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.

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.

Recommended for children ages 7-12 with an accompanying adult. Free with Peabody Museum admission. Ever wonder what caribou fur clothing feels like? Or how people traditionally hunted seals? Or how snow knives and snow goggles work? Come find out as we explore traditional arctic life in this artifact-based, hands-on program. Then make and decorate your own snow goggles to take home!

$3 per child Be your own Cake Boss at the MMCM! Cup-a-Cakes Diva, Pam Luth, will demonstrate all things cupcakes for children age 5-10. Children will design their own cupcake to take home. Limited enrollment. Registration and payment due on or before Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

Bring your family and enjoy holiday music with Michele Spitz! Christmas songs, creative movement, fingerplay and rhythm instruments will be the theme!