Lightly guided nature play

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is hosting free, hands-on Nature Play Pop-ups for summer 2024 at the Gaffield Children’s Garden.   This lightly guided play takes place in the nature art area of the Gaffield Children’s Garden. Young children will have hands-on fun while taking a closer look at nature, and parents will leave with easy ideas to encourage creative nature play at home. No registration, free event. First to arrive, first to play. Kids can join in as spaces open during the pop-ups. Suggested ages 3-7.  Please note, all materials stay at Gaffield Children’s Garden unless otherwise specified.


Tuesdays

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Wednesdays

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Sundays

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM


Dates

Tuesday, May 28th AM, Building Fairy Houses

Wednesday, May 29th PM, Bubble Play

Tuesday, June 4th AM, Buried Treasure Play

Wednesday, June 5th PM, Soil Exploration Play

Tuesday, June 11th AM, Building Like Beavers Play

Wednesday, June 12th PM, Gravity Play w/Spheres & Near Spheres 

Sunday, June 16th, Building  Little Birds’ Nest Play

Tuesday, June 18th AM, Plant Printing Play

Wednesday, June 19th PM, Muddy Masterpieces Play

Tuesday, June 25th AM, Nature Play Free-for-all

Wednesday, June 26th PM, Nature Music & Sound making Play

Tuesday, July 2nd AM, Floating and Boating Play

Wednesday, July 3rd PM, Small World Play*

Tuesday, July 9th AM: Earthwork Play*

Wednesday, July 10th PM: Flower Fun Play*

Tuesday, July 16th AM: Leafy Nature Costumes Play

Wednesday, July 17th PM: Nature Potions Play

Sunday, July 21st : Gravity Play w/ Spheres & Near Spheres

Tuesday, July 23rd AM: Fairy Houses Play

Wednesday, July 24th PM: Bubble Play

Tuesday, July 30th AM: Plant Printing Play

Wednesday, July 31st PM: Soil Exploration Play 

Tuesday, August 6th AM: CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER

Wednesday, August 7th PM: Nature Potions Play

Sunday, August 11th AM: Muddy Masterpieces Play 

Tuesday, August 13th : Floating and Boating Play

Wednesday, August 14th : Building Like Beavers Play