Youth & Family Programs|
Washington Park Arboretum has 230 acres of landscaped and natural areas, wetlands, and a world-class collection of 10,000 trees, shrubs, and other plants. The Arboretum serves the public, students at all levels, naturalists, gardeners, and nursery and landscape professionals with its collections, educational programs and interpretation, as well as opportunities for recreation and relaxation. For more information about specific programs, please click on the appropriate link below. For further information or to schedule any of the following programs or explorer packs, please contact the Arboretum Education Office, Monday-Friday, at (206)543-8801 or uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu Seedlings Preschool Programs
SEEDLINGS PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS“Science becomes preschool friendly through stories, imagination and movement.” Make the spectacular Washington Park Arboretum your own outdoor classroom with our Seedlings Preschool Program. Choose from two themes, each designed perfectly for children ages 3-5.
Seedlings Themes:
Young students explore the cycle of seasons and the amazing changes that occur in trees throughout the year. During a guided Arboretum adventure they will participate in a story about the life and death of a tree, learn the basic parts of trees, and begin to understand the connection between trees and seasons through hands-on activities and songs.
Who lives in a wetland? During a guided exploration of Duck Bay and Foster Island, preschoolers will experience wetland animals by visiting their habitat and acting out the lives of these unique creatures. As part of their visit, students will hear a wetland story (as well as live their own wetland story!), create a craft to take home, and act like a sponge, just like wetlands do! Seedlings Preschool Programs are offered Monday–Friday from To register call 206-543-8801 or e-mail uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu
Saplings School ProgramsSaplings School Programs are inquiry-based, guided science programs conducted at the Washington Park Arboretum. Saplings School Programs introduce students in grades K-12 to plant growth and development, wetland ecology and ethnobotany through a series of 90-minute interactive programs. The Arboretum becomes an “outdoor classroom” for teachers and students as they choose from a menu of Saplings Program topics including:
All programs feature “hands-on” activities and are aligned with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements or EALRs. Saplings school programs are available Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 11:30am or 12:15 to 1:45pm. Group sizes range from 10 to 60 students, at a cost of $3.00 per student. Program dates fill quickly; three weeks advance notice is required to reserve a program. Contact the Education Department for more information at (206)543-8801 or uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu Discover
Plants (Grades K - 2)
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Trees and Seasons
Wetland Wildlife
Students explore the various habitats of Foster Island as
they learn about the function and importance of wetlands. Through hands-on
activities, games and observations students are introduced to a freshwater
marsh, learn about habitat and the importance of water quality.
Self-Guided Pack ProgramsExplorer Packs and Family Adventure Packs are backpacks supplied with field guides, scavenger hunts, magnifying lenses and activity ideas for children in grades K-6.
Explorer Packs Available:Marsh Madness (Year-round): Explore the wetland habitat of Duck Bay and Foster Island through aquatic dips, wildlife identification, scavenger hunts and games. Tree-tective (Year-round): Explore the trees of the Arboretum through scavenger hunts, games, magnifyng lenses and more. Signs of Spring (March – June): Explore the secrets of the season - parts of flowers, seeds, pollination through games, scavenger hunts and experiments. Autumn Adventures (September-November): Explore the mysteries of fall - leaf color changes, photosynthesis, seed dispersal through field guides, identification tools and games Sense of Winter (December – March) Learn about plant diversity and winter adaptations while exploring the Arboretum’s colorful and fragrant Winter Garden. Family Adventure Packs Available:Wetland Wonders: Experience Foster Island with binoculars, field guides, family games and activities. Family Tree: Explore the Arboretum at your own pace with field equipment, maps, and activities. |
Arboretum Adventures
Step outside this summer
Explore the great outdoors at Summer Day Camp at the Washington Park Arboretum!
Discover the world of plants, wetlands and more through art, science, games and creative writing.
Curricular activities run from 10am - 3pm daily. Optional extended care is available from 9-10am and 3-4pm. Please visit UW Outreach for more information.
"What a wonderful program. Fun and educational! Thanks for a great week!"
- Day Camp Parent
REGISTER NOW FOR K-6th ARBORETUM SUMMER SLEUTHS PROGRAM!
Washington Park Arboretum becomes a place of adventure for summer explorers! Register now for guided outdoor programs highlighting fun, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration!
Designed for groups of 10 or more; 5.00 per participant per program;
Offered M - F, 10 - 12 pm and /or 1-3 pm
Focus on Forests: Explore the trails and trees of the Arboretum while learning about forest ecology!
Water Workings: Discover the amazing world of wetlands through outdoor games and wildlife observations!
Animals on the Move! Experience how animals adapt and survive through role-playing and field activities!
Call or e-mail to register: 206-543-8801 ~ uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu
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