If you're looking for a nice, family-friendly way to celebrate Earth Day (and the days surrounding it) with your children, you may want to take advantage of some of the activities taking place at the "Party for the Planet," a coordinated, nation-wide event being held at more than 100 zoos and aquariums in 42 states.

The creative activities planned by participating wildlife institutions between April 20th and 26th are designed to provide a light take on serious issues, making this the perfect way to connect your favorite young party-goers to an important cause.

Depending on the venue, children and parents will enjoy lots of fun-filled, earth-friendly activities. Some zoos, for example, will help kids decorate flower pots to serve as homes for endangered toads; others will let young ones enjoy butterfly and ladybug releases.

At the New York Aquarium, in Brooklyn, party-goers will create art from recycled materials and dance to live music. Kids also will be encouraged to decorate canvas totes to take home and use instead of plastic bags.

To find out what's scheduled to take place at a "Party for the Planet" celebration near you, visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Web site: www.aza.org.

EARTH DAY FUN AT HOME

If you cannot get to a wildlife park, you make your own "Party for the Planet" at home. Here are some suggestions for celebrating with the kids:

Wildflower coloring pages from the Department of Natural Resources

Preserving wildflowers from the Department of Natural Resources

Make a recycled plastic hummingbird feeder from the Department of Natural Resources

CLICK HERE for lots more Earth Day crafts and activitities that kids will love.