Family Programs
With a variety of programs throughout the year aimed at families looking for hands-on activities and educational experiences at VanDusen Botanical Garden, we’re looking forward to helping you and your children get into nature, together!
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+-September 25: Preschool Storytime - Autumn Colours
September 25, 10:00am – 10:45am
This month we will explore the beauty and changing colours of Autumn through stories and songs, and create a colourful leaf character placemat to take home.
This is an easy-going, early learning program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program provides participants and their caregivers the opportunity to gather in the Library to engage with nature-themed children’s books, and to explore seasonal topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required.
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+-October 10: Preschool Wonder Walk - Lovely Leaves
October 10, 10:00am – 11:30am
October Theme: Lovely Leaves
Discover the Garden in the fall, from a rainbow of colourful leaves to the different shapes and textures that VanDusen has to offer. Finally, let your imagination run wild as you create a masterpiece of nature art for all to enjoy!
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+-October 23: Preschool Storytime - Harvest Time
October 23, 10:00am – 10:45am
This month we will celebrate harvesting food through stories, songs, and a hands on activity to take home.
This is an easy-going, early learning program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program provides participants and their caregivers the opportunity to gather in the Library to engage with nature-themed children’s books, and to explore seasonal topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required.
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+-November 7: Preschool Wonder Walk -Down in the Dirt
November 7, 10:00am – 11:30am
November Theme: Down in the Dirt
Explore the Garden games, crafts, and movement as you take a look into the world living under our feet. Try “log rolling” in search of insects and other critters, and learn about how decomposers keep our soils healthy all year round!
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+-November 27: Preschool Storytime - Hello Hibernation!
November 27, 10:00am – 10:45am
This month we will learn what bears do during the cold winter through stories, songs, and constructing a hibernating bear in a cave.
This is an easy-going, early learning program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program provides participants and their caregivers the opportunity to gather in the Library to engage with nature-themed children’s books, and to explore seasonal topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required.
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+-December 12: Preschool Wonder Walk -Signs of Snow
December 12, 10:00am – 11:30am
November Theme: Signs of Snow
Winter is on its way to VanDusen – explore the sparkling world of ice and snow, create a frosty nature craft, and find out how the Garden’s plants and animals adapt and prepare for the cold months!
How to Register
In order to register for a class, you first need to create an account with Amilia, our online registration portal. Note that your membership account does NOT give you this access. You must open a separate account in Amilia.
Follow this link to create your Amilia account and start registering for education programs.
For registration support, email learn@vandusen.org or call 250-397-0394.
Bursaries
At VBGA, we believe that environmental education should be accessible to everyone. Thanks to donor support, we offer bursaries to individuals facing financial barriers, allowing them to participate in our educational programs.
Once you’ve found an Education program you’re interested in, click here to learn more about how to apply.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be given for VBGA education courses.
If you need to cancel your registration, please provide a written request at least one week (7 days) in advance of the start of the program and the full program fee will be credited to your Amilia account. Cancelation requests made with less than a week’s notice will not receive a credit.
No new credit will be issued if the cancelled course was purchased using prior credit. Credits must be used within one year of the date issued.
Program cancellation by the VBGA (Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association) due to Public Health Restrictions will result in education program credit equivalent to the value lost.
Please notify us of your cancellation in writing to learn@vandusen.org