Children's Programs
Our classes mix hands-on projects and plant, animal and ecosystem topics: from identifying fall leaves to papermaking and tasty treats from the Tropical Forest. Through activities and lessons with plants and natural materials, you will help to instill a respect for the environment that will last a lifetime.
Seasonal Camps
Phipps' Seasonal Camps, offered year round, connect youth ages 2 to 12 to nature, science and healthy living through fun, participatory environment-based activities—from growing and cooking their own vegetables, crafting with recycled materials, and drawing and photographing nature while exploring the Conservatory and outdoor gardens. Each camp day includes a healthy plant-related snack.
Story Time
Come to Phipps on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. for Story Time. Listen to storytellers weave tales about gardens, fruits, vegetables, garden animals and other fun things. Make a craft to take home and treasure. All are welcome!
Story Time takes place in the Discovery Garden during the warm months, and in the Gallery the rest of the year. Each session lasts from a half hour to an hour.
Join Phipps Story Club! After attending six Story Times, you'll receive a free book from The Shop at Phipps.
Discovery!
Visit a Discovery Table in the Conservatory for a hands-on, fun look at a specific subject. Although geared towards children, Discovery Tables provide lessons and interpretation that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Scouts & Brownies
Scouts and Brownies can visit Phipps for hands-on learning experiences about the ecosystems and plants at Phipps. Scout troops are welcome to join us at Phipps for programs on Saturdays, during holidays and school breaks when the Conservatory is open, or after school. Phipps offers programs to help fulfill Brownie Try-Its, Junior Girl Scout Badges and Cadette and Senior Interest Projects.
Junior Girl Scout Badge programs and Cadette and Senior Interest Project programs run approximately two hours, and Brownie Try-It programs run approximately one hour. Phipps will assist you in meeting your badge requirements, and scout leaders are responsible for obtaining the badges from the Girl Scout Council.
Homeschoolers
Phipps welcomes homeschooled students in groups of eight or more. Phipps school programs adapt readily to groups with a wide age range of students. Choose from any of the listed school programs for your homeschooled group.
Tours
In addition to your class, you may choose an hour long docent-led tour or a self-guided visit. On docent-led tours, trained volunteers share a wealth of knowledge about the history of Phipps and its plants, while self-guided visits allow you to move at your own pace through the Conservatory. If you are interested in a self-guided tour but would like more information about the Conservatory's plants, download a free self-guided tour map of the Conservatory.
Self-guided visits are recommended for pre-school and kindergarten groups. Docent-led tours require at least 4 weeks advanced registration and are subject to docent availability.
