Cactus Kids
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 and Families
Garden adventures start here for families. Explore, discover and grow through hands-on programs, family activities, camps, classes and special events designed just for kids.
Cactus Clubhouse
Thursdays – Sundays | Oct. 10-May 9
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.
Seedlings
Sept. 16, 23
Children 3-5 and caretakers experience the wonder of nature through hands-on lessons that teach kids and adults how to splash, dig, climb and explore together through nature play concepts.
Storytime
Oct. 16, 17 | Nov. 20, 21
Spark your child’s love for nature with engaging stories, songs and hands-on activities. Designed for children five and under and their caregivers, each session offers a playful introduction to the wonders of the natural world.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater
Nov. 11
Jack Rabbit and the Desert Tortoise is a humorous version of Aesop’s “Tortoise and the Hare” fable features slow and steady Dusty the Desert Tortoise in an epic race against the wild Jack the Jackrabbit. Set in the Sonoran Desert for a unique twist!
Desert Discovery Camps
Returning Summer 2027
Join us for Desert Discovery Camps, where campers explore nature and learn about the beauty of the desert. Camps feature science, outdoor skills, nature-inspired art, nature play and exploration. All summer camps include hands-on activities, guest speakers and exploration of the Garden trails. Camps are available for ages 6-8 and 9-12.
Cactus Kids at Home
Fun doesn’t have to stop at the Garden, try these activities as a family from home.
Grow a Kitchen Scrap Garden
Don’t have room for a garden? Start a garden on your kitchen counter with the power of regrowing food scraps!
Bird Feeder from Reused Materials
Try this Birdfeeder Craft Activity. You can keep plastic water bottles out of the landfill while enjoying a fun family project. Birds will flock to your neighborhood in no time!
Make Your Own Cactus Box Guitar
Make a Cactus Box Guitar with recycled materials you can find at home.
Dried Flower Bookmark
Spring buds are blooming at the Garden! You can make art that celebrates the spring season by using pressed plants.
Desert Guardians Activity Booklet
Get ready to explore the desert like a real hero! With our Desert Guardians Activity Booklet, kids team up with a crew of super‑fun Garden-inspired characters to solve puzzles, go on scavenger hunts and discover the coolest desert plants and animals. Every page helps young explorers learn how to take care of the desert and become true Desert Guardian. Available at Admissions.
Contact the Children’s Education Manager with questions regarding Children & Family Programs at [email protected]