CLEVELAND (April 13, 2017) - From fun-filled educational events to "greener" transportation, options abound for Clevelanders who want to help protect the planet and explore the area's special events and outdoor attractions on Earth Day. Celebrated annually on April 22, Earth Day is a worldwide event that focuses on preserving the planet and perpetuating environmental awareness. Cleveland, known as "The Forest City" due to its tree-covered landscape, is the perfect place for residents to get outside and "go green" in honor of Earth Day.
Glorify the Globe
EarthFest 2017 at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
• EarthFest 2017 is a one-of-a-kind event in the CLE, featuring more than 270 exhibits that revolve around clean transportation, environmental and energy science, clean water and local and sustainable food. Named as Ohio's largest environmental education event and the longest-running Earth Day celebration in the country, the festivities include biodiesel-powered amusement park rides, free tree giveaways, live music on four stages and local food trucks. Admission is $8 for ages 12 and up and $4 for ages 2-11, but for those residents who take the RTA or ride their own bicycles, it is free.
o 19201 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 44130
o Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Cleveland Bike Share
• One of the greenest ways to get around The Land is to use the University Hospitals (UH) Bike Share. Clevelanders can rent and return a bike at more than 25 stations throughout Downtown Cleveland as well as in the Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway, Tremont and University Circle neighborhoods. As an added convenience, riders can use the Social Bicycle mobile app to easily pay as they go, setup a prepaid account or pay a monthly fee. They can also use the app to map out their journey and find the nearest bike station.
o Downtown Cleveland, various locations
o Every day, all day
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
• Take a step toward a greener lifestyle by climbing aboard a Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus, train or trolley. With more than 400 buses servicing the metropolitan area, RTA is a world-class transportation system that can take Clevelanders around the city and its suburbs. The Local and Park-N-Ride Bus Services are green alternatives to driving into the city. Park-N-Ride lots are located throughout Northeast Ohio including Brecksville, Bay Village, Euclid, Westlake, Strongsville and North Olmsted, and the free RTA CLE mobile app helps residents plan their trip and pay fares ahead of time.
o Various locations, Cleveland
o Daily, schedules vary
Party at the Zoo Times Two
Animals are essential to the ecosystem so Earth Day celebrates their importance as well. Both zoos in Northeast Ohio will pay homage to their furry friends with Party for the Planet festivities.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is hosting its annual Party for the Planet celebration which includes an Earth Day Celebration Zone dance party, animal keeper meet and greets, animal enrichment demonstrations and conservation displays, crafts and other hands-on educational programs.
o 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 44109
o Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Akron Zoo
• Akron Zoo is also hosting a Party for the Planet but with a superhero twist. Guests can attend the one-day-only animal show - "Animal Superheroes" - and meet some of the zoo's animal ambassadors. The Zoo will also host keeper talks during which residents can learn about the zoo's conservation projects and how they, too, can become a superhero for the planet. Discussion topics include water conservation, climate change, sustainable gardening and even tiger-training tidbits. Guests can receive 50 percent off admission by dressing up like a superhero.
o 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 44307
o Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Be One with Nature
ExploreAFoot
• With the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cleveland's backyard, a nature hike adventure is always nearby. ExploreAFoot, a tour planning company, can help residents plan a hike and customize it based on location, fitness level and personal interests. For locals who want to plan a weekend "away," the planners will even book a hotel room along the path and hold on to luggage so guests can enjoy their hike, stress-free.
o For more information, call 216.755.4453 or visit exploreafoot.com.
NatureVation Outdoor Adventures
• Spring weather can be unpredictable in Cleveland, but, have no fear, NatureVation Outdoor Adventures has activities prepared for any elements Mother Nature may bestow. From hiking and biking to kayaking and paddling, NatureVation Outdoor Adventures has many options for guided, all-day adventures in the Cleveland Metroparks. For residents needing help planning their adventure, NatureVation offers an all-inclusive concierge service.
o Tours begin at various locations; visit naturevation.com for more details.
Find Your Green Thumb
The Holden Arboretum
• Earth Day's excitement and significance extend into Arbor Day as the Holden Arboretum will pay homage to the importance of tree planting. Arboretum visitors can pick up a free seedling and plant a tree of their own at home. While there, residents can check out the Shedding Light On The Working Forest art exhibit, stroll along the Murch Canopy Walk and climb the Kalberer Emergent Tower.
o 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 44094
o Friday, April 28 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (while supplies last)
For more Earth Day ideas, or to learn more about Destination Cleveland or new attractions and activities, please visit thisiscleveland.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Pinterest.
DON'T FORGET: Destination Cleveland's Concierge Team is also available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact our team through email at cleconcierge@destinationcle.org, live chat at thisiscleveland.com or stop in the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 44114) Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your adventure.
###
ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's convention and visitors bureau. This private, non-profit organization's mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes more than 17 million visitors annually. For more information, visit thisiscleveland.com.