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
Seedlings Preschool
A science-based enrichment program for preschoolers and their caregivers.
Learning Labs Homeschool
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.
Children’s Program Cancellation Policies
- Refunds are available for cancellations made at least 10 business days prior to the event. Cancellations made less than 10 business days will incur a 25% cancellation fee.
- Programs may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment. A full refund will be made in the event the Desert Botanical Garden cancels a program.
- Refunds will not be issued for missed class sessions or after program start date.
- A waiver of liability is required for all children’s programs.
- Please visit Desert Discovery Girl Scouts Program for cancellation policy information.
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Family Programs
Seasonal classes designed with the family in mind, classes this spring include:
- Spring Star Party / May 18 / 7:30 - 9:15 p.m. Program is FULL.
- Program designed for families with children ages 6 - 13, but children 17 and under are welcome.
- Miraculous Mobiles Inspired by Artist Carolina Escobar / May 25 / 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Click here to register
- Program designed for families with children ages 6 - 13, but children 17 and under are welcome.
- Dreaming of Dragonflies / August 10 / 9:30 - 11 a.m. Click here to register.
- Program designed for families with children ages 4 - 13, but children 17 and under are welcome.
- Family Fairy Gardens / August 24 / 10 - 11:30 a.m. Click here to register.
- Program designed for families with children ages 4 - 13, but children 17 and under are welcome.
NEW! 2014 Spring Break Trip!
Travel to the Sea of Cortez for an adventure vacation with the whole family. For complete details and to make a reservation, click here.
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Teen Programs
Teen Volunteers
Join other teens interested in the environment and conservation for fun volunteer opportunities and educational programs at the Garden.
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Self-led Garden Exploration
There is a lot to do at the Garden with your family! You can take on the challenge of a Nature Quest, investigate butterflies at the Exploration Station, or search for plants and animals using our bingo sheets. The Garden can be a gateway to the Sonoran Desert with the help of these few simple and fun activities.
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.
The Cacti Quest is sponsored by Emerson Network Power.
Exploration Station for Kids
Drop-in science exploration activities for children are available outside of the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion during butterfly seasons. Visit the Exploration Station to learn fascinating things about our butterfly friends.
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Children and family education programs are generously supported by The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation.
