Youth Programs
Youth Programs
Learn, play, explore together in nature
Youth and Family programs appeal to children ages 2 to 18 with investigative science, gardening, and career exploration. Together, adults and children can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture.
Become a Household Plus Garden member today, and enjoy a special discount.
Nature Preschool
Nature Preschool will delight and engage your 3- or 4-year-old in an adventure of discovery about the natural world and prepare them for a future of lifelong learning.
Summer Camp
At Camp CBG children participate in high-quality learning activities with experienced teachers who use inquiry-based, hands-on activities such as dissecting and plant seeds, exploring fragrant herbs and flowers, searching for birds and plants on nature hikes, creating take-home science-themed projects, and much more!
School Break Camps
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers day camps for children during winter, spring, and summer school breaks. Our day camps are accredited by the American Camping Association. Your child can explore the Garden with nature and plant investigations, science and art activities, and outdoor discoveries all year long! Each camp is lead by highly qualified staff.
School Day-Off Camps
Children participate in fun learning activities that connect nature to a range of content, including plants, weather, art, cuisine, and conservation. These camps will be held outside; please dress for the weather.
Available Programs
Camp CBG: Before Camp Care
June 10 – August 9
(except week of July 1 – 5)
7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Camp CBG: Creative Kids
June 10 – 14
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
July 8 – 12
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
July 29 – August 2
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp CBG: Nature Quests
June 10 – 14, July 8 – 12 or
July 29 – August 2
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp CBG: Budding Builders
June 10 – 14
9:30 a.m. – noon
July 8 – 12
9:30 a.m. – noon
July 22 – 26
9:30 a.m. – noon
Camp CBG: Muddy Buddies Age 3
July 8, 10, & 12
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – noon
August 5, 7, & 9
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – noon
Camp CBG: Super Scientists
June 10 – 14, July 8 – 12 or
July 29 – August 2
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp CBG: Muddy Buddies Age 2
July 9 & 11
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – noon
August 6 & 8
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – noon
Camp CBG: Exploring Outdoors
June 17 – 21
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
July 15 – 19
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
August 5 – 9
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp CBG: Botany in the Kitchen
June 17 - 21, July 15 - 19, or
August 5 - 9
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp CBG: Sticks and Stones Age 3
June 17, 19, & 21
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – noon
July 22, 24, & 26
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – noon
Camp CBG: Sensational Science
June 24 – 28
9: 30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
July 22 – 26
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
August 5 – 9
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nature Preschool Seeds
Tuesdays and Thursdays
September 3, 2024 – May 22, 2025
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Nature Preschool Stems Tue and Thu
Tuesdays and Thursdays
September 3, 2024 – May 23, 2025
12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Nature Preschool Stems M-Th
Monday through Thursday
September 3, 2024 – May 22, 2025
12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Nature Preschool Seedlings
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
September 4, 2024 – May 23, 2025
Nature Preschool Stems Mon and Wed
Mondays and Wednesdays
September 4, 2024 – May 21, 2025
12:30 – 3:30 p.m