Summer Programs
UPDATE: Guided programs are not available for summer 2021. Self-guided tours can be scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays.
About Powell Gardens’ Guided Summer Programs
Powell Gardens offers a variety of themed program options for youth in grades K-6. Each guided program is 90-120 minutes and incorporates field journals, nature investigations, crafts, and nature games. Once the summer program is finished, spend the day touring the other garden areas and nature trail. Ample space is available for each group to enjoy lunch before or after programs.
Guided programs must be reserved at least two weeks in advance of the desired date and are scheduled weekdays at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. These programs require a group minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 80 students per time slot. Larger groups may be divided into two programs and will be scheduled in back-to-back time slots. Camp counselors and staff receive free admission.
*An adult to child ratio of at least 1:12 is highly encouraged but no more than one adult for every five students is permitted. Exceptions apply.
The Booking Process
To reserve a guided program, please request a program and date using the online reservation system. You will be asked to select the time you would like to begin the guided program, the number of children attending, and the type of program. All programs are 90 minutes in length and begin at the time you select in the reservation system. Please select a start time of either 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM to ensure the program wraps up before lunch or either 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM to begin the program after lunch. Groups may enjoy the Gardens before or after the 90-minute guided program is completed.
Please be prepared to provide credit card payment information, but the card will not be charged until after the program is completed. Groups may also bring a check the day of the event in lieu of using the credit card on file.
Guided Program Fees
Students – $8
Teachers/Staff – Free
Chaperones/Parents – $10
*All program requests are considered tentative until confirmed via email.
About Powell Gardens’ Self-Guided Visits
Camps wanting to bring a group of children to the Gardens, and are not reserving a guided program, are expected to schedule a self-guided visit by filling in the self-guided visit form. The number of camp groups in the Gardens is closely managed because group spaces are limited. Camp counselors and staff receive free admission and space is provided to store lunch bags for the day.
The Booking Process
To reserve a self-guided group visit, please complete the group visit request form. Please select a preferred and alternate date and time, provide the number of attendees, and include your contact information. Payment will be accepted the day of arrival.
Self-Guided Visit Fees
Students – $4
Teachers/Staff – Free
Chaperones/Parents – $10
*All program requests are considered tentative until confirmed via email.
Summer Programs at Powell Gardens
Engage with the Gardens through outdoor art activities while experiencing how nature inspires creativity and appreciation. Groups will be guided on a sensory walk through the gardens, observe and mimic the unique sounds and motions of plants and animals, and design and build miniature gnome houses. This program includes watercolor paintings, drawings, short skits, and journaling prompts.
Take a journey through the life cycle of a butterfly through art activities, games, and exploration. Groups will play a butterfly migration game, create butterfly life cycle bracelets, examine the caterpillars and butterflies in the Native Butterfly Habitat Garden, and participate in silly caterpillar-themed team-building games. This program includes crafts, journaling prompts, and games.
Follow along with a seed as it journeys through its life cycle — dispersal, germination, and growth. Build and launch seed boats in the lake; play seed-themed games; design and create animal sculptures from seeds; examine numerous plants and their seeds; and plant and take home a bean plant. This program includes crafts, journaling prompts, games, and exploration.
Follow in the footsteps of Captain Plant-It and the Plant-it-teers to discover how you can help the Earth and all of its flora and fauna. Participants will develop an appreciation for nature through games, journaling prompts, art activities, play, exploration, and investigation. This program involves examining ponds, digging in dirt, hugging trees, and sowing seeds while experiencing how nature plays an important part of all our lives.