Family & Kids

a red and yellow Kansas City Southern engine pulls a miniature train of 4 additional cars over a bridge through a garden landscaped with stone, varied foliage, and pink blooms

On View Now–January 8, 2023

Garden Railway

Our Garden Railway is a fanciful blend of horticulture, engineering, and lighthearted fun for guests of all ages.

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Fun activities abound for guests all of ages, both here in our Gardens and online. Explore our colorful indoor and outdoor displays every day of the year, engage in activities you can do in your own backyard, and discover stories about our plants and people with our range of offerings.

Upcoming Events

Garden Railway

Celebrate the 20+ year tradition of our whimsical, wonderful Garden Railway.

October 1, 2022–January 8, 2023
Pumpkin Playground

Visit our Children’s Corner in the Idea Garden for interactive play and a festive fall photo. Open until Gardens closing or dusk, whichever comes first.

October 7–31, 2022
Plant Discovery

Scout Program. Explore the exciting world of plants, from native to unique species.

Select days October 1–November 6, 2022
Tree Discovery

Scout Program. Learn to appreciate these natural wonders and become a better steward of trees.

Select days October 1–November 6, 2022
Nature of Happiness

Scout Program. Learn how to pause, practice mindfulness, and reflect in nature.

Select days October 1–November 6, 2022
an arrangement of yellow and orange flowers and multi-textured leaves against a background of trees
Fall Floral Fun

Onsite. Find a new way to experiment with the colors of fall in this flower arranging workshop suitable for tweens and teens. For ages 10-16.

October 22, 2022 at 9 am
fall leaves in reds and yellows
Learning Together: Fun Fall Leaf Centerpieces 

Join us for this hour-long, fully online program where we will explore how to use natural materials to create a beautiful fall centerpiece. For adults and children ages 5–10.

October 24, 2022 at 6:30 pm
a person with pink top and pants draws with a pencil in a spiral sketchbook
Fundamentals of Drawing

Onsite. Learn the fundamentals of drawing—including line, form, shape, proportion, and scale—using colored pencils in our Gardens. For ages 10-16.

October 29, 2022 at 9 am
a yellow butterfly and pale lavender-colored blooms with yellow centers against a blue sky
Capture It! iPhone Photography

Onsite. Explore the Gardens before we open and capture the colors and textures of fall while learning the key elements of iPhone photography. For ages 10-16.

November 6, 2022 at 9 am
New Year’s Eve

Free with Gardens Admission. Ring in the New Year with outdoor musicians, our historic organ, and more!

December 31, 2022, 4:30–10:00 pm
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