Drop-in Discovery Booths for All Ages

Kids doing crafts at a table
Photo by Katie Knapp

Drop-in between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, May 2 through Oct. 27, for free family-friendly activities!

Staff and volunteers will facilitate a 5-15 minute activity at the Discovery Booth to explore a specific topic, including plant-related exercises like testing soil, planting a seed or nature journaling. Although geared toward children and families, all are welcome to participate. Each theme will feature two different activities within the month. 

Discovery Booths are included with general daily admission, which is free for members and ages 15 and younger and $20-$25 for non-members ages 16 and older. Tickets must be reserved in advance of your visit to guarantee admission.

General Daily Admission Tickets (select your date)

July

Why do ecosystems differ in their plant life?

Soil testing kit

Explore Plant Habitats

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 18, 21, 25, and 28
Location: Lilac Walk Green Space
Explore how habitats influence plants by solving matching puzzles.

August

How do plant life cycles support other forms of life?

Kids looking through a microscope

Explore the Life of a Log

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, and 18
Location: Home Demonstration Garden
Explore the decomposition of a log through magiscopes and bingo.

Go on a Garden Scavenger Hunt

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 22, 25, 29, and Sept. 1 
Location: Home Demonstration Garden
Explore the impacts of plant growth through a garden scavenger hunt and plant flower seeds to watch them grow.

September

How can trees help us create a more sustainable future? 

Green tree in summer

Become an Environmental Engineer

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 5, 8, 12, and 15
Location: Ordway Picnic Shelter
Build a model windbreak to protect your landscape from destructive wind.

Become a Tree Scientist

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 19, 22, 26, and 29
Location: Ordway Picnic Shelter
Discover the impacts trees have in local temperatures by using thermometers around the gardens.

October

How are plants used in our everyday lives?

Handmade cookbook with scissors

Make a Fiber Craft

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 3, 6, 10, and 13
Location: Cloistered Herb Garden
Explore objects made from plants and create a craft using plant fibers.

Make a Cookbook

Time and Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 17, 20, 24, and 27
Location: Cloistered Herb Garden
See how plants are the foundation of our food systems and create a cookbook to highlight unique, edible plants.