EVENT CALENDAR

ECO-KIDS CAMP JUNE​

6.24.19 MONDAY-6.28.19 FRIDAY
​9 AM – Noon
Kids ages 5-12 are invited to a weeklong morning camp filled with nature-based learning activities. We’ll explore the intriguing outdoor landscape and visit our Children’s Garden each day, search for insect habitats and learn about them in their natural state. Campers will get hands-on experience with a variety of plants common to the Midwest prairies and discover the beauty of biology and how plants grow. We will discuss conservation and environmental issues that challenge our surroundings and learn how we can contribute to protecting nature. Reserve your spot soon. Limit of 25 campers. See also July session being held July 8-12.

family dollar days

MONDAYS 6.24.19-7.29.19
10 AM – 5 PM
Enjoy the discounted Dollar Days admission rate of $1 on Mondays, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29. Sponsorship by the Family Credit Union allows guests to explore all of our gardens including the tropical Sun Garden, Children’s Garden, Butterfly Garden and our wildflower prairie and perennial gardens. Click to get the weekly code word.

RED WHITE AND BLOOM

7.3.19 WEDNESDAY
7 PM - 10:30 PM
Gather your family and enjoy the riverfront fireworks of Red White & Boom! from our lawn and gardens. Blankets, camp chairs, and picnic snacks are welcome. Cold soda and juice will be for sale in The Garden Store. The river in the children’s garden will run until 8:30 PM.

Sunday funday
​THE AMAZING RACE

7.7.19 SUNDAY
​​1 PM - 3 PM
Our garden race is similar to the TV series, Amazing Race. Clues will lead you to seek out items in our gardens as you race to complete the plant scavenger hunt. Be sure to wear your running shoes. We’ll conclude your visit with a plant-themed activity.

ECO-KIDS CAMP JULY

7.8.19 MONDAY-7.12.19 FRIDAY
​9 AM – Noon
Kids ages 5-12 are invited to a weeklong morning camp filled with nature-based learning activities. We’ll explore the intriguing outdoor landscape and visit our Children’s Garden each day, search for insect habitats and learn about them in their natural state. Campers will get hands-on experience with a variety of plants common to the Midwest prairies and discover the beauty of biology and how plants grow. We will discuss conservation and environmental issues that challenge our surroundings and learn how we can contribute to protecting nature. Reserve your spot soon. Limit of 25 campers. See also June session being held June 24-28.

KINDERNATURE

7.9.19 TUESDAY
​​10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
We will celebrate the flower that follows the sun. This flower, which is native to the Americas, comes in a variety of vibrant colors. We’ll create our own sunflower as a craft and enjoy a snack and a story, too. Add KinderNature to your calendar the second Tuesday of every month. Topic is new each month.

BUG BONANZA FOR BROWNIES

7.13.19 SATURDAY
​​10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Insects are all around us and we will explore the gardens to find some of the amazing bugs that make the Center their home! At the end of this event, you will be able to earn the bugs badge. Badges can be purchased at any Girl Scout Shop or online.

ART IN THE GARDEN

7.20.19 SATURDAY
​9 AM - 4 PM
Local and regional artists including jewelers, woodworkers, fabric artists, and others who are inspired by nature to create will exhibit and sell their art pieces at this outdoor show. The handcrafted works will be on display in tents throughout the gardens and a variety of art price points are offered. The event includes food, music, poets and storytellers to create an outdoor experience for art enthusiasts, families and nature lovers. Download the call to entry for artists to participate as a vendor.

Little conductor's day

8.4.19 SUNDAY
​​1 PM - 3 PM
Chug on into the Quad City Botanical Center for this year’s Little Conductor’s Day! In partnership with the Heartland Central Railroad Club, we invite you to join us for a day all about trains. This  family-friendly event features conductors from the Heartland Central Railroad Club who will run their trains in our Railroad Garden just for you. We will have train-themed crafts and activities to do indoors. 

KINDERNATURE

8.13.19 TUESDAY
​​10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Want to dig around in the dirt and get your hands dirty? This is a real hands-on experience that also includes story time, craft and a snack.  KinderNature is held on the second Tuesday of each month and the topic is new each month.

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

9.8.19 SUNDAY
10AM - 3 PM
The Botanical Center’s second annual World Migratory Bird Day is free to the public 10 am – 3 pm (regular admission after 3:00). Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution is the 2019 theme for this day dedicated to bird longevity. Vendors will gather to discuss when and where these creatures travel and settle. We will band wild birds and have activities celebrating these feathered creatures and bird-themed presentations. Come get educated on how you can do your part to help in this conservation effort.

kindernature

9.10.19 TUESDAY
​​10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Monarchs are the king of butterflies. Learn about their four life cycle changes, why milkweed is important to them, make a craft, listen to a story and enjoy a snack as part of your KinderNature experience. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m.