children & family programs

A wide variety of programs are available for children and families to explore plants and the natural world.  To view detailed listings of all programs, please visit our registration page. Be sure to also visit the Mordecai Children’s Garden – drop-in programs are available daily, weather permitting.

• Garden Camps  (ages 6-12)
  Dig into the Gardens for a week as you explore, discover and investigate the world of plants. Each camp is full of garden explorations, games, activities, cooking and plants to take home. Week-long camps are offered during summer break and spring break. One day mini-camps are available on school holidays.
• Seedlings (Ages 18 months-6 years)
  Seedlings classes offer a fun, hands-on way for young children to explore the plant world while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants and their importance. Classes include interactive explorations, nature walks, and stories for children and their caregivers. Seedlings programs are offered for three different age groups and are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group.
       18-24 months, Tuesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:30 a.m.
       24-36 months, Thursdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:30 a.m.
       3-5 years, Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-Noon 
• Birthday Parties (children up to age 14)
  Let your child go green this year with a sustainable birthday party at Denver Botanic Gardens. Your birthday child and his or her friends will love exploring the Gardens and learning about plants. We’ll provide everything you need to make your party a success, while minimizing the impact the party has on our planet. All you provide is your child’s favorite food.
• Family Fun Nights (all ages)
  Gather the family together on the fourth Friday of each month, April to October (except July), for a unique opportunity to explore nature at night in the Mordecai Children’s Garden. Each month brings a new theme with performers in Sagebrush Stage, snacks by the campfire, moon gazing on Marmot Mountain and other fun night time activities. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy in the Children’s Garden. 
• Family Workshops (ages 3-12)
  Families that garden together have fun together! Family Workshops are a great way for families to spend time together; exploring the world of plants side by side and completing a project they can take home and enjoy.
• Cottonwood Campouts 
  Pack your sleeping bag for an urban campout in the Mordecai Children’s Garden. Pitch your tent next to Springmelt Stream in the Mist-ery Forest. Experience the allure of the great outdoors as you look for life in the pond, practice your orienteering skills, watch the sunset and eat s’mores by the campfire. A variety of different campout styles are offered including groups, families and kids only.
• Scout Programs
  Dig in and spend an exciting day earning your next badge at Denver Botanic Gardens. The Gardens hosts a vast diversity of plants, trees and ecosystems from Colorado and around the world for Scouts to experience. Each badge-specific program offers hands-on exploration and activities led by a guide with the overall goal of helping the Scouts understand how plants and people affect one another.