (ages 5 and under) to Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., on Tuesday, April 21, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for a storytime celebrating Earth Day. Free with registration.

City Nature Challenge: Join this global citizen science competition on Saturday, April 25, and help the Chicago area rise in the rankings. Document local plants and wildlife using the iNaturalist app. Children can search for nature-themed clues along the trail to unlock a treasure chest. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by a registered adult. It will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at Lake Ellyn Park or 11 a.m. to noon at Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road. Open to all ages. Free with registration.

Registration is required for all Earth Week activities. Visit gepark.org/register to sign up and learn more. Let's celebrate Earth Week together by taking care of our planet and enjoying the beauty of nature!