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.
Garden Sprouts, for preschoolers ages 3 through kindergarten.
The Winter 2010 Program Listing and Registration Form may be opened by clicking on the image on the left. Sprouts programs are also listed below and on our overall Events Page.
Tack House Crafts, for children 5+
Tack House Crafts returns to the Haggerty Education Center! Every Sunday, April through October, children 5+ may create a seasonally-themed craft in the Carriage House from 1pm-4pm. Just show your membership card and the activity is free. Non-family members may participate at a cost of $1 per child. The crafts are easy and no reservation is necessary.
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
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:
Sat Apr 10 | Branching Out - Spring Session
For more information and a registration form, click the image on the left or call 973-631-5004. |
Tue Jul 6 | Branching Out!
For more information and a registration form, click the image on the left or call 973-631-5004. |
Sun Jul 25 | Save the Date Sunday, July 25 -- Fairy DayIt's move-in day for the Frelinghuysen Fairies. July 25 marks the 4th annual Fairy Day at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum and building sites are at a premium. There is no real-estate bubble for Fairy House construction sites so mark your calendars and act quickly when spaces become available. Reservations for Fairy Day will begin June 21 and building lots sell out quickly. |
"Branching Out!" is the hands-on horticulture and gardening program for young people ages 5 to 13. Beginning on Saturdays in April through June, each gardener will begin working in their own garden, planting, tending and harvesting, as well as taking part in many other gardening, plant and nature related activities. Those who continue on into the summer session (July and August) will garden twice weekly throughout the summer while learning about plants from garden to table through cooking, crafts and other activities. 