Youth Education Tours

Botanical Field Trips & Outreach

Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Botanical Conservatory’s education staff serves thousands of students each year through on- and off-site visits for public, parochial, private and home schools. Teachers can choose the standards-based curriculum that best meets their students’ needs. Our outreach programs also help teachers meet state science standards and engage students in active learning. Conservatory visits let you collect temperature and humidity readings for a biome study, find food plants in the desert and jungle, explore plant patterns with art students, or choose from a variety of other activities, depending on the age and focus of the group.

Educational Outreach Programs

2020   

We can also take plant science on the road, traveling to your school to provide classroom or assembly-style presentations. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. A minimum of ten students is required to book a lab, but self-guiding visit lessons are available for groups of any size. For more information, call the Conservatory’s Youth Education Coordinator at 427-6445 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click here for our Group Visit Planner ~ for more information about planning a visit, plus our policies and expectations.  

Downtown 4-H Club
Fourth Thursday night, monthly, 6:15-7:45 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

You don’t have to own a cow or know how to garden in order to join the fun and be a part of 4-H. Our downtown community 4-H club, the Clover Rovers, meet at the Botanical Conservatory led by experienced Purdue Extension volunteers. The club focuses on science, citizenship, healthy living, and fun! Any Fort Wayne area youth in kindergarten through 12th grade can join before May 15. Monthly evening meetings will offer children a chance to meet friends, learn skills, and explore ideas. Free parking at meters after 5 pm or in the Civic Center Parking Garage with validated ticket. For more information or to sign up, contact the Extension office at (260) 481-6826.

Educational Outreach Programs

Botanical Conservatory goes to School September-March Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy the popular educational programs of the Conservatory from the convenience of your own classroom, scout troop or home school co-op. Each program has been designed to comply with Indiana State Educational Standards while providing a fun and educational experience.

The current programs are:
Compost Lab (2^nd-3^rd grades)
Flower Power (3^rd-12^th grades)

$3/student (minimum 10) plus travel expenses based on zone: $15 Fort Wayne, $45 Allen County, $90 DeKalb County and similar, $135 Steuben County and similar.

Our environmental tours meet Indiana Academic Standards.

For more information, call 427-6445. 

Discovery Corner

Young visitors are encouraged to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree, where they will find seasonal activities as part of an imaginative play area complete with a cabin, kitchen, and  farmer’s market.  Nearby is the Reading Nook where you may also share in seasonal stories with one  another. Adults are encouraged to explore ideas and read aloud to their young learners.  Our materials are safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1^st grade.  The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; pre-registration is not required.

Preschool Story Time

Thursday, January 16, February 20
10:30-11:00 a.m.

If you are feeling those “winter blahs,” then come to the Conservatory on the third Thursday in January and February to brighten your day! The Allen County Public Library will be offering a themed story time that is enthusiastically read and specially designed for children ages 3-5 years. At least one adult is required to stay for the duration. Seating is limited, so phone reservations are required. Registration deadline is January 11 (for January 16) and February 15 (for February 20). Included with general admission. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6445.