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Budding Explorers

Date: Sat, Oct 17, 2026

Time: Sat., 10am-noon

Venue: JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, Raleigh

Price: $8

Category: Family

Calling all explorers! Join us for a hands-on program as we discover how climate helps shape the plants that grow in our gardens. Youth participants, accompanied by an adult, will investigate signs of fall in the garden, explore plant hardiness zones, and plant a resilient garden plant to take home! You'll also get an introduction to ecoEXPLORE, an incentive-based community science program developed by The North Carolina Arboretum. By making real-world observations and completing fun challenges, youth participants can earn badges and prizes throughout the year. There is no need to have an ecoEXPLORE account prior to this program in order to participate. Program begins at the Visitor Center. Come dressed for the weather as this program will be held partly outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside. Don't miss out on this opportunity to equip your budding explorers with the knowledge and tools to continue (or begin!) their science journey.

Family · Raleigh

Budding Explorers

“Dress for the weather since parts of this program are held outdoors.”

When
Oct 17
Sat, Oct 17, 2026
Sat., 10am-noon
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
$8
raleighfamily friendly

Budding Explorers is a hands-on garden science program at the JC Raulston Arboretum where children and their supervising adults investigate how climate shapes plant growth. What to Know: The program costs $8 and runs from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center and should dress for the weather because the activities take place partly outdoors. If it rains, the event moves inside. Children will learn about plant hardiness zones, search for signs of fall, and take home a resilient garden plant. The session also introduces ecoEXPLORE, a community science program where kids can earn badges and prizes, though you do not need an account before attending. This is a smart weekend pick because it combines outdoor exploration with a practical take-home project, giving kids a tangible connection to nature that they can continue to nurture at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need an ecoEXPLORE account to participate?
No, there is no need to have an ecoEXPLORE account prior to this program in order to participate.
What happens if it rains on the day of the event?
In the event of inclement weather, the program activities will be moved inside.
How much does the program cost?
The price to participate in this program is $8.

Last updated

$8

Oct 17

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Budding Explorers runs Sat, Oct 17, 2026, Sat., 10am-noon.

Getting There

JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University is at 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University →

What to Bring

  • Tickets or entry money — admission is $8

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