Youth and Family Classes

Spark imagination, grow curiosity, explore together.

See a brief overview of the course, dates, time, and cost. If you would like additional information or to register, click on the course title.

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PARENTS AND PRESCHOOLERS

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Y201 - ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES

Join us on the Acorn Express for an adventure through the arboretum! We'll seek out fun destinations with a ride on the tram, take a short hike, and make a craft while we explore new topics each week. Program will be held every Wednesday and Friday (except April 26th) April-June from 11:00– 11:45 a.m. (weather permitting.) Purchase tickets in the Visitor Center. Adult must accompany children.
Wednesdays and Fridays, April-June: 11:00– 11:45 a.m. Visitor Center
Member $4 per child and session (nonmember $5*)
*Note: The class fee does not include admission for nonmembers.

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Y206 - SENSING NATURE

For children ages 18 – 35 months old, with adult

Look, touch and smell your way through the garden. This exploration based class will test your senses through games and activity-based play.
Note: Held entirely outdoors
9:30– 10:45 a.m. Children's Garden
Member $15 per child (nonmember $22 per child)

Wednesday, June 12
Tuesday, June 18

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Y207 - STINKY SKUNKS AND OTHER SMELLS

For children ages 3 – 5 years old, with adult

Some things smell good, some bad, and some don't smell at all. Discover the science of smell through games, stories and crafts in this sensory-based class.
Note: Held entirely outdoors
9:30– 11:00 am. Children's Garden
Member $18 per child (nonmember $25 per child)

Tuesday, June 11
Wednesday, June 19
Thursday, June 20

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FAMILY EXPLORERS BACKPACK

For families with children ages 2-6

Looking for a unique experience in the Children's Garden? Rent a self-guided family backpack that will enhance your visit. Backpack rental includes science tools, guides and fun props. Two backpack themes to choose from!
Note: Limited Availability. One backpack suggested for up to 5 family members.
April-October, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., daily. Purchase tickets in the Visitor Center.
Member $4 per backpack (nonmember $5 per backpack)

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Y209 - FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES

Families with children under 10

Join us for a fun-filled adventure after hours at the Arboretum! We'll hike, do activities and roast marshmallows before going on a silent tram ride through the woods after dark. Come and see what animals come out when people go home! Children must be accompanied by adult registrant; please, plan to have at least one adult per five children and dress for the weather.
Note: Children under 2 years old free with accompanying adult.
Children's Garden
Member $16 per person (nonmember $19)

Nighttime Sensory Expedition

Saturday, June 8; 6-8 pm
Friday, June 14; 7-9 pm

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Y2013 - HOOKED ON FISHING

For families with children ages 5 & up.

Spend the morning getting hooked on fishing at the arboretum's Lake Marmo! This 25-foot deep lake contains a wide variety of fish including bluegills and bass. From the banks, catch and release fish, big and small, as you learn about the fish living in the lake and how they are perfectly adapted for a life in the water.
Note: Held entirely outdoors. Fishing pole required; bait provided. State fishing license required if 16 years or older.
7:00– 10:00 a.m. Parking Lot 29
Member $10 per person ($17 nonmember)

Sunday, June 9
Saturday, June 15

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Y2014 - FAMILIES GROW TOGETHER: MAGICAL CONTAINER GARDENING

For families with children of all ages

Explore the Children's Garden growing gardens and create a magical container garden with your family to take home. Magical gardens are a perfect habitat for attracting fairies, gnomes, and tiny animals!
9:00- 10:30 am. Children's Garden
Member $10 per person ($17 nonmember)

Saturday, May 25
Sunday, June 2

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Y2015 - CHILDREN'S GARDEN CAMPOUT

For families with children ages 2 & up.

Join us in the Children's Garden for a campout designed especially for families! Pitch your tent on the lawn inside the Children's Garden and get ready for a night filled with fun. Visit hands-on activity stations; enjoy snacks, night hikes, and bedtime stories. When you get sleepy, retire to your cozy tent and snooze the night away. In the morning, wake to the sound of birds singing; then enjoy a light breakfast and a chance to explore the Children's Garden with your family before it opens to the general public.
Notes: Restrooms will be accessible all night. For your safety, Arboretum staff will stay on site overnight. Tents are not provided, please bring your own. Light evening snacks and light breakfast included. Consider bringing your own snacks as well.
Friday, June 21 – Saturday, June 22 (severe weather make-up date June 22 – June 23), 6:30 p.m.– 9:00 a.m., Children's Garden.
Member $30 per person (nonmember $37)

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Y2016 - LADYBUG PICNIC

For families with children of all ages

Join us for a picnic to celebrate ladybugs. Find out why these beautiful beetles are beneficial to our plants, make some fun crafts, and even join in a live ladybug release!
Note: Picnic lunch included, picnic blankets welcome; held entirely outdoors.
Sunday, June 30. 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., Parking Lot 20
Member $18 per person (nonmember $25 per person)

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Y302-SNAIL TRAILS

For children ages 18-35 mo, with an adult

Creep, crawl and slime your way through this sensory based class all about snails. We'll pretend to be snails, go on a snail hunt, play games and make a slimy craft!
Note: Held entirely outdoors
9:30 – 10:45 am; Children's Garden.
Member $15 per child (nonmember $22)

Section a: Wednesday, July 10
Section b: Tuesday, July 16

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Y303-SNAIL RACES

For children ages 3-5 yrs, with an adult

And they're off....can you pick the winning snail? Explore the slimy world of snails while playing snail games and wading in Wonder Pond!
Note: Held entirely outdoors
9:30 – 11 am. Children's Garden.
Member $18 per child (nonmember $25)

Section a: Tuesday, July 9
Section b: Wednesday, July 17
Section c: Thursday, July 18

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Y304 -- BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES

For children ages 18-35 mo, with an adult

Flitter and float your way through this sensory based class. We'll dress up like butterflies, sip some nectar and play butterfly seek and find games.
Note: Held entirely outdoors
9:30 – 10:45. Children's Garden.
Member $15 per child (nonmember $22)

Section a: Wednesday, August 7
Section b: Tuesday, August 13

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Y305 -- MEET THE MONARCHS

For children ages 3-5 yrs, with an adult

What's black and orange and flies all over? Migrating monarchs of course! Join us as we act out the lifecycle from crawling caterpillars to fluttering butterflies. We'll also play games and make a marvelous monarch craft.
Note: Held entirely outdoors
9:30 – 11 am. Children's Garden.
Member $18 per child (nonmember $25)

Section a: Tuesday, August 6
Section b: Wednesday, August 14

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Y306 -- FUN WITH FALL ANIMALS

For children 18-35 months old, with an adult

Why are animals so busy in the fall? Join us in this 4-week sensory based class in the Children's Garden to explore how animals prepare for the winter. Adults will receive additional information to continue exploration at home!
Note: Held entirely outdoors
4 Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:45 am, September 3-24. Children's Garden
Member $65 per child (nonmember $78)

Y306 -- FUN WITH FALL ANIMALS

For children 3 to 5 years old, with an adult

Join us for this 4-week class in the Children's Garden to find out what busy animals are doing in the fall to get ready for winter. We'll pretend to collect food, build cozy homes, and search for signs of animals that live here in the Children's Garden. Adults will receive additional information to continue exploration at home!
Note: Held entirely outdoors
4 Thursdays 9:30 – 11:00 am, September 5-26. Children's Garden
Member $70 per child (nonmember $83)

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FAMILY ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

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FAMILY EXPLORERS BACKPACK

For families with children ages 2-6

Looking for a unique experience in the Children's Garden? Rent a self-guided family backpack and enhance your visit. Backpack rental includes science tools, guides and fun props to explore nature as a family.
Note: Limited Availability. One backpack suggested for up to 5 family members.
Available 10am - 4 pm daily. Purchase tickets in the Visitor Center.
Member $4 per backpack (nonmember $5)

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NEW!

Y308 -- EDIBLE INSECTS

For families with children under 10

There's a bug on my tongue – and it's delicious! Insect cuisine is enjoyed in many parts of the world – do you dare to try it? Join us as we explore the food chain, sample some tasty insects and make some interesting insect crafts.
Note: Tasty insects included, but not required.
2 – 3:30 pm. Sycamore Room
Member $10 (nonmembers $17)

Section a: Sunday, July 14
Section b: Sunday, July 21

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Y309 -- FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES

Fascinating Fireflies
Section a: Saturday, July 13, 6 – 8 pm
Section b: Friday, July 19, 7 – 9 pm

Year of the Snake
Section c: Saturday, August 3, 6 – 8 pm
Section d: Friday, August 9, 7 – 9 pm

Curious Coyotes and the Fascinating Fox
Section e: Saturday, September 14, 6 – 8 pm
Section f: Friday, September 20, 7 – 9 pm

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Y310 -- HOOKED ON FISHING

For families with children ages 6 & up.

Spend the morning getting hooked on fishing at the Arboretum's Lake Marmo! This 25-foot deep lake contains a wide variety of fish including bluegills and bass. From the banks, catch and release fish, big and small, as you learn about the fish living in the lake and how they are perfectly adapted for a life in the water.
Note: Held entirely outdoors. Fishing pole required; bait provided. State fishing license required if 16 years or older.
7 – 10:00 am. Parking Lot 29
Member $10 (nonmember $17)

Section a: Sunday, July 7
Section b: Saturday, July 20
Section c: Sunday, August 11

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Y311 -- FAMILY CAMPOUT ADVENTURES

Join us for a campout designed especially for families! Pitch your tent on the lawn and get ready for a summer night filled with fun. Visit hands-on activity stations, enjoy snacks, night hikes, bedtime stories, and stargazing. When you get sleepy, retire to your cozy tent and peacefully snooze the night away. In the morning, wake to the sound of birds singing; then enjoy a light breakfast and a chance to explore the Arboretum with your family.
Notes: Restrooms will be accessible all night. For your safety, Arboretum staff will stay on site overnight. Tents are not provided, please bring your own.
6:30 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Member $30 per person (nonmember $37)

CHILDREN'S GARDEN CAMPOUT
Best suited for families with children ages 2-8
Friday, July 26 – Saturday, July 27 (severe weather make-up date July 27 – July 28). Children's Garden

WEST SIDE CAMPOUT
Best suited for families with children ages 5-10
Friday, August 2 – Saturday, August 3 (severe weather make-up date August 3 - 4). Parking Lot 21

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Y312 -- FAMILY HONEYBEE HIKES

For families with children ages 2 & up

Join us on a fun, family-friendly hike to learn all about honeybees, their favorite flowers, and how honey is made. Hike includes a viewing of Arboretum beehives and sampling of our Arboretum honey! Register before or on the day of the program. Children must be accompanied by adult.
Meets in Arbor Court.
Member $5 (nonmember $6)

Saturday, Sept 7
Section a1: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Section b1: 1 – 1:45 pm
Section c1: 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Section d1: 2 – 2:45 pm
Section e1: 2:30 – 3:15 pm
Section f1: 3 – 3:45 pm

Sunday, Sept 8
Section a2: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Section b2: 1 – 1:45 pm
Section c2: 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Section d2: 2 – 2:45 pm
Section e2: 2:30 – 3:15 pm
Section f2: 3 – 3:45 pm

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