Youth & Family
Programs for children and families include Camp Wildflower, family workshops, and weekend and evening educational events. All programs for children and families are designed to foster an appreciation of nature that encourages a lifelong interest in science and the natural world. Information about currently scheduled family and children's programs is available in the Garden's Calendar of Classes and Events.
The Discovery Garden
This special garden, in the Arroyo Section, is designed for visitors of all ages, but especially for elementary and middle school students. Our goal is to interest visitors in the spectacular biodiversity and complex interactions of California’s natural ecosystems. The Discovery Garden is designed to introduce several main educational topics, and many sub-themes, which have special fascination for children. You will find information here about California’s oak woodlands as well as the importance of freshwater habitats, while exploring the creek, stream and pond, and observing the oaks, redwoods, and chaparral nodes. The pollination garden offers the opportunity to witness bees and hummingbirds darting from flower to flower. Discovery Garden tours are included in our Docent-led Nature Walks for school classroom field trips.
Exploring the Garden through toddlers' eyes! Begins July 3:
Join us for all 4 sessions: July 3, 10, 17 & 24, exploring the trees and plants of the Botanic Garden through toddlers' eyes. We will make mud pies, collect sticks and acorns, examine bugs and birds and much more with local teacher Lauren Von Dollen.
Each themed class will include a song, dance, an age-appropriate "hike," an activity and a snack
Open to children ages 18 months to 3 years and a caregiver
Where the Wild Things Grow: July 15-19 & 22-26, 2013
Each summer, the Garden offers two week-long sessions of Camp Wildflower: Where the Wild Things GROW! for children ages 6-12.
Session One: July 15-19
Session Two: July 22-26
Come and visit our wild and wonderful Garden for a week of fun and learning. Hike, play games, and enjoy hands-on science, arts and crafts, and more. Explore our oak woodland, ponds, and creek; learn about birds, lizards, butterflies, and flowers.
