Just For Kids & Families

The Arboretum has a wonderful variety of activities and learning experiences for families and kids of all ages. You and your children can take adventure hikes, learn about the creatures that make The Arboretum their home, plants and gardening, and have a chance to express your artistic side! All of this set within the beautiful Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden!

Camps

Arboretum Summer Nature Camp
Nature, teamwork, exploration, imagination, and fun are just a few things you’ll find at the Summer Nature Camp. Pack your bag for a week of exploring plants and history throughout the Arboretum. Bring your magnifying glass as we examine plants and bugs. Are you ‘naturally’ artistic? Bring your creativity as we paint, draw, and sculpt crafts of our environment. All activities are led by instructors and guided by counselors. So bring your child for a summer of fun at the Summer Nature Camp!

Dates: One-Week Summer Sessions (M-F)
Session 1: June 10-14
Session 2: June 17-21
Session 3: June 24– June 28
HOLIDAY BREAK: July 01-July 05
Session 4: July 08-12
Session 5: July 15-19
Session 6: July 22-26
Session 7: July 29-August 02
Session 8: August 05-09
Time:  9:00-3:30 plus AM and PM Extended Care
Extended Care: AM: 8:00-9:00    PM: 3:30-5:00
Location: Oak Room for Drop Off and Pick Up
Ages: 5-10
Fees (per session):
Full Session: $300 members / $335 non-members
Half Day Session: $150 members / $168 non-members
10% Sibling discount
Extended Care:
Members: $25 for AM / $30 for PM
Non-members: $30 for AM / $35 for PM
T-shirt included in the price of registration.

For more information, please contact Ted Tegart ted.tegart@arboretum.org or 626.821.5897
Call 626.821.4623 to register for Summer Camp starting in February 2012!

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Classes

Arboretum Adventures
Free with Admission
10am-12pm
Meet in the Rotunda.
Join your adventure guide as we explore The Arboretum.  Each Saturday is new and exciting, and will have a different theme relating to nature. Come early as space is limited to 25.  Children of all ages are welcome! Family adventures will go on rain or shine so dress appropriately!

Saturday, January 5 – Nature Installations
Saturday, February 2 – Orchid Exploration
Saturday, March 2 – Bird Walk
Saturday, April 6 - Great Bug Hunt


Family Fun Classes
Must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required for all classes.  Enrollment includes admission to the Arboretum.  Meet promptly at the Main Entrance. Class goes from 10:00am – 12:00pm

Archaeological Dig
Saturday, January 19
Price: $8 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Meet in the Rotunda
Ever been on an archaeological dig?  Head over to the Arboretum and learn how to find and recover artifacts!  You will also learn about the inhabitants of EARLY Arcadia!

Playing with Worms!
Saturday, February 16
Price: $8 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Meet in the Rotunda
Soil is a very important part of the natural environment.  The earthworm is responsible for a lot of the things that help make our soil good enough to grow healthy plants.  Join us as we make our own worm compost bins and learn why worms are so important for the environment.

Fossils in my Garden
Saturday, March 16
Price: $8 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Meet in the Rotunda
What did I just Dig-up in my Garden!? Discover how fossils form, where to find them, and what happened to the Dinosaurs!  Take a hike out to the Pre-Historic forest!

Veggie Gardening
Saturday, April 20
Price: $8 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Meet in the Rotunda
Ever wanted to plant a vegetable garden?  Now is your chance!  Join us for this fun, hands-on class to learn what to plant in Los Angeles and how to care for it.  No space for a garden?  We will talk about container gardens too!

Butterfly Brigade
Saturday, May 18
Price: $8 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Meet in the Rotunda
Springtime is here and the butterflies are near!  Stroll through the Arboretum to find these colorful insects in their favorite habitat and learn about their life along the way.  Become a junior entomologist and take home your own caterpillar to experience the metamorphosis before your very own eyes. 

Events

Check out Events & Classes for Kids & Families for upcoming activities.

Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair

Planting the seeds for a greener future!

Young people, their families and those who educate them will discover the latest hands-on activities, ready-to-use lesson ideas, and useful resources that are easily incorporated into everyday life from leading organizations that promote environmental education and awareness. 

Live entertainment with music, crafts and hands-on activities will make this a fun-filled day for all. Visit wild animals, pick-up a free pine seedling, participate in environmental challenges, and take an “Eco-Tour” to some of the unique areas of The Arboretum. Join us for free workshops designed to teach families and children ways they can make the world a little greener!

When: Saturday, March 9 9:00am to 4:00pm