Become an Earth Day Hero!

Join the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on Saturday, April 20 from 11am to 3pm ET for Earth Day Heroes 2024! Earth Day Heroes is a day of family fun and discovery that is free and open to the public.

Inside the historic halls of the National Academy of Sciences Building on Constitution Avenue, families and children will explore five rooms that reveal the wonders of Planet Earth. Through interactive exhibits and activities including a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, hands-on science, and much more, each visitor will become an Earth Day Hero and grow their appreciation for Earth and nature, discover the importance of their choices, and learn about science.

Every hero needs a super team! The National Academies are excited to welcome science-focused organizations who will be joining us for the event, including the Smithsonian Gardens, NASA, Washington D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Zoo.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Stay tuned to this webpage to see the latest details on activities and partners, and learn more about how you too can become an Earth Day hero.

Earth Day Heroes: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Earth Day Heroes?

  • Earth Day Heroes is a family-friendly event held at the National Academy of Sciences building on Constitution Avenue. Children will learn to appreciate nature through hands-on activities and exhibits, including an aquarium touch tank, coral display, pollinator and soil health activities, a scavenger hunt, and much more!
• Who is Earth Day Heroes for?
  • This event is for families and children. Most of our activities and exhibits are designed for children grades K-8. Additional informational resources about sustainability, Earth and climate science, and conservation will be displayed and is suitable for all ages.
• Is it free and open to the public?
  • Yes! There is no cost to enter and participate in the event, and the event is open to anyone.
• Do I have to register to be able to attend the event?
  • No! Registration is recommended so attendees can receive reminders about the event.
• Do I have to attend for the entire event?
  • No! The event will be held from 11am to 3pm ET and is designed so visitors can come and go as they please. We expect it won’t take more than an hour for the most committed visitors to see all the rooms and complete all of the activities.
• What are some ways I can get to the event?
  • The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Building is at 2101 Constitution Ave NW. Here are some common ways to navigate to the NAS Building.
    • From the National Mall: The NAS Building is right on Constitution Avenue, and only 0.4 miles from the Lincoln Memorial! Those already visiting the Mall will be able to easily walk to the NAS Building, especially if exploring sites on the west side, such as the aforementioned Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
    • By Metrorail: The closest Metro station is Foggy Bottom-GWU, which services the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines. Foggy Bottom-GWU is about 0.7 miles, or an approximately 15-minute walk, from the NAS Building.
    • By Metrobus: If travelling into D.C. via the Red Line, visitors can disembark at Farragut North and take the 42 or 43 Metrobus in the direction of the Kennedy Center. Each bus travels the same route, and they run approximately every 20 minutes on Saturdays. Visitors can hop off the bus at the E St NW & 21 St NW stop, then walk 0.2 miles to the NAS Building.
    • By car: There is no parking for visitors at the NAS Building, and street parking is extremely limited due to the proximity to the National Mall and secure locations like the State Department.

Earth Day Heroes 2024 was supported by the Ralph J. Cicerone and Carol M. Cicerone Endowment for NAS Missions.