Family Programs

With a variety of programs throughout the year aimed at families looking for hands-on activities and educational experiences at VanDusen Botanical Garden, we’re looking forward to helping you and your children get into nature, together!

  • +June 15: Preschool Wonder Walk - It's a Bug's Life SOLD OUT

    It’s a Bug’s Life

    Thursday, June 15th – 10:00am – 11.30:00am

    Join us for an insect safari in search of some of the many fascinating bugs that call the Garden home. From butterflies to bees, ladybugs to dragonflies, we’ll bring along our microscopes and bug jars for a closer look at how cool bugs actually are! We’ll read together, play together and create a take-home art activity.

    SOLD OUT

  • +June 24: Family Nature Program - The Riveting World of Raptors

    The Riveting World of Raptors

    Saturday, June 24th – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

    Did you know owls, eagles, hawks, falcons & even the occassional osprey can all be seen right here at VanDusen Botanical Gardens? As a biodiversity hotpsot in the city, our urban oasis provides habitat and hunting grounds for a number of riveting raptors.

    • Meet special guest educators and live birds from the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (O.W.L) in a 1hr presentation
    • Take a guided walk to learn more about the raptor species that frequent the Garden while keeping our ears and eyes open for our resident nesting Barred owls
    • Dissect a real owl pellet to learn about what these predatorory birds eat for lunch
    • Learn fascinating facts about these and other incredibly cool raptor species through fun games and activities

    Learn more & Register!

  • +July 20: Preschool Wonder Walk - Life in a Pond

    Thursday, July 20th – 10:00am – 11.30:00am

    What is life like in a pond? Join us in the Garden for a morning exploring lovely lilypads, dashing dragonflies, and friendly fish. We’ll explore some of the aquatic animals and plants that call the Garden ponds home, while having fun being led in interactive play-based activities, close observation of the natural world, and a take-home art activity.

    Register now!