OPEN DAILY 8 A.M.|7 A.M. FOR MEMBERS WED. & SUN.

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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 - build, play and create

Cactus Clubhouse

Thursday through Sunday | October 3 – May 11

Cactus Clubhouse is a fun and immersive nature play space for kids 12 and younger. Kids can engage in activities that spark their curiosity for nature and encourage exploration. 
 
Families can dig, splash, climb, play, create, build and more! Join us on the weekends for fun hands-on activities and crafts too. 
Girl Scouts at Looking at a Bug at Desert Botanical Garden

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.

 

Girl Scouts at Looking at a Bug at Desert Botanical Garden

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 Clubhouseour special play area for children and caregivers.

Girl Scouts at Looking at a Bug at Desert Botanical Garden

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.

Cactus Clubhouse - build, play and create

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.

 

Girl Scouts at Looking at a Bug at Desert Botanical Garden

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.

 

Cactus Kids Club family

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.

Cactus Clubhouse - build, play and create

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 instructionsthis is a great activity for children to develop their motor skills!

Girl Scouts at Looking at a Bug at Desert Botanical Garden

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

ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MEMBERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC.
10/1 - The butterfly exhibit will be open 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.