From Flashlight Nights to Cactus Clubhouse. the Garden has many ways for families to engage with nature. Plus, here is a great activity to try at home.
Flashlight Nights lights up Saturday evenings now through Sept. 13, inviting you to step into the desert after dark. Begin the evening with a glow chalk and sidewalk art, then head down the trails for a night of exploration. Engage in interactive stations featuring hands-on activities, meet fascinating desert animals and uncover the secrets of creatures that rule the night. Each Saturday offers a unique theme, like Research in Our Backyard, where prize-winning youth scientists and Garden researchers lead mini-tours of the Herbarium, Seed Lab and Molecular Lab. Other nights include the Critter Crawl, showcasing rarely seen desert animals and Space Exploration, complete with telescopes, storytelling and hands on activities. End the evening by picking up a free book to take home and enjoy.
In September, we’re excited to welcome back Seedlings, the Garden’s nature-based early childhood program for kids ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. In this four-part series, kids will be introduced to four stages of a plant’s life cycle. We’re starting the series with seeds. Try this seed-themed activity at home before the first class on Sept. 3. Reserve your spot today.
Kids Activity: Bean Pod Bugs
Bean pods are abundant in the desert. Many of the most successful desert plants are in the legume family and produce bean pods that you can use to make some new bug friends.
- Step 1: Put on your outdoor gear and go collect some natural materials. Look for bean pods (mesquite is a great option), some twigs, and leaves.
- Step 2: At home, arrange your nature materials until you create something resembling an insect. Twigs make a great insect body, leaves or bean pods can be wings.
- Step 3: Using glue or tape (hot glue works well), secure your materials together to create an insect. You can make any bug your heart desires.
- Step 4 (Optional): Add googly eyes if you have them.
- Step 5: Enjoy your new bean pod bug friend.
