Photo by Arboretum Camp Staff
Select an 8-session series:
Thursdays, June 25-Aug. 13, 2026, 9:30-11 a.m. - Sold out.
Thursdays, June 25-Aug. 13, 2026, 10-11:30 a.m. - Sold out.
Fridays, June 26-Aug. 14, 2026, 9:30-11 a.m. - Sold out.
Fridays, June 25-Aug. 14, 2026, 10-11:30 a.m. - Sold out.
$155 member/$175 non-member, includes all eight sessions, Arboretum admission for one child and one adult, as well as all project and planting supplies.
Did your Pea Pods choice sell out? Add your name to the waitlist*, we will contact you if a spot opens and offer you the option to register. *Note that waitlist requests are contacted in the order they are submitted.
Program location: Learning Center - Green Play Yard, and Children's Garden
PeaPods is designed for children ages 3-5 years old together with an adult.
Instructor: Alyssa Janilla, Early Childhood Education Specialist
Kindle a sense of wonder in the natural world with your preschool child as you reawaken it in yourself! Pea Pods for Preschoolers provides the opportunity for you and your special little one to be enchanted by the world of plants. Each weekly theme helps to spark your child’s appreciation for nature’s beauty. Enjoy exploring at your own pace through planting, art, sensory activities, science discovery and adventures in the Green Play Yard and Children’s Garden. Come play, grow and learn!
Session themes:
- June 25 or 26: Catch a Raindrop, Catch the Sun
- July 2 or 3: Meet the Plant Parts
- July 9 or 10: Flowers Put Their Seeds Into Fruits
- July 16 or 17: Frogs and Toads
- July 23 or 24: BEE-utiful Bees, Butterflies and Beetles
- July 30 or 31: Dig Dig Down, Deep In the Ground
- Aug. 6 or 7: Hungry Hungry Hummingbirds
- Aug. 13 or 14: Teddy Bear Parade
Here are a few things to note:
- This program is run open-house style, with two storytimes and a variety of self-directed activities supported by staff and volunteers.
- Pea Pods is an adult-with-child program. Adults attend and participate alongside their child.
- The program is intentionally designed as an early childhood-centered environment, with activities, materials and pacing tailored specifically for young children. Group size is intentionally limited so children have the space they need to explore, move and play safely and comfortably.
- Siblings younger than 3 who participate in projects must be registered at the regular rate.
- To protect this young child-centered experience and manage space, older siblings are not able to attend.
- All sessions are held primarily outdoors. Please plan ahead for sun, bugs and light rain. Indoor space will be available in the event of inclement weather.
- Staggered start times help reduce crowding and allow families to spread out in program spaces. Please select your preferred start time at registration: 9:30–11 a.m. or 10–11:30 a.m.
- For registrations after June 25, remaining sessions may be available at a prorated rate by callingthe Education Office at 612-301-1210.
- The final day to cancel a registration is two weeks prior to the program start date. Cancellations after this date are nonrefundable.
Supplies: Fee includes all 8 sessions, Arboretum admission for one child and one adult, and all project and planting supplies.
In your registration confirmation (and again in your reminder a few days before the first session), you will receive a special class admission pass that will allow you admission to the Arboretum on each listed day of your class. You may print the pass or have it ready to show on your mobile device. At the Gatehouse, present this pass to the attendant. They will check it and waive you through at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pea Pods
