Every Thursday from September 10 to November 19 10 a.m.-noon Join us for story time and self-guided activities in the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden. Story times will begin at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. each Thursday morning in the Story Circle in the Discovery Garden. Activities for caregivers to enjoy with their youngsters will be available on the picnic tables in the same garden area. Fee: Free; parking fees apply. No registration required.
Discovery Drop-In & Storytime is a weekly, self-guided outdoor activity and reading program for young children at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. Held in the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden, the event features two scheduled reading sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the designated Story Circle, alongside self-paced projects set up on nearby picnic tables. This drop-in program is completely free and requires no advance registration, making it easy to fit into unpredictable morning routines. While the event itself costs nothing, you will need to pay for parking at the Duke Gardens lot, which uses a pay-by-phone system. The activities are best suited for toddlers and preschoolers, and because the entire event takes place outdoors, you should dress your children for the weather and bring along water and sunscreen. It makes a fantastic weekday outing because it combines structured, educational play with plenty of open space for kids to run around afterward. You can easily pair the program with a walk to the duck pond or a picnic on the lawn, turning a simple morning storytime into a full, low-stress outdoor adventure.
No registration is required for this event. You can simply show up at the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden anytime between 10:00 a.m. and noon.
How much does parking cost at Duke Gardens?
While the storytime is free, parking at Duke Gardens costs $2 per hour. You can pay at the kiosks or use the mobile parking app when you arrive.
What happens if it rains?
Because this is an entirely outdoor event held in the garden area, it may be canceled or modified during inclement weather. It is always wise to check the Duke Gardens website or social media if the weather looks questionable.
