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Our self-directed family activities are designed for children and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Learn along side your children as you visit an Investigation Station, complete a Kid Quest or climb to the top of the CWD Tree house. These activities are free with Garden admission.

Kid Quest | Year Round

After picking up a Kid Quest brochure at admissions, families use clever clues and mapping skills to find their way to a hidden treasure in the Garden. Along the way, children and their adults are encouraged to record the names of plants they encounter. Once the quest is completed, children receive a collectible button. Six themed editions are printed each year.

The Return of Stickman

Stickman never “sticks around” in one place for very long.  Track Stickman’s travels as he hides in a new Garden location every other week.

Investigation Stations | April 1- November 14

Investigation Stations are interpretive exhibits within the Children’s Garden that provide visitors with information about garden-related topics such as garden habitats, plant products, tree identification, garden insects, and plant fibers and dyes. These exhibits are designed for families to learn side by side and have components that engage family visitors in scientific observation throughout the garden. Investigation topics will be presented on a rotating basis using a monthly seasonal theme.

Select days during the week and on weekends April - November 14;

Monthly Seasonal Themes • April - Habitats • May - Soils • June - Weather • July – Garden Dwellers/Insects • August – Plant Products • September – The Harvest • October - Trees • November - Winter Readiness

Stickworks Studio | Daily April through October

Get creative in the Children’s Garden! The “Stick Works Studio” is a self-guided art station where children work with loose materials to create ephemeral works of art. Weave, twist, and bend willow whips and other natural materials to make your own Patrick Dougherty-inspired artwork.

Drop in and Dig | Select days, April through November 14

Families with children are invited to drop-in and participate in simple, easy to learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers. These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Join us to learn how much fun gardening with children can be!
Wednesday afternoons, April 4- June 13, 1- 3 p.m.; Wednesday mornings, June 20 - September 5, 9 - 11 a.m.; Wednesday afternoons, Sept. 12 - Nov. 14, 1 - 3 p.m.
During Families After 5 | June 21, July 19 and August 16, 6 - 8 p.m.

2nd Friday and Saturday of the month during Green Hour: June 8 & 9, July 13 & 14, August 10 & 11; 11am - 12 noon

NEW! Garden Art Studio

Get in the creative zone! Work alongside our staff artist, Katelyn Coyle, in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel.  Throughout the gardening season, Katelyn will be creating several butterfly-inspired pieces.  Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.

Mondays and Thursdays April – October ; 1 – 3 p.m.  free with Garden admission

Also during Families After Five July 31
 

Jammin' | Every second Saturday of the month, May - October, noon- 3p.m.

Enjoy a special “vibe” in the Children’s Garden every second Saturday of the month. The Garden rocks and rolls with the special energy that comes from listening, dancing, clapping and stomping feet to the music.April 14,May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, and October 13, 12 - 3 p.m.

Also during Families After Five | June 12, July 10 and August 14, 5 - 8 p.m.

Families After Five I Tuesdays, June, July and August, 5-9 p.m. Water Play remains open until 8:30 p.m.; food will be available for purchase in the Garden Cafe.To view the rotating activity schedule, click here.

Family Adventure Packs are designed for families with children ages 4 – 10.  Each pack contains nature books, field guides and tools that help teach basic observation and identification skills. 

 Packs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the Garden Cart in June, July and August Monday – Friday 1 – 3 pm noon and from 5 – 8 p.m. during Families after Five.  A membership card or valid driver’s license is required to enjoy our fun-filled family packed adventure.  Free with Garden admission

• Birding Pack
• Art Pack
• General Exploration Pack

Good Green Fun | June, July and August -Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 12 noon

The Children’s Garden participates in the Green Hour, a National Wildlife Federation program that encourages families to spend one hour per week outdoors to help Children develop a love of nature and wildlife.

Families with children of all ages are invited to spend a Green Hour in the Children’s Garden listening to story books, gardening, participating in walkabouts and having good green fun. Featured activities will rotate based on the Children’s Garden monthly themes.

Nature Tales 1st Friday and Saturday, June 1 & 2, July 6 & 7, August 3 & 4

Families drop-in and participate in an interactive story time.  Featured books are selected using the Children’s Garden monthly seasonal theme.

Drop in and Dig! 2nd Friday and Saturday, June 8 & 9, July 13 & 14, August 10 & 11

Participate in simple, easy-to-learn gardening tasks under the guidance of Children’s Garden staff and volunteers.  These family-oriented gardening experiences can easily be enjoyed at home. Join us to learn how much fun gardening with children can be!

 

Family Walkabouts 3rd Friday and Saturday, June 15 & 16, July 20 & 21, August 17 & 18

Be sure to bring all your senses and join a staff-led walkabout to see what’s  “happening now” in the Children’s Garden

Eco-literacy 4th Friday and Saturday, June 22 & 23, July 27 & 28, August 24 & 25

Children’s Garden staff engages visitors in activities that relate directly to nature, the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and Virginia’s environment.