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 story time. 

Please note that Nature Play Days are drop-in style and are included with general admission unless otherwise noted. Nature Storytime will be held fully indoors in our Visitor Center from November 3rd to April 13th while Discovery Backpacks available every day first-come first served. Backpack activities can be used indoors and outdoors in the gardens and on the trails.   

We would love to hear about your Nature Play Day experience! Click here to fill out our 2-minute surveys and let us know your feedback.

REGISTER FOR NATURE PLAY DAYS
Two children stand next to the turtle pond in the Winter Garden using Discovery Backpacks.

Discovery Backpacks
Ages 3-12 

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

Storytime in the conservatory with Youth Education Specialist, Jenna Hough

Nature Storytime
Ages 2-8

Tuesdays, 11 AM–12 PM
Join us for exciting stories and activities about plants, animals, nature, and more. 
*November 3 to April 13

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. Visit our Teacher Resources page for other crafts, exploration topics, and more scavenger hunts!

Click here to return to Youth & Family landing page.