Children's Programs

Children's Activities

The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum have regular educational programs for children from toddlers through junior high school.

Activities are grouped by age:

"Branching Out!", for young people ages 5 through 13

Registration for “Branching Out!”, the gardening program for young people ages 5 through 13 will begin in January 2010. This will mark the 37th year for this program sponsored by The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum and the Morris County Park Commission. Gardeners may attend spring, summer or both seasons. Time and fees are dependent on age of gardener. For more information, click the image on the right or call Gwen Montgomery at 973-631-5004 or email her at gmontgomery@morrisparks.net.

Family Discovery Backpacks!

Create and make discoveries in the gardens with one of our Family Backpacks, developed for use by families with children in preschool through 5th grade. Each pack contains materials, activities, games and suggestions to help adults and their young people find new ways of looking at all the plants and other living and non-living things that can be found in the gardens all year round.

Family Discovery Backpacks are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Advance reservations are not accepted. The fee is $5 per family but Family Members of The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum may use the backpacks at no cost. You must show your membership card. Backpacks can be checked out from 9 am daily for up to 21⁄2 hours at the Haggerty Education Center Reception Desk. The last rental time is 2:30 pm daily and all backpacks must be returned by 4:00 pm.

Junior Master Gardeners - The World in the Garden

Designed to connect kids to the natural world in an integrated hand-on learning experience, Junior Master Gardeners (JMG) expands The Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s youth gardening to a year round program. On the first and third Wednesday of every month beginning October 5, young gardeners will meet in the horticultural and environmental group that features learning and leadership projects. Junior Master Gardeners is for young people in grades 3-5. Kids needn’t have taken any other youth horticulture classes at the Arboretum but they must be willing to get dirty, help others, and have fun. This year’s JMG class will focus on plants from around the world and at the Arboretum. JMGers will travel the world without leaving home learning about plants from near and far and their impact good and bad. At the end of the each year, young gardeners will become participate in a plant focused service project based on what they’ve learned and they will become certified Junior Master Gardeners.

Junior Master Gardeners was created by the University Cooperative Extension, the same organization that coordinates the Master Gardener program in each state in the U.S. – a program known for it’s educational outreach and service to the community.

For more information check out the registration brochure (click to open) or contact Senior Horticultural Program Specialist, Gwen Montgomery at 973-631-5004 or at gmontgomery@morrisparks.net

FIELD TRIPS FOR SCHOOLS & SCOUTS

For information about booking field trips for schools and scout troops at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, pleas contact the Horticultural Program Specialist at 973-326-5004.

ATTENTION SCOUT LEADERS

Girl Scouts

Schedule a workshop to earn a Daisy Journey or Petal, Brownie Try-it, Junior Badge or work on an older girls’ IP at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Some of the workshops offered are Plants and Eco-Explorer Try-Its, Plants and Animals, Earth Connections and Your Outdoor Surrounding Badges. Or, the staff will work with leaders to design a workshop that meets the needs of a troop. Explore the gardens, take a tour and spend some time outside. All workshop participants will plant something to take home.

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts

Many Cub Scout Achievements and Awards can be earned in a workshop lead by staff at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Learn what’s a native plant and what’s not. Search for habitat, exotic plants, or big trees. All workshop participants will take home a plant to care for.

Gwen Montgomery, Senior Horticultural Program Specialist is a counselor for the Boy Scout Gardening Badge.

For information on any scout programs at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum call (973) 631-5004.

GARDEN SPROUTS

These programs, for preschoolers ages 3 through kindergarten, feature outdoor garden walks, crafts or other learning activities that will introduce young children to the world of plants and nature. Dress for indoor and outdoor time. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $6.00 for members and $9.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, programs start on time and last an hour.

All Children's Programs: