Children’s Adventure Garden Learning Gallery Programs
Come explore our unique 8-acre adventure dedicated to making science and nature come alive for your students. All program reservations in the Children’s Adventure Garden include pre- and post-visit resource guides to use in your classroom and access to our entire garden. All content is customized for your specific grade level needs.
The videos linked below were made possible by a generous gift from the Adleta Corporation.
Details
- Open Monday–Friday
- Teacher-led programs available for PK-6th Grade
- All Arboretum teacher-led field trips cost $12 per student with access to the Children’s Adventure Garden included at no additional cost.
- Self-guided programs available for PK-8th Grade $12 per student (with a $3 add-on for admission to the Children’s Adventure Garden)
- $15 per additional chaperone
- Also includes access to Main Garden
Habitats
Here you will see how plants and animals live and thrive together in a woodland ecosystem. Walk the woodland trails and you will see that habitats provide shelter, space, food and water to the plants and animals that live there. As you pass the signs for habitat needs, look around at all the models and exhibits that show how people, plants and animals interact and how they adapt to changing environments.
At Home in the Wild
K-2nd Grade
All living things need a place to call home. In this program, students explore the basic needs of plants and animals, discuss what makes a good habitat and model food webs in a giant eagle’s nest with larger than life eggs. Then, students walk through a wooded habitat and a meadow using a grade-specific trail guide to investigate what lives in a rotting log, a tree snag and in the tree tops.
TEKS:
K.2(A), K.2(C), K.2(D), K.2(E), K.3(A), K.4(A), K.4(B), K.9(A), K.9(B)
1.2(A), 1.2(C), 1.2(D), 1.2(E), 1.4(A), 1.9(A), 1.9(B), 1.9(C), 1.10(A)
2.2(A), 2.2(C), 2.2(D), 2.2(E), 2.4(A), 2.9(A), 2.9(C)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns, Cause and Effect, Systems and System Models, Stability and Change
Tree Trek
3rd-6th Grade
Trees are amazing! How do many of these giant plants outlive humans? Students discover the science of studying a tree and, through hands-on activities, investigate what these organisms need to live a long life in a woodland ecosystem. Students walk through the gallery’s Discovery Trail Loop to explore how trees provide shelter and food to other organism and discover how trees are adapted to survive in changing habits.
TEKS:
3.2(F), 3.3(B), 3.4(A), 3.9(A), 3.9(B), 3.9(B), 3.9(C)
4.2(B), 4.2(C), 4.2(D), 4.2(F), 4.3(B), 4.4(A), 4.9(A), 4.9(B)
5.2(C), 5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.2(G), 5.4(A), 5.9(A), 5.9(B), 5.9(C)
6.1(A), 6.2(C), 6.2(E), 6.3(B), 6.3(C), 6.4(A), 6.12(E), 6.12(F)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Systems and System Models, Scale, Proportion, and Quantity, Energy and Matter, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Living Cycles
1st-5th Grade
Explore the growth and change of a diverse set of organisms. Students first compare the physical appearance of adults and offspring to assess how plants and animals change over time and then investigate pollinators and their role in life cycles. In the gallery, students identify and observe the roles of decomposers, methods of seed dispersal, organisms in different stages of their life cycle and the process of pollination.
TEKS:
1.2(A), 1.2(C), 1.2(E), 1.3(B), 1.4(A), 1.9(B), 1.9(C), 1.10(A), 1.10(B), 1.10(C), 1.10(D) 2.2(A), 2.2(C), 2.2(E), 2.3(B), 2.4(A), 2.9(C), 2.10(A), 2.10(B), 2.10(C)
3.2(B), 3.2(F), 3.9(A), 3.10(A), 3.10(B)
4.2(B), 4.2(F), 4.9(A), 4.10(A), 4.10(B)
5.2(C), 5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.9(A), 5.10(A)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Little Sprouts
The Glade contains a puppet theater that invites guests to enjoy fun songs, dramatic characters and educational tales inspired by happenings in nature. The Glade is a natural space where visitors can take a seat and become part of the stories presented by our educators and puppeteers. After the show the stories come to life in the plants, animals, and insects found throughout the garden.
Little Sprouts Squirrel Adventure
Offered August-December
PreK–1st Grade
Help Nuts the Squirrel find a new home! This interactive outdoor programs focuses on the changing seasons and animals’ habitat needs. Students listen to a big book story about the life of a squirrel and engage with characters in an outdoor puppet show.
TEKS:
K.2(A), K.8(B), K.9(B)
1.2(A), 1.8(C), 1.9(B)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Little Sprouts Butterfly Adventure
Offered February-May
PreK–1st Grade
What will happen to Cathy Caterpillar? This fun, interactive program brings metamorphosis to life with a big book story about the butterfly life cycle and an outdoor puppet show.
TEKS:
K.2(A), K.8(B), K.9(B), K.10(D)
1.2(A), 1.10(C), 1.10(D)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Moody Oasis
While it’s a great place to sit and rest, this rooftop garden also provides several important functions. It insulates the building below which reduces our overall energy consumption and provides a vital habitat for pollinators. In fact, this garden is a certified Monarch Waystation and the entire Children’s Adventure Garden is a National Wildlife Federation certified Wildlife Habitat. Enjoy the panoramic view of White Rock Lake from Moody Oasis.
Monarch Mania
2nd–6th Grade
Texas is a prime spot to observe monarch butterflies – it lies between the breeding grounds to the north, in Canada, and the overwintering areas to the south, in Mexico. Our certified Monarch Waystation is the perfect place to observe monarchs and many other pollinators. In this program, students learn all about the fascinating life of the monarch butterfly and what humans can do to help them survive. Students may even spot monarchs in the garden! [Peak times are typically early October and late March.]
TEKS:
2.2(A), 2.2(C), 2.2(E), 2.3(B), 2.4(A), 2.9(B), 2.9(C), 2.10(A), 2.10(B)
3.2(C), 3.2(F), 3.4(A), 3.10(A), 3.10(B)
4.3(C), 4.4(A), 4.10(C)
5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(A), 5.4(A), 5.9(A), 5.9(C), 5.10(A)
6.2(C), 6.2(E), 6.3(A), 6.3(B), 6.3(C), 6.4(A), 6.12(A), 6.12(C), 6.12(E)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Path to Pollen
2nd – 6th Grade
Are insects our friends or foes? Are they all pests? No! 75% of all flowering plants need animal pollinators. This includes the majority of the plant foods in our diet. In this program, students learn about the important relationships between plants and pollinators and how each are adapted to benefit from one another.
TEKS:
2.2(A), 2.2(C), 2.2(E), 2.3(B), 2.4(A), 2.9(C), 2.10(A), 2.10(B)
3.2(C), 3.2(F), 3.4(A), 3.10(A), 3.10(B)
4.3 (C), 4.4(A), 4.10(C)
5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(A), 5.4(A), 5.9(A), 5.9(C), 5.10(A)
6.2(C), 6.2(E), 6.3(A), 6.3(B), 6.3(C), 6.4(A), 6.12(A), 6.12(C), 6.12(E)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Plants Are Alive
You know people are alive, but did you know that plants are alive and have parts that must work together to keep the plant well? Plants have different body parts just like you. Every part does something special to help the plant survive. Enter a world of giant plants to see how all the parts work. You may build a big flower puzzle, make your own growing plant pictures, or see how water moves through a healthy plant. Real plant parts somethings look different, but they all work much the same way.
Pumpkin Powered
K-2nd Grade
Available September 18 – November 3
Each autumn, the Arboretum is transformed by thousands of pumpkins, gourds and squash. In this seasonally-spiced version of our Plants are Alive program, students learn about the differences between living and nonliving things and explore the structures and functions of a pumpkin plant. Each class receives pumpkin seeds to take back to school for planting and further observation! Don’t miss our breathtaking pumpkin display in the Main Garden before or after your program.
TEKS:
K.2(A), K.2(C), K.2(E), K.3(B), K.3(C), K.4(A), K.4(B), K.9(A), K.9(B), K.10(B), K.10(C), K.10(D)
1.2(A), 1.2(C), 1.2(D), 1.2(E), 1.3(B), 1.3(C), 1.4(A), 1.4(B), 1.9(A), 1.10(B)
2.2(A), 2.2(C), 2.2(D), 2.2(E), 2.3(B), 2.9(A), 2.9(B), 2.10(B)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Root to Fruit
K-2nd Grade
How do we know that plants are alive? In this program, students learn about living and nonliving things through hands-on activities and songs. Students explore the gallery to investigate the similarities and differences between the same parts of different plants and share their findings
TEKS:
K.2(A), K.2(C), K.2(E), K.3(B), K.3(C), K.4(A), K.4(B), K.9(A), K.9(B), K.10(B), K.10(C), K.10(D)
1.2(A), 1.2(C), 1.2(D), 1.2(E), 1.3(B), 1.3(C), 1.4(A), 1.4(B), 1.9(A), 1.10(B)
2.2(A), 2.2(C), 2.2(D), 2.2(E), 2.3(B), 2.9(A), 2.9(B), 2.10(B)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts: Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change
Texas Native Wetlands
3rd–6th Grade
How healthy is our habitat? In this program, students explore our Texas Native Wetlands as they collect data on our outdoor, island classroom. Students make connections between the living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem to determine the health of our waterway using cutting edge scientific tools.
TEKS:
3.1(A), 3.1(B), 3.2(A), 3.2(B), 3.2(D), 3.2(E), 3.2(F), 3.3(C), 3.4(A), 3.9(A), 3.10(A), 3.10(B)
4.1(A), 4.2(B), 4.2(D), 4.2(E), 4.2(F), 4.3(C), 4.4(A), 4.9(A), 4.10(B)
5.1(A), 5.1(B), 5.2(C), 5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(C), 5.4(A), 5.9(A), 5.9(C), 5.10(A)
6.1(A), 6.1(B), 6.2(C), 6.2(E), 6.3(D), 6.4(A), 6.12(E)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Systems and System Models, Stability and Change, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, Energy and Matter
Earth Cycles
Learn about the forces that affect our ever-changing planet. Some of these changes are found all over Earth in regular and repeating patterns, while others can cause rapid change with great impact on human activities. Explore erosion, cave formation, earthquakes, the weather cycle, the interaction of our planet with the sun and moon and so much more in this astounding Earth science learning gallery.
Earth from Space
2nd – 6th Grade
Life on Earth is dominated by regular and repeating patterns. In this program, students learn all about the relationships between the seasons, moon phases, shadows and planets through hands-on demonstrations and a focused student activity in the gallery. If you’ve been struggling to show the connections between these topics, this is the class for you!
TEKS:
2.2(A), 2.3(B), 2.8(B), 2.8(C)
3.2(D), 3.2(F), 3.3(C), 3.4(A), 3.8(B), 3.8(D)
4.2(D), 4.2(F), 4.3(B), 4.7(B), 4.8(B), 4.8(C)
5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(B), 5.8(A), 5.8(B), 5.8(C), 5.8(D)
6.2(E), 6.3(C), 6.3(D), 6.11(A), 6.11(B), 6.11(C)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, Systems and System Models, Stability and Change
Dynamic Earth
3rd – 6th Grade
The Earth is always changing. Weathering, erosion and deposition and the movement of tectonic plates cause slow and rapid changes to the Earth’s surface. In this program, students participate in hands-on inquiry with actual rock samples and observe natural processes of change at our interactive stream table. A focused student activity helps students discover the dynamic, natural world as they explore the gallery. Bring Earth science to life in our outdoor learning lab!
TEKS:
3.2(C), 3.2(F), 3.7(A)
4.2(C), 4.2(F), 4.7(A), 4.7(B)
5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.2(G), 5.7(A), 5.7(B)
6.2(E), 6.3(B),6.3(C), 6.10(B), 6.10(D)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, Systems and System Models, Stability and Change
Kaleidoscope
2nd-6th Grade
Explore how science is the study of natural patterns and how humans make use of these patterns. Students first identify patterns regularly found in nature and then investigate how patterns can be analyzed with math by looking at the Fibonacci sequence. Students then explore the gallery and quantify the most commonly observed shapes in plants. They then discuss how shapes are adaptations and how humans have used natural shapes as inspiration for our designed world.
TEKS:
2.2(C), 2.2(E), 2.3(B), 2.3(C), 2.4(A), 2.10(A), 2.10(B)
3.2(B), 3.2(D), 3.2(F), 3.3(B), 3.3(C), 3.4(A), 3.10(A)
4.2(B), 4.2(C), 4.2(D), 4.2(F), 4.3(B), 4.3(C), 4.4(A)
5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(C), 5.10(A)
6.2(D), 6.2(E), 6.3(B), 6.3(D)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, Systems and System Models, Structure and Function
Pure Energy
4th-6th Grade
In this program students develop a new understanding of alternative energy sources and the transfer of energy. Students first discuss forms and sources of energy and work together to create a living circuit. Then, small teams explore the water, solar and wind islands to record data on these three sources of renewable energy
TEKS:
4.2(B), 4.2(D), 4.2(F), 4.4(A), 4.6(A), 4.6(C), 4.7(C)
5.2(C), 5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.4(A), 5.6(A), 5.6(B),
6.2(C), 6.2(E), 6.4(A), 6.7(A), 6.8(A), 6.9(C)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Systems and System Models, Stability and Change
OmniGlobe
Located in the Exploration Center’s Globe Theatre, the five-foot-tall OmniGlobe provides an interactive model of the planets. Digital images projected onto the sphere provide a view of everything from the plants in our solar system to up-to-date weather events and population density here on Earth.
Planetary Voyage
3rd-6th Grade
Travel through the solar system and beyond in our Globe Theatre. During this program, an Arboretum teacher will guide students’ space exploration as they view 360-degree imagery of the planets through NASA satellite views projected on our five-foot-tall OmniGlobe. Students will discover what makes each planet unique, including our irreplaceable planet, Earth. This captivating program ensures high student engagement as they become the experts on a wide range of science topics.
TEKS:
3.1(B), 3.2(D), 3.2(F), 3.3(A), 3.3(B), 3.3(C), 3.6(C), 3.8(B), 3.8(D)
4.1(B), 4.2(D), 4.2(F), 4.3(A), 4.3(C)
5.1(B), 5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(A), 5.3(C), 5.8(B), 5.8(C), 5.8(D)
6.2(E), 6.3(A), 6.3(B), 6.3(C), 6.3(D), 6.11(A), 6.11(B), 6.11(C)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, Systems and System Models, Energy and Matter, Structure and Function
Geologic Odyssey
3rd-6th Grade
Take a walk through time in our Globe Theatre. In this program, an Arboretum teacher will guide student exploration as they discover how plate tectonics have shaped and continue to shape the planet and affect our lives. Along the journey students explore evidence for plate movement in volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis using satellite data and digital images projected onto a five-foot-tall sphere.
TEKS:
3.2(D), 3.2(F), 3.3(B), 3.3(A), 3.3(C), 3.7(B)
4.2(D), 4.2(F), 4.3(A), 4.3(C)
5.2(D), 5.2(F), 5.3(A), 5.3(C)
6.2(E), 6.3(A), 6.3(B), 6.3(C), 6.3(D), 6.10(C), 6.10(D)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:
Patterns, Cause and Effect, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, Systems and System Models, Energy and Matter, Stability and Change