Bring on the Birds! June 3 – 7 Join us to discover the fascinating diversity of Arizona birds. Did you know that people come from all over the world to look at birds in Arizona? Now, you will be one of them! Learn why birds sing, how they make nests, what they eat, and how far they can fly. To practice your new bird watching skills, we will be joined by a bird expert on a field trip to Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Finally, Liberty Wildlife, a bird rescue organization, will bring some of their rehabilitated education birds to teach us even more! Snacks are provided.

Desert Rainbows May 28 - 31 Explore the startling array of colors of the Sonoran Desert; you will be amazed how many you will find in the trees, wildflowers, birds, insects, and cacti. To further heighten the imagination and wonder of summer camp, we are excited to welcome back Childsplay theatre company. You will never think the desert is ‘just brown’ ever again! Snacks are provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch. 2 classes, limited to 12 campers per class. Ages 4 - 6 / 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Miraculous Mobiles with Artist Carolina Escobar Bend wire and stretch fabric to make a hanging work of art with your family; starting with a walking tour of her contemporary artwork, Whispers of a New World, Carolina Escobar will inspire families to make art of their own. Carolina uses bright colors and shapes inspired by nature, and she will guide families in the construction of their own mobile to take home! All materials are provided. This program is geared towards families with children ages 6 – 13, but children of all ages are welcome. Price is per person. Saturday / May 25 / 9:30 a.m.

Spring Star Party Join members of the Phoenix Astronomical Society for a family friendly evening of exploring our night sky with high powered telescopes and interactive activities. Learn to identify constellations, investigate the colorful rings of Saturn, and view the largest planet in our solar system—Jupiter! This program is geared towards families with children ages 6 – 13, but children of all ages are welcome. Price is per person. Saturday / May 18 / 7:30 – 9:15 p.m. Members: $16 / General Public: $20 http://www.dbg.org/childrenprograms

Become a Hummingbird Scientist Practice being a real hummingbird scientist by learning about their colors, their behaviors, and how to identify common Phoenix species. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly upside down and backwards; they are fast, extremely territorial, and beautifully colored. We will explore the wonders of these jewels of the sky and make our own hummingbird feeder to take home. This program is geared towards families with children ages 6 – 13, but children of all ages are welcome. Price is per person. Saturday / April 13 / 9:00 a.m.

Spring Break Drop-off Urban Farm Tour Did you know that you can get a lot of food that has been grown right here in the Valley? This full day class will explore the journey of food from the ground to the plate. Students will start at the Garden, learning about the importance of plants to humans with fun activities, investigations, and a fun snack; they will then travel to a local farm to see veggies growing in person followed by a local lunch; the day will finish back at the Garden where the children will learn how to grow their own food at home!

Preschoolers are Wild about Wildflowers Discover the many colors and shapes of the desert spring with your preschooler in this fun and interactive preschool program. We will go on a nature walk, read a story, eat a yummy snack, and make a fun craft! Price includes one child (ages 3 – 5) with an accompanying adult. Saturday / March 9 / 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Members: $20 / General Public: $24 http://www.dbg.org/childrenprograms

Nature Printing Find interesting patterns and textures in our desert and learn to use them to decorate a white fabric bag. In this fun family workshop, you will use found objects to nature print! Come prepared with your creative thinking caps and, if you’d like, a white t-shirt or other fabric to decorate. This workshop is recommended for families with children ages 5 – 12. Limit 25. Saturday / February 16 / 1:30 – 3 p.m. Members: $15 / person General Public $18 / person http://www.dbg.org/childrenprograms

Owl Talk & Walk Join us for an evening of fun, learning, and adventure as we explore the world of Arizona owls. We’ll start the evening with a short talk to introduce you and your family to some of the most amazing things about these nocturnal predators. Then we’ll take our new knowledge out into the Garden to hopefully call in some real owls that will be defending territories and making nests. This is a great opportunity to have a safe and exciting night hike and to learn how to speak owl! Saturday / January 26 / 7 - 9 p.m.

Preschool Program: Seedlings A science-based enrichment program for preschoolers Young children discover the wonders of the desert alongside their caregiver in our nature-based preschool program. We use music, stories, arts & crafts, nature walks, movement, touch, and observation to explore a new theme each week. Guided by caring and experienced teachers, Seedlings blends the Garden’s unique resources with imaginative and fun ways to learn about plants and animals in our desert backyard.