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. Current theme: Signs of Spring!

Where's Stickman? | April - October

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. Clues

Investigation Stations | April - October

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.

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

Drop in and Dig | April - October

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!

Wednesdays

April 3 - June 12: 1-3pm

June 19 - September 4: 9-11am

September 11 - October 30: 1-3pm

Garden Art Studio | April - October

Get in the creative zone! Work alongside our staff artist, Katelyn Coyle, in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience.

Mondays; 1 – 3pm 

Flowers After Five I June - August

Good Green Fun (see description below) in the Children's Garden from 5 - 6 pm. Water Play remains open until 8:00 pm. 

Thursdays; 5-9pm

Good Green Fun (Storytime and Garden activity) I June - August

Families with children of all ages are invited to spend time 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 seasonal themes.

Fridays and Saturdays; 11am – 12pm

Waterplay | May 11 - September 30

During warm spring, summer, and fall days, the Children’s Garden is the coolest place to be! Bring or wear your bathing suit and water shoes to enjoy the gentle water sprays and don't forget a towel. Swimming diapers are required for those not potty-trained.

Water Play is operational when the air temperature is 70 degrees or higher during hours listed below.

Saturdays and Sundays, May 11 - September 30; 9 – 4:45 pm

Weekday schedule, May 13 - June 14; 1 – 4:45 pm

Weekday schedule, June 17 – Sept 13; 9 - 4:45 pm

Weekday schedule, Sept 16 – September 30; 1- 4:45 pm

Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August; 5 – 8:00 pm.

Other Educational Opportunities

Visit our Family Explorations and Workshops page for other educational opportunities.