Growing Minds is pleased to announce our spring line-up of creative and engaging educational programs for children ages 2-12. Back by popular demand are the Seeds to Sprouts toddler adventure class, and Mini-Morris Players, the improvisational children’s theatre program. And there are several new programs as well! Class sizes are limited, so register early.
Three Thursdays, July 11—25, 6:30—7:45pm
The fun-filled interactive children’s theatre program returns this summer for an encore performance! Guided by our founders John and Lydia Morris (played by two costumed theatre educators), young performers will don costumes and become trees, shrubs, flowers, streams, and animals, acting out a new story each week in a different spot throughout the Arboretum. Children will learn their parts and hone their acting skills, culminating in a performance each week before their families. While the children are engaged in rehearsals, parents and grandparents are invited to relax and take a stroll through the gardens. This improvisational program builds children’s confidence and creativity, and is a marvelous way to enjoy an enchanted summer evening at the Arboretum!
Register NowTwo sessions, sign up for one or both:
Spring Adventures I: Six Mondays, March 11—April 15th, 10:30-11:15am
Spring Adventures II: Six Mondays, April 29—June 10 (no class Memorial Day), 10:30-11:15am
Back by popular demand, this class offers toddlers and their caregivers the opportunity to explore the wonders of the natural world together during a series of outdoor morning adventures. Each session will include guided exploration through the Arboretum and a craft to take home. Perfect for your budding naturalist!
Four Thursdays, April 18—May 9, 4-5:30pm
This four-week photography workshop offers kids the opportunity to get out in nature, be creative, and have fun while capturing the beautiful landscape of Morris Arboretum during springtime! Children will learn tips and techniques to hone their photography skills, concentrating on close-ups, textures, color, and landscape concepts. During the last session, students will have the opportunity to critique and celebrate their classmates’ work.
Registration no longer available.
Four Sundays, April 14—May 5, 1-2:45pm
In this four-week art series, we will take inspiration from the Dave Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit, drawing on location throughout the Arboretum and then returning to the classroom to paint, create metal embossing and sculptures based on what they observed in the garden. In the process, children will learn about the important role of insects in the web of life, as well the historic influence insects have had on cultures and civilizations throughout history.
Registration no longer available.
Six Tuesdays, April 2—May 7, 4-5pm
A new after-school program that encourages children to take a close look at flowers, trees, birds, and other wildlife that call Morris Arboretum home. Each session will explore a new topic and new area of the Arboretum, as children develop their scientific observation skills while learning about ecology and having fun! Each session will end with the children creating a take-home art project related to our outdoor adventure.
Registration no longer available.
