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!

Stay tuned for new programs each month!

  • +July 18 : Preschool Wonder Walk - Life in a Pond SOLD OUT

    July 18, 10:00am – 11:30am

    July Theme: Life in a Pond

    Keep it cool as we take a close look at the plants and animals living in the ponds at VanDusen. From waterlilies to dragonflies, turtles to duckweed, let’s dip our nets to explore some of the species living over and under the water. Get to know our aquatic friends through hands-on exploration and a fun game!

    Join the waitlist!

  • +August 15: Preschool Wonder Walk - Ancient Plants

    August 15, 10:00am – 11:30am

    August Theme: Ancient Plants

    Travel back in time to when dinosaurs may have roamed the earth as you visit some of the Garden’s oldest plant species! Create your own fossil craft to create a snapshot in history, and go on an adventure to meet our friendly ferns, from fuzzy fiddleheads to enormous fronds.

    Register now!

  • +September 25: Preschool Storytime - Autumn Colours

    September 25, 10:00am – 10:45am

    This month we will explore the beauty and changing colours of Autumn through stories and songs, and create a colourful leaf character placemat to take home.

    This is an easy-going, early learning program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program provides participants and their caregivers the opportunity to gather in the Library to engage with nature-themed children’s books, and to explore seasonal topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required.

    Register now!

  • +October 23: Preschool Storytime - Harvest Time

    October 23, 10:00am – 10:45am

    This month we will celebrate harvesting food through stories, songs, and a hands on activity to take home.

    This is an easy-going, early learning program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program provides participants and their caregivers the opportunity to gather in the Library to engage with nature-themed children’s books, and to explore seasonal topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required.

    Register now!

  • +November 27: Preschool Storytime - Hello Hibernation!

    November 27, 10:00am – 10:45am

    This month we will learn what bears do during the cold winter through stories, songs, and constructing a hibernating bear in a cave.

    This is an easy-going, early learning program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program provides participants and their caregivers the opportunity to gather in the Library to engage with nature-themed children’s books, and to explore seasonal topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required.

    Register now!