If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Des Moines, look no further. Our youth and family programming is designed to engage multiple generations in the Botanical Garden’s mission of exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants.
Check out the Calendar of Events for a complete listing of this season’s programs and events.
Camps
Our unique summer and school break camps are designed to allow youth to explore the natural world through the lens of their favorite activities. Using the gardens as unique classrooms, children are inspired to create and explore with hands-on activities. Guest speakers from a wide range of expertise will also participate.
Story Sprouts (recommended ages 2-5)
Join us for a fun, interactive story time that explores nature and plants. During each program participants will enjoy stories and an activity based on the week’s theme. Story Sprouts is geared toward children ages 2-5.
Included with general admission
- Spring 2024 February-April
Youth Visits (recommended ages 3-17)
Explore the beauty of the Botanical Garden with one of our youth visit options offered all year round. All tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Choose from the following:
- Guided: An education staff member will guide your group through the Garden and discuss it’s history, special plant collections and more. (Offered September-May). $9 per youth.
- Discovery: Take a guided tour of the Garden to discover the diversity of pollinators and flowers while also learning more about our garden spaces. Youth will test their knowledge in an interactive pollinator game, hunt for pollinators, and take home a seed packet. After the tour, groups are welcome to free explore the Garden in small, chaperoned groups using a provided interactive scavenger hunt. (Offered June-August). $9 per youth.
- Unguided: Explore the Botanical Garden on your own for a special rate. $7 per youth.
Minimum of 8 youth required. Adults within a 1:8 ratio (ages 5-10) or 1:15 ratio (ages 11-17) are free. Additional adults pay general admission ($12 per adult).
Activities and Resources
Explore the world of plants at home. Activities and games to keep your family engaged with the world of plants between visits.
Family Workshops (for ages 5-14 and an adult)
These monthly hands-on classes offer a fun, creative experience for families. Workshops are designed for youth ages 5-15 and an adult to build a take-home project together. Please note one adult is required for every three youth participants. Registration is required.
Field Trips
Interested in helping your students grow their love of nature? We offer a wide variety of field trip options to fit every age group and curricula. Our interdisciplinary tours and programs align with the Iowa Core, Next Generation Science Standards and local curricula for grades Pre-K through high school. Programs are offered September through May.
Private Group Programs (recommended ages 5-17)
Private Group Programs are designed for non-school groups, such as 4-H and other youth groups to create a hands-on take-home project. All supplies are included in the cost of registration. All programs are offered virtually until further notice. Learn more and register here.
Scout Field Trips
Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with your scout group to grow their love of nature. We offer a variety of hands-on programs throughout the entire year to complete steps of the Junior Gardener and Flower badges.
Gardener Badge
- Garden Design (Groups 8-20, Offered all year, Completes steps 1, 2, 3): Learn how to select the right plants for Iowa and design your own dream garden. $10 per youth.
- Potting Bench (Groups 8-20, Offered all year, Completes steps 1, 2, 5): Explore garden design as you create your own indoor garden to take home. $20 per youth.
Flowers Badge
- Flower Fun (Groups 8-20, Offered all year, Completes steps 1, 2, 3, 4): Uncover the science of flowers as we explore plant families, smell different flowers and make your own tissue paper flowers to take home. $10 per youth.
- Pick a Posy (Groups 8-20, Offered June, July, August, Completes steps 1, 2, 5): Explore Flower diversity while touring our garden areas and then create your own small flower bouquet to take home. $15 per youth.
- Botanical Bath Bombs (Groups 8-20, Offered all year, Completes steps 1, 3): Learn how relaxing flowers can be as you make your own bath bombs to take home. $20 per youth.
All programs: Adults within a 1:5 ratio are free. Additional Adults pay general admission ($12). Add on a guided tour ($5/person).
Reservations
Use our reservation form to reserve a youth program for your group.
- Please review our Youth Visit Etiquette before completing your reservation form.
- To learn about registration, cancellations and our refund policy please see Workshop Registration Policies.