After a really, really, really long winter, spring has finally sprung! While your little ones will probably have lots of pent up energy to play outside, April is the perfect time to channel it by teaching them a thing or two about gardening.
In honor of Earth Day this month (April 22), here are some kid-focused gardening classes that we dig.
Key takeaways:
Gardening classes are a fun way to get kids outside and active this spring.Programs are available for all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens. Kids can learn valuable skills like responsibility, nutrition and creativity. Many options are affordable or even free through local parks and community centers.
In this four-week program at the Children’s Garden, toddlers will play, hike, read and explore the natural world through hands-on, seasonal activities. Designed for children ages 18 to 35 months, the program encourages curiosity and early learning through outdoor and indoor experiences, with a caregiver required to attend. Led by Kathryn Neuffer, supervisor of early childhood programs at The Morton Arboretum, the class draws on her background in early childhood and special education to create a fun, engaging introduction to nature.
When: Seasonal program (spring through fall; contact park for specific dates and times)Where: Various parks; visit chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information.Cost: Free
Harvest Garden is a four-session organic gardening program that teaches kids ages 6-12 how to plant, maintain and harvest from edible gardens in their neighborhood parks. The program covers the fundamentals of organic vegetable gardening, as well as nutrition, cooking, stewardship and craft projects.
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