Bringing children: We are not a play park; rather, we’re a place where kids can learn about their native plant heritage and other aspects of natural history. Unfortunately, the majority of the damage that we sustain in our delicate Gardens comes from under-supervised children.

For the well-being of our plant collection as well as your kids’ safety, we ask that you please review our rules upon arrival and monitor your children closely at all times during your visit.

Parent meet-up groups, home school groups, schools, camps, etc., please visit this page before coming to the Gardens. Large groups of children must be accompanied by one adult for every three children.

How are plants alike and different? Where do birds make their homes at The Botanical Gardens? How many food sources for wild animals can you find in the Gardens? And, where do you see insects at the Gardens?

Kids will learn the answers to their nature questions after filling out one our five INVESTIGATION PASSPORTS, which focus on animals, birds, insects, nature words, and, of course, PLANTS! Each free Investigation Passport encourages kids to use their observation skills and senses while exploring the Gardens. The passports include investigation tips, pre-investigation and observation activities to be completed during a visit to the Gardens, and an extension activity for later. Plus each passport has a fun take-home activity – word scramble, crossword puzzle, crossword chain, matching game, or word search. (For kids ages 4-10)

Passports may be picked up at our Visitor’s Center. Upon completion of the garden activities, kids should return to the Visitor’s Center before closing to get their passports stamped.