Don’t be left indoors this summer. Get outside, get moving and explore the great outdoors. This summer The Holden Arboretum has four different areas on the grounds that guests can explore at anytime and discover new opportunities for exploration and fun.
In the field, roll down a hill, dig in the dirt, weave in a giant loom with plants and see if you can jump as far as a grasshopper.
In the garden, crawl in and out of secret plant hideaways, use a hand pump to water the plants, or become a human-sized butterfly.
At the pond, try and catch a frog, float a boat or see what amazing things water can do.
In the forest, build a shelter with sticks, see what’s inside the cabin and see who is fastest on the tree obstacle course.
Each area allows children, and their parents, to explore at their own pace, trying their favorite activities again and again.
In addition to the activity areas on the grounds, each weekend, take part in Eco-exploration programs with your child. These free, guided programs are offered at 2pm Saturdays and Sundays at the Warren H. Corning Visitor Center.
In addition to the ongoing activities on the ground, Holden will be offering a special series of programs designed to guide parents as they help their children explore nature.
Nature play with your child will be offered on Sundays, July 6 and 13 and Aug. 24 from 2 to 4pm. Parents, learn to engage your children in a way that allows them to play and learn naturally and safely outdoors. This series of adventures is designed for parent and child to explore different habitats and to allow the parent to become more comfortable saying to the child “I don’t know what that is but let’s discover it together”. Learn how to follow the instinctive cues of your child as well as basic techniques to enhance your explorations. Parents are expected to participate and old clothes and shoes are the dress of the day. Sign up for one or all sessions. Sessions are $15 members/parent and child (2 child maximum) and $20 nonmembers/parent and child (2 child maximum).
Parent and children ages 6-9
Pond Exploration
Sunday, July 6
2-4pm
Explore what lives in, on and around ponds. Bring a sense of curiosity as there will much to catch and observe. FAM343A
Stream Exploration
Sunday, July 13
2-4pm
Kids love streams. Be prepared to get wet as we walk up Pierson Creek to discover the unusual animals, homes and interesting parts of a stream to be found. FAM343B
Forest Exploration
Sunday, Aug. 24
2-4pm
From under logs to in the soil to up in the trees there is much to discover in the woods. Forest mammals and birds leave signs everywhere in the forest. A few techniques is all you need for fun in the woods. FAM343C