Family Activities
Tree of the Month
Explore the London planetree, our featured tree of the month, and hunt for a hidden letterbox in the landscape! Learn more with our activity guide [pdf].
Adventures in the Explorers Garden
Are you ready for an adventure? Find out why the Arboretum collects plants from around the globe. When you see the mobile tour logo, dial in for an adventure. Print the tour brochure or download the podcast and start traveling!
The tour begins on Bussey Hill Road at the Explorers Garden. Download a printable map of the Arboretum.
Photo Hunt
A new twist on the scavenger hunt. Grab your digital camera or cell phone camera and start the photo hunt! Caregivers can download the instruction guide plus maps for your kids.
Family Drop-In Activities
Monthly family activities are offered on the last Saturday of each month, April through October. To get on the family activity email list for 2012, contact us by email or call 617.384.5209.
Activities run from 11:00am to 1:00pm and may include scavenger hunts, science investigations, craft activities, stories, guided walks, and more-discover something new each month! These events are free, and you can participate for as long or as short a time as you like. Events are held under a tent outside of the Hunnewell Building, or inside when the weather is bad.
Arboretum Interpreters
On weekend days in May, June, September and October, be on the lookout for new Arboretum Interpreters stationed in the landscape, ready to give your visit a boost with hands-on fun and learning. These friendly and enthusiastic volunteers will help you find your way to Arboretum destinations, tell stories about fascinating plants, and highlight the Arboretum’s work as a research institution and living museum.
Coming Soon—Discovery Backpacks
Thanks to all the parents who filled out a survey to help us plan for the new discovery backpacks. The survey is now over. We’ll be trying out the backpacks this spring, so stay tuned for details.