Children of all ages and their families can participate in hands-on, nature-based walks, activities, and experiences in a fun and safe environment.
Nature Programs & Activities for Kids & Families
Cactus Clubhouse
Thursday through Sunday | October 3 – May 11
storytime
Biweekly | Now – Nov 22
Join Desert Botanical Garden for Storytime. Introduce your child five and younger to the beauty and wonder of nature through engaging books, songs, activities and play. Designed for children and caretakers, each session leads children through an immersive experience of nature learning in the Garden.
Storytime attendance is first come, first served. Space is limited.
THE GREAT ARIZONA PUPPET THEATER
Oct. 4 & Nov. 11
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater will be coming to the desert this year! Create a wonderful day at the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy an award-winning puppet show and spend time exploring our trails and the Cactus Clubhouse—our special play area for children and caregivers
summer camps
Camps Return Summer 2025
Join the Garden for Desert Discovery Camps to ignite your child’s inner desert adventurer, explorer and artist!
Nature Activities for Kids & Families
Explore the desert through hands-on activities for children and families at home!
Engage in fun and educational crafts, games and lessons that connect you with nature and the outdoors.
Birdseed Ornaments
Craft an ornament that brings the birds to your own backyard! Using a pinecone, create a birdfeeder and see what winged visitors it attracts.
Endangered Plants Coloring Sheets
Share these fun and simple coloring sheets of endangered Garden plants with the kids (and grown-up kids) in your life. Explore the things we can do to ensure these iconic plants remain for generations to come.
Plant Potions
Create a magical potion from nature at home—fairies and wizards are not the only potion makers! Plant potions are a fun way to play with your senses and engage with nature using creativity and imagination.
Ojo de dios
Create art that is tied to nature and has a fascinating history. God’s Eyes or Ojos de Dios are a popular Southwest holiday tradition that have roots from indigenous practices in Mexico. Try making your own by following these instructions—this is a great activity for children to develop their motor skills!
Weaving with Nature
Long ago, people discovered how to make clothes, blankets and even shoes by weaving strands of natural materials together. Nature weaving is a great activity for kids and families to develop fine motor skills and practice patterns to create designs. Try your hand at weaving with this family friendly activity!
Contact the Children’s Education Manager with questions regarding Children & Family Programs at gpaduano@dbg.org
