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Education Family Activities There’s lots for families to do at the Garden! Take a guided tram or walking tour of the grounds, visit Garden founder Henry Shaw’s Victorian home, or experience one of the many special events held at the Garden each year. Offerings vary, so be sure to check out the Garden’s calendar of events to see what will be happening when you visit.
May 24 through Septemeber 1, 2008, the Garden Presents the Garden presents Exploring Trees Inside and Out, a travelling exhibit designed for children 2–8 years of age. Ask at the ticket counter about doing a self-guided Fitness Foray, Stroller Strut, Kids’ Quest, or a Guided Exploration. Wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly route available. Or turn your visit into a real learning opportunity for the kids with free downloadable lesson plans. Garden Backpacks
Families and Brownie troops can now check out backpacks loaded with activities to inspire learning and discovery at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Journey to Seiwa-En BackpackChildren ages five to ten may borrow the “Journey to Seiwa-en” backpack to explore the Japanese Garden with adult supervision. The kit includes a guidebook, easy-to-follow instructions and materials to help them better understand and appreciate the Japanese Garden. Children can find a giant turtle, rake their own miniature gravel garden, build a pagoda of small blocks, and learn about lotus, bamboo and giant koi along the way. Fees: Use of the backpack is included with regular Garden admission or membership. Admission is free for children age 12 and under. A valid driver’s license or identification card is required for check out. Reservations are not necessary. Designed for groups of five or fewer visitors, the “Journey to Seiwa-en” activity is ideal for a family visit. This backpack is unavailable for check out by larger groups or school groups. BROWNIES “TRY IT”
Developed by the Education Division with support from the Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation,
the backpack program supports the Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission
“to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment, in order to preserve and enrich life.”Brownie leaders can check out one of two “Try It” backpacks for a troop visit. Kits are designed for first through third graders and can accommodate up to 20 Brownies with adult chaperones. These backpacks contain all the materials, maps and directions needed to complete a “Try It” activity during a 90-minute, self-guided Garden tour. Backpacks may be used outdoors from spring through fall. An Eco-Explorers “Try It” Backpack encourages Brownies to explore relationships in nature. They will play a “Living and Non-Living” game, take a nature walk, make a giant food chain, and learn how to help wildlife in their own backyards or parks. Brownies will visit much of the Garden while completing their Eco-Explorers “Try It” badge requirements during one visit. A Plants “Try It” Backpack contains materials, maps, and teaching activities that focus on the plant world. Brownies can tell stories and play games that explore the variety of plant life on Earth, how plants grow and how they are used everyday. They will make plant rubbings, study germinating seeds, and gather fallen leaves on an adventure walk through the Garden. At the end of their exploration, they will have completed the Plants “Try It” activity. Brownie “Try It” backpacks are available at the ticket counter and must be returned upon completion of the visit. Fees and reservations: A $10 rental fee is charged per troop, in addition to regular Garden admission. A valid driver’s license is required as a deposit at check out time. Troop leaders may reserve either “Try It” pack by calling (314) 577-5140 at least three weeks in advance. A reservation confirmation will be sent. The ticket counter may also issue packs without a reservation, subject to availability.VIP Carts
In the spring of 1999, the Missouri Botanical Garden introduced an exciting new public outreach project, the Volunteer Interpreter Program, and it has been expanding ever since. This outdoor program invites visitors of all ages to interact with volunteers using a small cart and simple props. Each mobile cart contains hands-on materials and activities used to present information about the flora of specific gardens and basic botanical concepts. Themes are seasonal in nature and include concepts such as pollination, seed dispersal, and Native American plant use. It’s a great opportunity to learn and have fun for both visitor and volunteer. Look for the carts on your next visit! |
