Free Drop-In Activities

We invite you to come spend time with us indoors this winter to escape the cold.

Join us for drop-in activities during scheduled Nature Play Days or download some of our free resources and explore on your own.
Purchase your admission tickets online today or in person at the Garden. View more of our family and youth resources and programs.

NATURE PLAY DAYS
Drop-in for FREE fun family activities this season. Join us each week as we explore different topics each week during guided storytime or use your creativity to make your own nature-themed crafts.

Please note that Nature Play Days are drop-in style and are included with general admission unless otherwise noted. Activities this winter are held fully indoors until April 12th and will resume outdoors in The Ramble starting April 22nd.

SPRING NATURE PLAY DAYS | Starting April 22
Location: The Ramble & Climate Garden

Two children stand next to the turtle pond in the Winter Garden using Discovery Backpacks.

Discovery Backpacks | Ages 3-12 
Daily, 10AM–5PM
Borrow a backpack filled with exciting activities and tools for exploring. 
*Year-round, available at the front desk, first come, first served  

Children play with musical instruments in the Ramble during Nature Play Days.

Nature’s Studio | Ages 3-8
Mondays, 12–2PM
Embrace your inner artist while you make music, play with paint, and get creative in the Garden.
*April 22 through October 31

Children listen to a nature story in the Ramble during Nature Play Days.

Nature Storytime | Ages 3-8
Tuesdays, 11am–12PM
Join us for an interactive hour of exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.
*April 22 through October 31

An imagination station cart set up in the Rambe.

Imagination Station | Ages 3-8
Wednesdays, 12–2PM
Stop by for imaginative play as we dress up and create magical worlds together.
*April 22 through October 31

A child with a watering can helps out in the Climate Garden.

Farm to Market | Ages 3-10
Thursdays, 11am–12PM
Stop by our Climate Garden, see what’s growing, lend a hand, and play at our farm stand.
*April 22 through October 31

The Exploration Station parked in the Ramble for Nature Play Days.

Exploration Station | Ages 3-10
Fridays, 12–2PM
Drop by our themed Exploration Stations to play, read, learn, and investigate.
*April 22 through October 31

The design elements and features in the Garden support interactive hands-on nature exploration and play, cultivating an early appreciation for the environment. Education programs leverage the garden’s unique features and diverse plantings to engage children in STEAM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), and teach about the value of plants in our ecosystem.

Learn more here.

Enhance your visit to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill with these free downloadable scavenger hunts and activity ideas.  

10 Kid-Friendly Ramble Activities
Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
Signs of Summer Scavenger Hunt
Signs of Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Signs of Winter Scavenger Hunt 
Sun Safety with the American Academy of Dermatology