Kids & Families
The Arboretum offers numerous outdoor education programs for children and families. Learn more about the value of nature-based learning from our Brooke Applegate, Director of Education:
“Why does nature-based learning matter? Nature-based learning provides children with boundless opportunities for…..
NATURE CLUB
ONSITE SCHOOL-YEAR PROGRAM
Nature Club is an enrichment program that connects children to the natural world through joyful, hands-on experiences and meaningful peer interactions. Designed for children 5 to 10 years old, Nature Club integrates playful explorations of our gardens with nature-themed science, art, and cooking activities. While fostering healthy child development skills and inspiring relationships with nature, this program unlocks fun, new avenues for children to learn and explore at their own pace with the garden as their classroom. Nature Club provides participants with a place to belong and develop autonomy while identifying as an ”Arboretum Kid!”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION DETAILS.
ACORNS & OAKS
Parent/Child Program
Designed to provide outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for babies, toddlers, and children up to the age of 5, Acorns & Oaks is a unique, homegrown, parent-child educational program that is rooted in whole-child philosophy & developmental play. The goal is to help our little acorns grow into mighty oaks! Acorns & Oaks fosters parent and child bonding through tactile play with nature, crafts, songs, stories, and sensory integration. Starting November, you can experience this wonderful program in the beautiful gardens of the Arboretum!
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROGRAM DETAILS AND REGISTRATION.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Arboretum Birthday Parties create joyful opportunities for children to celebrate
while connecting with nature. Children will experience their special day enjoying
fun, educational programming in the tranquility of the garden with family and
friends. All parties include two hands-on experiences led by Arboretum Educators
within a private party space.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION DETAILS.
PEACOCK PASSPORT
Children can celebrate The Arboretum’s 75th anniversary with our monthly Peacock Passport! Find a new passport each month on our website and use it to travel to different parts of the garden to discover various plants, animals, historic sites, and more while learning fun, seasonal facts about each stop. When you find all the stops on your monthly Peacock Passport, head to the Membership office to get your passport page stamped! Fun for the whole family, each monthly Peacock Passport will feature new explorations based on the season and what’s in bloom.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APRIL PEACOCK PASSPORT
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MARCH PEACOCK PASSPORT.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FEBRUARY PEACOCK PASSPORT.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE JANUARY PEACOCK PASSPORT.
FAMILY ADVENTURE NIGHT HIKES
As the sun sets on the Arboretum, we get the chance to view the gardens through a new lens: the dark. Families will be guided through different parts of the Arboretum to hear stories, explore nature in new ways, and gain an exciting new perspective by tuning into your senses and the environment around you.
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING FAMILY ADVENTURE NIGHT HIKES
AT HOME NATURE ADVENTURES
The Arboretum is committed to helping children and families explore the joy of nature-based learning. From the scientific to the whimsical, our At Home Nature Adventures offer hands-on activities designed for kids and families to connect to nature and all its magic! Programs can easily be done in any living environment, can be adapted to different ages and skill levels, and simply require nature, some common household materials, and imagination! Thanks to Edison International for sponsoring At Home Nature Adventures.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL LIST OF AT HOME NATURE ADVENTURES!
LET’S STAY CONNECTED!
We’d love to see photos of your family doing At-Home Nature Adventures! Post your photos ad videos on Instagram and Facebook using our hashtags #LAArboretumKids and #LAArboretumAtHome for a chance to be featured on our social media pages. Don’t use social media? Just email your footage to our Youth Education Manager at brooke.applegate@arboretum.org.
Questions about at-home nature education, or other Arboretum youth programs? Contact Brooke Applegate at brooke.applegate@arboretum.org.
