FUN FOR ALL AGES
Children of all ages can delight in the beauty and wonder of our gardens and facilities. Opportunities abound for children to engage in education classes, explore nature up close and let their imaginations run wild.
Explorers CLubBecome a nature adventurer at the Quad City Botanical Center by participating in our free Explorers Club programming. A new theme will be revealed seasonally with multiple topics, days and times of programming that work with your family's busy schedule. Programming begins promptly at the scheduled time and lasts 15-30 minutes. Explorers Club programs are good for kids of all ages. There is no fee for Explorers Club, it's free for members or with paid admission. |
THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN (PHASE I)This whimsical garden is a playful interpretation of the Mississippi River. Surrounded by greenery, flowering perennials and native prairie plants, the intrigue of water play allows children to be carried away by their imaginations in a safe and accessible environment. Visitors become acquainted with a world of fours - the four seasons, the four directions, four way tests, factors of four, games of four and flowers of four! This area, with the sundial underfoot, is where the adventure begins. |
HEARTLAND CENTRAL GARDEN RAILWAYAll aboard! The Quad City Botanical Center, in partnership with the Heartland Model Railway Club, is home to a 1:24th scale garden train railway exhibit. Up to four independent trains can operate on the almost 800 feet of track. The train is operational on Sunday afternoons 12-4 pm, May through October, and for special holidays and private events when requested in advance. Enter this garden from inside the Botanical Center just past the banquet rooms. |
Free hands-on opportunities
Each time you visit the Botanical Center with kids you can take part in a new hands-on adventure. Look for Discovery Carts throughout the gardens or inquire at Guest Services near the entrance.
Ask for a scavenger hunt list at Guest Services and start hunting and learning about the plants in our gardens. There is no cost to enjoy the scavenger hunt.
Ask for a scavenger hunt list at Guest Services and start hunting and learning about the plants in our gardens. There is no cost to enjoy the scavenger hunt.
Plant Care Guides
If your child recently brought home a plant from a field trip and you'd like to know more about how to keep the plant healthy, check for its care guide below.
Parlor Palm Care Guide
Hen and Chicks Terrarium Care Guide
Parlor Palm Care Guide
Hen and Chicks Terrarium Care Guide
