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.
- Blazing Stars (ages Kindergarten - 1st Grade) ↓
- Bluets (ages 4 - 5) ↓
- Beginner Winter Tree ID (ages 8+ w/ parent) ↓
- Nature Explorers 2010—Summer Day Camp ↓
Blazing Stars: After-School Nature Club
Tuesdays, Jan 19 - Feb 9, 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 more 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 a great opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors. Fee: $55 ($45 Garden members).
"Bluets" (Preschoolers Exploring Nature):
Winter Wonders [FULL]
Wednesdays, 1 - 3 pm, Jan 20 - Feb 10
For ages 4 - 5: Learning comes naturally for 4 and 5 year olds during this fun-filled, 4-week series that encourages exploration and fosters a sense of wonder for the natural world. This winter, preschoolers will learn about owls, winter weather, how animals survive the cold, and more through hands-on activities, nature walks, stories, crafts, and group play. Two instructors will guide activities, and the group will be limited to 10 participants. Snack provided. Fee for 4-week session: $70 ($60 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!
Beginner Winter Tree I.D.
Saturday, February 20; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
For ages 8 and up with a parent: How can you recognize different types of trees when they don't have any leaves? This program will teach clues to identifying some common tree species based on their shape, bark, buds, branching pattern, and fruit. We'll learn basic twig features and the use of identification keys during a hands-on indoor presentation, and then practice our new skills and identify trees along the trail. Please dress for the outdoors. Fee: $25/family ($20 NCBG members)
Nature Tales: Storytime at the Garden
Every Thursday, 10 - 11 am, starting April 22 (until August 26)
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.
Nature Explorers 2010
One-week sessions:
4 to 5 year olds (half day, 9:00 - noon): June 14-18, June 21-25
6 to 8 year olds (full day, 8:30 - 4:30): July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30
Weekly Tuition:
4 - 5 year olds (half day): Members $110, others $130
6 - 8 year olds (full day): Members $225, others $250
(scholarships available)
REGISTRATION: begins Jan 26 (members), Feb 2 (public)
call 919-962-0522
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 February 02, 2010 at 02:12:12 pm.
