This weekend it’s all about being green — 100% politically correct, counting up your carbon footprint, not just for hippies anymore GREEN. And the best way to save Mother Earth is to get the younger generation on board. In that effort, there are three (Yes, THREE) Earth Day events this weekend with the little kiddos in mind. And I promised you festivals, there’s a couple of them too. Read on and promise to plant a tree.

Join the folks at McWane Science Center Saturday all day for an Earth Day Celebration of polar proportions supporting the International Polar Year effort. Kids can “chill out” with some cool science experiments, create their own Arctic art and discover what it takes to be a subzero explorer. Programs included in cost of admission — under 2 free; 2-12 and seniors $8; and adults $11; IMAX costs extra. McWane is located downtown at 200 19th St. North. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, the Birmingham Zoo invites everyone to enjoy FREE admission from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration. And that free admission includes free train and carousel rides, special animal keeper talks, story time, educational animal shows in English and Spanish and much more. Giraffe feeding, camel rides, concessions and other fee-based activities not included. For my family, free train rides is enough to get my attention. I will say that if you have zoo membership, skip the party and go when the zoo won’t be, well … such a zoo! It will be crowded so consider yourself warned.

Across from the zoo is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens which is always FREE and Sunday they will also be celebrating Earth Day from 1-5 p.m rain or shine. In fact, they’ve got the largest Earth Day celebration in the state. The 11th Annual Earth Day at the Gardens will include “free hands-on activities for all age groups including a scavenger hunt to learn about the environment around us, recycled art projects, painting canvas bags, building pine cone bird feeders and making seed magnets.” There will be real-live costumed characters like Smokey Bear, live music and door prizes throughout the day.

And here are the promised festivals:

Just up I-65, it’s the 7th Annual Magnolia Festival in Gardendale. Music, classic car show, arts and crafts, cookie-eating contest — I am so there. FREE admission. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center Complex on Main Street.

Mountain Brook Art Association’s 27th Annual Spring Art Show is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This FREE family-oriented event will be setup on the athletic field at the Crestline Elementary School.

If you own a Mustang or just love Mustangs, then you’ll be at the big Mustang show at Town and Country Ford in Bessemer on Saturday. I always pony up and drive out there but my baby would be laughed at if we entered the actual show.

Last but not least, the 8th Annual Old 280 Boogie will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Waverly. So what that it’s 2 hours away! It’s got everything a cool festival needs — the live music lineup is great, small coolers welcome (no glass), good food, stuff for the kids. And it’s FREE too.