For Kids
The North Carolina Arboretum provides children with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of unique experiences while they discover the wonders of nature in a safe, high-quality, and enriching environment. Whether it’s hiking along Bent Creek or geocaching through the woods, the Arboretum offers an array of fun, educational, and kid-friendly activities.
ecoEXPLORE
An adventure awaits young naturalists at the Arboretum! While your child enjoys the gardens and trails, they can join our crew of ecoEXPLORERS — young citizen scientists who help professional scientists study the plants and animals that call North Carolina home. Begin your journey at the Arboretum, then continue the adventure in your own neighborhood by sharing photo observations of butterflies, lizards, wildflowers, and more! To register for free, visit www.ecoEXPLORE.net
Rocky Cove Railroad
Families can learn about the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century at the Rocky Cove Railroad, which features up to four G-scale (garden scale) model trains running at a time. The railroad runs Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon – 4 p.m., April through October.
TRACK Trail
Families can pick up a TRACK Trail guide at the kiosk behind the Baker Exhibit Center and record their encounters as they walk along the Arboretum’s Natural Garden Trail. Current options include “What’s at Willow Pond and ”Let’s EXPLORE!” an introduction to EcoEXPLORE. Families can log their hike online to earn free prizes via the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program.
Student field trips
The Arboretum’s popular guided field trip programs are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from September through May. Scheduling several months in advance is highly recommended.
Nature Discovery Room
Visit the Arboretum’s Nature Discovery Room on the ground floor of the Education Center and observe live animals in realistic habitats. Test your powers of observation in the forest diorama and learn how to contribute your observations to real scientists.
Youth & Family Programs
Looking for more activities and programs for your child? The Arboretum offers nature and science programs suited for all ages.