Garden Storytime

Garden Storytime is an outdoor morning program at the JC Raulston Arboretum that combines children's literature with nature exploration. Your morning starts at the visitor center before a staff-led walk through the grounds, featuring themed stories and a simple craft project for your child to complete. This program is best suited for preschool-aged children and costs five dollars per child. Because the entire hour is spent outdoors, you should dress your child in sturdy shoes and layers appropriate for the weather. In the event of rain, the staff moves the activities to a covered shelter on the property, so the event will take place rain or shine. It is a low-stress way to introduce young children to the botanical gardens without the pressure of keeping them perfectly quiet. The structured walk keeps short attention spans moving, and the take-home craft provides a nice transition activity before heading home for afternoon naps.

Last updated September 20, 2026