Summer Programs
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 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. or 10:00 a.m. These programs require a group minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 60 students per time slot. Camp counselors and staff receive free admission.
*An adult to child ratio of at least 1:10 is highly encouraged but no more than one adult for every five students is permitted. Exceptions apply. Member discounts and benefits cannot be applied to fieldtrip admission.
2023 Summer Lesson Plan
Please see summer program options below. Summer programs are designed for ages 5-12.
Summer Programs
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. This 90-minute 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 gardens, and participate in silly caterpillar-themed team-building games. This 90-minute program includes crafts, journaling prompts, and games.
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 90-minute program involves examining ponds, digging in dirt, hugging trees, and sowing seeds while experiencing how nature plays an important part of all our lives.
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 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. to ensure the program wraps up before lunch.
These programs require a group minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 60 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. Groups may enjoy the Gardens before or after the 90-minute guided program is completed.
Guided Program Fees
Students – $8
Teachers/Staff – Free
Chaperones/Parents – $10
*All program requests are considered tentative until confirmed via email.
Request a guided tour.
Reservation Request Form
Tour reservations for the Education Department.
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.
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 – $5
Teachers/Staff – $8
Chaperones/Parents – $10
*All program requests are considered tentative until confirmed via email.