Kids Camps & Programs

Give your children the ultimate gift: a connection to nature. With Desert Botanical Garden's children’s programs, your kids can enjoy a variety of unique opportunities while they discover the wonders of the Sonoran Desert in a safe and stimulating environment.

We integrate a place-based focus on science, art, music, literature and social studies into all of our programs. We utilize the expertise of the Garden’s enthusiastic staff, dedicated volunteers, and diverse partnerships with other organizations to ensure high-quality offerings.

Whether you are looking for self-guided experiences or an engaging, in-depth program, the Garden is a fantastic resource you can count on year round. Our current programs for children and youth include:

• youth programs
  
• family programs
  
• teen programs 
• nature quest
• exploration station for kids
• Let's Move! at the Garden

Youth Programs

Seedlings Preschool

A science-based enrichment program for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Learning Labs

Science enrichment program geared toward homeschooling families.

Summer Camp

Fun, hands-on, science-based camps for kids of all ages.

Desert Discovery Program for Girl Scouts

Explore the Garden through a guided tour while earning a Desert Discovery Activity Patch.

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Family Programs

Seasonal classes designed with the family in mind, classes this winter include:

• Nature Printing / February 18 / 1:30 - 3 p.m. Click here to register.
  • Recommended for families with children ages 5 to 12.
• Hummingbird Mania! / February 18 / 10 - 11:30 a.m. Click here to register.
  • Recommended for families with children ages 5 to 10.
• Hip, Herb, Hurray! / March 14 / 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Click here to register
  • This is a drop off program for children in K-2 and 3-5 grades.
• MyPlate Menus / March 25 / 2- 4 p.m. Click here to register.
• Astronomy Night with the Family / March 31/ 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Click here to register.
  • Recommended for families with children ages 6-10.

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Teen Programs

TEEN Volunteers

Join other teens interested in the environment and conservation for fun volunteer activities at the Garden.

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Nature Quest at the Garden

Quests are an engaging and challenging route of discovery that incorporate desert ecology, map reading, nature observation, adventure and fun. Quests are fun field experiences similar to scavenger hunts and are age appropriate for children 8 and older. Questers will learn about a special topic by following intriguing clues and a special map. Upon successfully completing this task, you will find a 'quest box' at the end of your journey. At the Garden, your quest is to find members of our favorite desert plant family: cacti!

Cacti Quest is included with Admission to the Garden; just ask for the Cacti Quest when you are at the Admissions entrance gates.

Learn more about questing in Arizona.

Exploration Station for Kids

Drop-in science exploration activities for children are available seasonally on the weekends. Stop by the Exploration Station located outside of the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion to investigate and discover!

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Children and family education programs are generously supported by The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation