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enjoy your visit — for families

Little Diggers Basics

Programs give 2- , 3- , and 4-year-olds the opportunity to explore nature with caregivers. Each class begins with an interactive group period, followed by time for children to try a variety of hands-on activities. Classes include potting plants and a walk outdoors or in the Greenhouses (weather permitting). One four-class series runs from September through December, and the other runs from January through April on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from
9 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Age Limits
Programs are accessible at multiple levels for children ages 2 and 3. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

For the fall 2009 session, children must be 2 by September 17, 2009 (the last first day of class) for the 2- and 3-year-old class; children must be 3 by September 17, 2009 (the last first day of class) for the 3- and 4-year-old class. For the winter 2010 session, children must be 2 by January 21, 2010 (the last first day of class) for the 2- and 3-year-old class; children must be 3 by January 21, 2010 (the last first day of class) for the 3- and 4-year-old class.

Attire
Please come dressed for the weather. Many classes include time spent outside. Wear clothes that are comfortable for outdoor and indoor activities, and hands-on (sometimes messy) fun.

Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your registration up to one week before the series begins for a $10 administrative handling fee per child. You may transfer your registration into another Little Diggers day or time slot one time only at no additional cost. To cancel or transfer, please call (847) 835-6801. We are not able to give refunds for cancellations with less than one week’s notice. If you are unable to attend due to medical reasons, you may receive a refund (minus a $10 handling fee) by providing a doctor’s note. Programs cancelled by the Garden due to low enrollment will automatically be fully refunded or you may opt to reschedule to another day or time, if space is available.

Class Location
The primary class location is the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Learning Center. However, in case of inclement weather, the class may meet in an alternate location. A sign will be posted in the Visitor Center with the class location each time we meet.

Confirmation Letters
All communications, including confirmation, will be sent via e-mail. Please provide a valid e-mail address and add registrar@chicagobotanic.org to your safe senders list in order to guarantee receipt. E-mail confirmations will be sent and confirmation letters for registrations not containing an e-mail address will be mailed approximately two business days after your registration is received. Please bring the confirmation with you the day of your program. To receive free parking, please present the confirmation letter or e-mail upon arrival at the Gatehouse.

Enrollment Limits
Each program has space for a maximum of 12 children accompanied by one adult each. Classes will be cancelled unless the minimum enrollment of five children is met (see Cancellation Policy for more information). Limit of one child per adult.

Registration
Registration and prepayment are required for all programs. Registrations are taken by mail, fax, or online only (sorry, no phone registration). Registration and payment must be received no later than one week prior to the start of the session.

Mail registrations to Chicago Botanic Garden, Family Programs Registrar, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022. Checks or credit cards are accepted as payment.

Fax registrations to (847) 242-6330. Credit card payment is required for faxed registration.

Online registration Credit card payment is required for online registration. The acknowledgement you receive via e-mail immediately after registering online does not guarantee a reservation. (See Confirmation Letters above.)

Snacks
You are welcome to bring a small snack for your child. Though there will be no designated snack time, there will be opportunities to take a short individual break if a snack is needed. Please refrain from bringing any snacks with peanuts or tree nuts.

Questions
For registration questions or to confirm program availability, call (847) 835-6801. For questions regarding program content, call (847) 835-8363.