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 free, weekly outdoor program for young children and their caregivers at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. Held in the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden, the morning features interactive story readings at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., alongside self-guided learning activities set up on the nearby picnic tables. This drop-in event is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy being outdoors. While admission to the program is free and does not require registration, you will need to pay for parking at the Duke Gardens lot. The garden paths are stroller-friendly, but packing a blanket to sit on during storytime is a smart move if the benches fill up. It is a low-pressure way to get your kids outside and socializing on a weekday morning. The structured story times are short enough to hold a toddler's attention, and the surrounding edible garden offers plenty of space for children to explore at their own pace before or after the event.
Do I need to register for the storytime in advance?
No registration is required for this event. You can drop in at the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
How much does parking cost at Duke Gardens?
While the event itself is free, Duke Gardens charges a parking fee of $2 per hour. You can pay at the kiosks located in the main parking lot.
What happens if it rains?
This is an entirely outdoor event in the garden. In the case of inclement weather, the program may be canceled, so it is best to check the Duke Gardens website before heading out.