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
Now-May 10
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.
storytime
Dec. 19, 20
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.
summer camps
June 1-26
Join us for Desert Discovery Camps, where campers explore nature and learn about the beauty of the desert. This year’s 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.
seedlings
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28
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.
Arizona Opera Presents Rusalka, the Littlest Mermaid
Feb. 16
Join us for an unforgettable underwater adventure! Experience “Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid”, a magical, child-friendly opera about courage, transformation and following your dreams.
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.
Icy Experiments: Winter Kids Activities
Even though we don’t see much snow in Phoenix, Arizona, we can bring the snow to us with these frosty activities.
Luminaria Bag Activity
‘Tis the season to start celebrating the holidays. What better way than to create your own Luminaria bag!
backyard bats
Fall is upon us. The trees are shedding their leaves, animals are preparing for the cold weather and ghoulish friends come out to say hello.
butterfly search
Engage in the natural world around you to search for and count butterflies interacting with plants. Do this activity at the Garden, your home, in your neighborhood or anywhere you see flowers!
bean bug pods
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.
Land Art Explorations
Land Art is made entirely outside and uses materials you can find at home.
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!
Seed Planting for Kids
Early spring is the perfect time to germinate seeds. This activity helps children find joy in watching plants take root and grow!
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 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.
Contact the Children’s Education Manager with questions regarding Children & Family Programs at [email protected]
