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Youth

Programs

Naturally Delightful Discovery

At Huntsville Botanical Garden, our youth education programs offer more than just lessons—they inspire delightful discoveries in nature and foster personal growth.

Step into a world of adventure and learning at Huntsville Botanical Garden! Our youth education programs are designed to spark curiosity and a love for the natural world in young minds. From engaging activities that teach plant identification to hands-on gardening tips, we offer a range of experiences that cater specifically to children. Join us for a fun-filled journey of exploration and discovery, where every visit brings something new to learn and enjoy!

For questions about education programs, please contact education@hsvbg.org or 256-830-4447 ext. 253.

Garden Sprouts Pre-K

Embark on a nature-based, child-centered learning experience for 4 to 5-year-olds in the Garden’s outdoor living laboratory.

Garden Sprouts Pre-K integrates nature play with early childhood education, transforming the Garden into an outdoor living laboratory for 4 to 5-year-olds. Through hands-on, experiential learning, children observe, explore, and engage with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and encouraging discovery and experimentation. Our program introduces essential Pre-K topics, preparing children for a seamless transition to Kindergarten. 

Two children using a lens to view an element of nature.

Seeds to Sprouts

Seeds to Sprouts is the perfect way to plant the seeds of curiosity and appreciation for nature that will blossom alongside your child for years to come.

Discover the magic of nature with Seeds to Sprouts, designed for children ages 2-5! This program introduces young explorers to the wonders of the natural world through captivating stories, hands-on STEM activities, and guided tours of the Garden.  

Seeds to Sprouts takes place on select Fridays and Saturdays from April through October, from 10 – 10:45 a.m. Classes are held outdoors, weather permitting, so please dress accordingly. We recommend arriving at the Garden a few minutes early to ensure you have ample time to make your way to the program location. 

Nature Academy

Explore a new aspect of nature science each month with Nature Academy at the Garden!

Explore the wonders of science in the great outdoors with our Nature Academy! Offering dynamic, hands-on STEM classes tailored for students in grades K-8, our program is designed to enhance learning with fresh and engaging content each year. Open to homeschoolers, public, and private school students alike, Nature Academy at Huntsville Botanical Garden is your gateway to exciting educational adventures. Enroll now and bring STEM to life in the beauty of the Garden!

Led by our certified educators, these two-hour classes delve into exciting scientific topics through hands-on activities and exploration. We offer multiple sessions of each class throughout the month, allowing you to choose a date and time that fits your schedule seamlessly.

Join us for our Tuesday and Wednesday sessions from 10 – noon.

Field Trips

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is the place to be to make science come alive for your students.

Looking for information about school field trips? Visit our Field Trips page for details.

Two children using a lens to view an element of nature.

Art of Sustainable Science

The Art of Sustainable Science is an annual event that celebrates sustainability through a union of art and science.

Open to all K-12 students from public, private, and homeschool settings, this event invites young minds to create art projects or science fair-style projects that convey a message of sustainability or conservation. Participation is free, and students can choose to work individually or in teams.

Projects are evaluated by expert judges, with prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Whether submitted virtually or presented in person at the Garden, each project contributes to our shared goal of promoting a sustainable future.