Programs for Kids, Teens & Families
"Discovery Saturdays was a lot of fun. My kids loved using binoculars to find different bird species."
The arboretum offers many programs for children ages 3 and up. Each takes advantage of our unique natural setting, whether it's examining animal adaptations in the woodland forest, facilitating seed germination in the Louise B. Roehm Greenhouse, or taking part in a physical activity on the Great Lawn. The Discovery Saturdays program is the perfect way for a busy family to escape a hectic weekday schedule and reconnect with each other and nature through hands-on learning.
Check the calendar for upcoming program listings.
Classes
(ages 3 to 5 with adult) Wonder, respect, and love for the natural world start early in this engaging weekly class. Take nature walks, tell stories, and create one-of-a-kind art..
Wednesday, May 22 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
(For children ages 5 and up) Cooking is always better, when you share the fun with a friend. Let's create some fanciful finger foods and a delightfully delicious dessert. We'll..
Wednesday, May 22, 4:00 pm—5:30 pm
(for children ages 5 to 10) If you like popcorn, sweet sugar snap peas, and zoodle noodles made out of zucchini squash, you'll love the Native American gardening practice of..
Saturday, June 1, 9:30 am—11:00 am
(All ages. 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult, children ages 6-12 years must share a tandem kayak with an adult) Bordering the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge..
Sunday, June 9 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
(for families with children ages 5 and up) This year we will explore beyond the gates of the Arboretum and learn about some of the nocturnal animals that live both..
Friday, June 14 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
(for children ages 5 to 10) Transform a simple milk or juice carton into a creative bird feeder to place outside in the garden. Using a variety of craft and..
Wednesday, June 26, 10:00 am—11:30 am
(for children ages 5 to 10) When you plant a seed something magical happens. Roots grow down, and stems shoot up. Some seeds grow into peas, beans, spinach or squash..
Wednesday, July 10, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for families with children ages 5 and up) This year we will explore beyond the gates of the Arboretum and learn about some of the nocturnal animals that live both..
Friday, July 12 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
(for children ages 5 to 10) There are so many surprises in the garden! Many creatures visit the garden to find shelter, lay eggs, munch and lunch. You can find..
Wednesday, July 17, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for children ages 5 to 10) Which vegetable looks like grass but taste like onions? Which vegetable is best for making zoodle noodles? Which leaves smell like toothpaste, and which..
Wednesday, July 24, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for children ages 5 to 10) Do you know what food grows without seeing the sun or which roots we can eat? Did you know that some foods come from..
Wednesday, August 7, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for children ages 5 to 10) Get ready to explore the garden in search of interesting creatures that slither, crawl, chomp and chew. Discover fascinating facts about these creatures including..
Wednesday, August 14, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for families with children ages 5 and up) This year we will explore beyond the gates of the Arboretum and learn about some of the nocturnal animals that live both..
Friday, August 16 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
(for children ages 5 to 10) Let's do a tasty experiment. Starting in the vegetable garden, we'll gather several different leafy greens and use them to create 4 different types..
Wednesday, August 21, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for children ages 5 to 10) It's harvest time in the Children's Square Foot Garden! Cherry tomatoes, sweet banana peppers, crunchy cucumbers, edible flowers and more, are all ready to..
Wednesday, August 28, 9:30 am—11:30 am
(for ages 16 and up) With the NYC skyline as a backdrop, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find great paddling in the Meadowlands. The many creeks, sweeping through grassy hills..
Thursday, August 29 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
(for families with children ages 5 and up) This year we will explore beyond the gates of the Arboretum and learn about some of the nocturnal animals that live both..
Friday, September 13 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
(for families with children ages 5 and up) In celebration of Halloween, our last Nocturnal Neighbors of the year will celebrate bats. How did bats become associated with Halloween? We..
Friday, October 25 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
