Youth and Adult Education

Published on December 15, 2025

Pinecrest Gardens offers a full season of programs designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of nature for learners of all ages.

YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Young explorers can unleash their creativity in the 12th Annual Student Art Contest (Grades 4–12) with the theme Urban Art: Sneaker Stories. Selected pieces will be displayed during the Art & Design Fair. Contest opens for submissions through January 13.

Take learning to new heights at Space Night with Discovery Lab on February 21, featuring a 3D Planetarium show, live animal encounters, hands-on planetary experiments, and interactive games. Families can also enjoy treats and the playground.

For homeschoolers, The Paper Tree House Co-Op offers a full day of science, logic, animal encounters, and outdoor play every Wednesday during the school year. Mini Camps on teacher planning days (January 16 and April 3) offer themed activities tied to the Gardens, while Parents Night Out (ages 4–9) lets kids explore STEAM after hours, and gives parents a night off. All programs include materials and access to the Garden’s amenities.

Toddlers (ages 1–3) can enjoy Parent & Me Classes in music, science, gymnastics, art, and dance, while older children (4–12) can join Little Lizards, a biweekly science-and-art program. 

Schools and groups can book Field Trips to explore the Gardens through guided or self-guided tours, including Splash-n-Play, animal encounters, and picnic areas. Spring slots fill quickly, so early registration is recommended.

SUMMER CAMPS

Get ready for summer adventures! Children ages 4–9 can join STEAM Camp with Discovery Lab, and toddlers ages 2–4 can enroll in half-day Toddler Camp with Pinecrest Dance Project. Campers enjoy full access to all Garden amenities. Registration opens in February.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adults can explore nature through Guided Garden Tours, themed around the Gardens’ history, living collection, and dry gardens in springtime. The Curious Gardener Workshops offer hands-on, creative projects like skateboard painting inspired by the Museum of Graffiti and Valentine’s-themed botanical candle making. Workshops include all materials and a complimentary beverage.