Programs for Children and Families
The Botanical Garden is a wonderful place for families and children. To enhance your visit, we offer a number of special programs designed for families with young children.
- Botanical Sweet Peas (ages 2 - 3) ↓
- Bluets (ages 4 - 5) ↓
- Blazing Stars After-school Nature Club (K - 1st grade) ↓
- Creepy Crawly Halloween (ages 4 & up w/parent) ↓
- Thanksgiving for Wildlife (ages 4 & up w/parent) ↓
- Nature's Basement (ages 5 & up w/parent) ↓
- Nature Explorers—Summer Day Camp ↓
Botanical Sweet Peas
Tuesdays, Sept 8, 22, Oct 6, 20, 10 - 11 am
For ages 2 - 3 with a parent: A new opportunity for the young child and parent to learn about nature together . . . Share a morning of discovery with your growing "sweet peas" and nurture their natural curiosity for the world around them. Little ones will use sight, smell, hearing, and touch to explore the garden and trails, enjoy stories, and make simple crafts. Each Tuesday focuses on a different theme in nature (see below). No strollers or non-registered siblings, please. Fee: $15/child-adult pair per Tuesday ($10 Garden members).
- Sept 8—Butterflies and Blooms
- Sept 22—Birds of a Feather
- Oct 6—Life in a Log
- Oct 20—Falling Colors
"Bluets"—Preschoolers Exploring Nature
Now signing up for two different sessions!
Session A: Wednesdays, 1 - 3 pm, Sept 30 - Nov 4
Session B: Thursdays, 1 - 3 pm, Oct 1 - Nov 5
For ages 4 - 5: Learning comes naturally for 4 and 5 year olds during this fun-filled series that encourages exploration and fosters a sense of wonder for the natural world. This fall, preschoolers will discover the marvels of changing colors, flying seeds, and migrating animals through hands-on activities, nature walks, stories, crafts, and group play. Two instructors guide activities for a group of 10 children. Snack provided. Fee: $110 for a 6-week session ($100 Garden members).
And in case you are wondering . . . Bluets are small, dainty, but tough little wildflowers of the palest shades of blue that bloom with upturned faces in our yards and gardens every spring!
Blazing-Stars: After-School Nature Club
Tuesdays, Sept 15 - Oct 20, 3:15 - 4:45 pm
For Kindergarten - 1st Grade: Calling all young nature enthusiasts! Join us for a new after-school series designed for children interested in learning about nature first-hand. We'll explore habitats, trek the trails, discover native plants and animals, play games, conduct experiments, and create nature-inspired art projects. This program offers an exciting complement to your child's education and an opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors. Fee: $85 for 6-week session ($75 Garden members).
Nature's Basement
Sunday, Oct 10, 2:30 - 4:00 pm
For ages 5 & up with a parent: Prepare to get your hands dirty as we take a closer look at some of the fascinating creatures that live beneath our feet! We'll investigate the forest floor habitat and meet some of its inhabitants, learn how to best catch these mini-beasts for up-close observation, and explore the important role the "basement" plays in nature. Instructor Elisha Taylor is an environmental educator who offers many programs for children and families. Fee: $25/family ($20 NCBG members).
Creepy Crawly Halloween!
Saturday, Oct 31, 10:30 am - noon
For ages 4 & up with a parent: Eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat! Celebrate Halloween and all things creepy crawly during this fun-filled program. We'll search outside for spider webs and carnivorous plants, create a craft, enjoy a Halloween treat, and learn the not so scary truths about wild things such as bats, toads, and snakes that give people the willies. Come dressed in costume! Fee: $25/family ($20 Garden members).
Thanksgiving for Wildlife
Saturday, Nov 21, 2:30 - 4:00 pm
For ages 4 & up with a parent: As we look forward to turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, let's give thanks for wonderful wildlife by dishing up some delicious Thanksgiving treats just for them! Although some critters have left for winter vacation, many animals, from songbirds to groundhogs, will spend the cold season here in North Carolina. We'll learn more about who sticks around, how these animals get ready for winter, and prepare a feast of feeders and edible garlands to help our wild friends. Fee: $25/family ($20 Garden members).
Nature Tales: Storytime at the Garden
This program resumes in the Spring—check back here for information.
During the warm months, you and your pre-school child/friend (ages 3 - 5) are invited to share stories about nature and explorations in the Garden. We meet outside, if the weather is good, or in the Paul Green Cabin or the Herb House for a reading circle. Afterward, we enjoy an outing and activity in the Garden. There will be a seasonal theme for each month.
Fee: $5 per family (No more than three children per adult, please!)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Nature Explorers—a summer day camp celebrating life's forces
. . . based at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in our new Growing Classroom and, of course, outdoors!
The Garden is bursting with opportunities for exploration! Each summer, we offer exciting opportunities for young nature explorers. The great outdoors is a place for investigation and discovery, as we celebrate Life Forces—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Guest scientists and naturalists help us take a closer look at the many wonders of our natural world.
2010: Check back here in January for details on our 2010 Nature Explorers Summer Camp
Return to the EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS page to find other public programs, such as Lectures, Classes and Workshops, Tours and Hikes, Art in the Garden.
Last updated by Laura Cotterman on October 27, 2009 at 03:08:26 pm.
