Education in the Garden and Beyond

Children can learn about, interact with and have fun being in nature at the SC Botanical Garden. We offer education courses at the Garden, as well as through outreach programs like Sprouting Wings.  For information on current Garden classes, read below.  For information on Sprouting Wings (outreach), visit the links on the left. 

Children & Family Education Programs

NATURE DISCOVERY HIKE: FALL FRUITS AND SEEDS
Discover the interesting world of fruits, cones and seeds in a fall walk in the Garden with botanist Lisa Wagner. We’ll examine the variety of fruits produced and how they differ, as well as learning about their natural history, dispersal,  and connections with wildlife.
Fee: $7/family (up to 5) ($5 for members & volunteers)
Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
Location:  Meet at Caboose Parking Area

Sunday, October 18
EARTH SCIENCE DAY OPEN HOUSE & METEORITE EXHIBIT OPENING
Open House!  Take this opportunity to visit the Museum when all curators are available to answer your questions, identify your treasures, and take you on an adventure of learning about the Earth. We’ll also open a new exhibit on meteors, featuring meteorite specimens from South Carolina and some on loan from other institutions. Activities for families include mineral and shark tooth sieving, T-shirt and face painting, and more.
Fee: FREE
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Bob Campbell Geology Museum

Thursday, October 22
FALL COLOR WALK
Take a walk with botanist Lisa Wagner to learn more about the ecology of fall color and leaf drop. During the walk, we’ll enjoy fall colors in the Garden and focus on the variety of tree and shrub leaf colors and talk about the species-distinct differences.
Fee: $7/family (up to 5) ($5 for members & volunteers)
Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
Location:  Meet at Caboose Parking Area

Friday, October 30
MONSTERS OF THE MUSEUM!
Bring the little ones for a fun morning of prehistoric discovery! Children may explore the museum,
listen to readings of Halloween and dinosaur-themed children’s books, and create their own prehistoric pumpkin ‘monster.’ This program is suitable for
children of all ages.
Fee: $8 per person ($5 for anyone wearing a costume!)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00noon
Location: Bob Campbell Geology Museum

Thursday, November 12
NATURE DISCOVERY WALK: SEASONAL ECOLOGY
Discover the signs of late fall seasonal change in the Garden with naturalist Lisa Wagner. We’ll look for evidence of readiness for winter and talk about seasonal adaptations, while exploring the Garden’s woodland areas.
Fee: $7 per family (up to 5) ($5 for members & volunteers)
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Location:  Meet at the Caboose Parking Area

Tuesday, November 17
METEOR SHOWER GAZING & LEARNING
Every year thousands of shooting stars amaze stargazers around the world. Join us for a special evening of wonder as we learn about the
Leonid meteor shower and the comet that started it all. The dark skies provided by the new moon should provide excellent viewing conditions, but remember there are no guarantees. Clemson University professors and curators will guide you in viewing with and without a telescope, counting and measuring meteors, as well as helping you understand what you’re seeing.  Bring a notebook & pen, blankets or chairs, and dress for the weather – flashlights are not needed. We will provide light refreshments.
Fee: $10 per family (up to 5) ($7 for members & volunteers)
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: The Kelly Meadow

Families and kids of all ages also enjoy our jewelry-making classes.  Visit the Events Calendar for a complete listing of all upcoming events.