Events and Education
Click on each of the Programs below to discover more!
Adult classes and workshops at Waterfront Botanical Gardens brings together our staff and local experts from across Louisville and Kentuckiana. Through Adult Education, we are excited to share knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether you’re trying a new hobby or digging deeper into plants and nature, we welcome lifelong learners and hope to provide ways to keep you learning no matter your age and ability. Adult classes and workshops often explore: Horticulture and Gardening; Art and Design; Science and Environment; Health and Wellness; Nature Photography; City and Waterway History
When Program is Available: Year-Round
Children ages 3-5 and their grown-up caregivers can enjoy two colorful stories and a nature-inspired activity to help young friends build early reading, social-interactive and creative skills. This program is FREE for kids and caregivers, but registration is required.
When Program is Available: Biweekly (Day of week TBD) August – November; February - May
Plants are paramount at Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ Sprouts Summer Camps. Whether we are painting pots, scooping soil for seeds, or peering at our planet’s predominant pollinators, age-appropriate botany is always at our core.
Our week-long summer camps take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Avenue.
When Program is Available: Early June – Early August 2025
Spring Break Camps are recommended for children ages 4-6. We will investigate, create, move, play, and make friends during our time in the Gardens. Campers should dress for both indoor and outdoor exploration. Our half-day drop-off programs last from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and are perfect for younger children who aren’t quite ready for a full day of camp.
When Program is Available: March 31 – April 4, 2025
A free, family festival looking at the world through the lens of plants. Vendors at the Gardens will demonstrate how their products originated from plants with fun, interactive displays; Food and beverage on site.
When Program is Available: Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens offers in-person field trips for students in grades K-8. These 90-minute programs incorporate state academic science and math standards and serve to foster an appreciation for plants and our natural world.
When Program is available: August – May
Let the Gardens come to you! Waterfront Botanical Gardens offers outreach programs to schools, homeschools, co-ops, and other interested youth groups looking to connect to the science of gardening in the comfort of their own classroom. Outreach visits are currently available for grades Pre K – 5 and are aligned with Kentucky/Indiana state curriculum guidelines and correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards.
When Program is available: Thursdays through Sundays in August through May
It is no secret that teaching science outdoors is sort of our thing at Waterfront Botanical Gardens- and now that Girl Scouts have S.T.E.M. focused badges that encourage girls to study science, tinker with tech, explore engineering, and master math skills while simultaneously connecting to the natural world-we can’t resist offering them this spring. During each 90-minute program, your Scout will complete all requirements necessary to earn a badge. Badges are included and will be distributed at the end of the program.
When Program is Available: Year-round
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Phase 2 of the Master Plan
Waterfront Botanical Gardens has completed Phase 1 of our Master Plan which includes approximately 5 acres of the full 23-acre site. We are now embarking on Phase 2, which is split into sub-phases. Phase 2A will include the Bonsai House, Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Tree Allée, and Beargrass Creek Overlook. Phase 2B will include the rest of the Japanese Garden.
Finish Date: Construction is set to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, completion TBD.
Other Educational Resources:
Virtual & Distance Learning
Whether you’re participating in NTI or simply looking for more resources or activities to share with young learners, check out our virtual learning library to supplement your environmental education needs.
