The Houston Botanic Garden is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

BotaniCamp

NATURE CAMP FOR K-5th GRADE STUDENTS

Houston Botanic Garden’s BotaniCamp, a plant-centric nature camp for K-5 students, uses a sensory and inquiry-driven curriculum to present many opportunities to go beyond just observation. BotaniCamp connects children with plants and nature through thoughtful and diverse lessons, with creative hands-on activities.

Summer BotaniCamp 2024

Click here to register your camper(s), by week and age range:

  • 5-6 years old
  • 7-9 years old
  • 10-12 years old


Monday-Friday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$290/child/week
(Garden members save $40/child/week)

June 17-21 — Farms & Fields
Farms are amazing places. Farmers grow the food we eat, along with other useful plants. They support farm animals, wildlife, and humans like us. They are also places where innovation and science happen. In Farms and Fields, we’ll explore everything from soil to seed, and discover the magic of farms.  

June 24-28 — Potions & Provisions
Discover the healing power of common weeds, kitchen herbs, and other medicinal plants in this fun and interactive experience. We will explore the untouched parts of the Garden’s acreage to see which medicinal and edible plants are growing wild, learn how to identify them, and talk about how to use them. We will also harvest herbs from the Garden to make powerful potions to take home and share with family.  

July 8-12 — Flower Power
Flowers are all around us. They are beautiful, colorful, and even…delicious? During Flower Power, campers will learn about the lifecycle, features, friends, and secrets of flowers. We will cook, heal, create art, and have fun with flowers of all kinds. 

July 15-19 — Wet N’ Wild
Water is essential to life on earth, but we sometimes take it for granted. Campers will learn where water comes from, where it goes, and how they can care for it. We’ll make a splash in our Stormwater Wetlands and Sims Bayou, where we will discover amazing aquatic animals and plants, experiment with water chemistry, and help clean up and keep our waterways safe and healthy. 

July 29-August 2 — Insect Investigators
Insects are the most diverse group of animals living on earth. Young entomologists will investigate pests, pollinators, and everything in between. We will make an insect collection, conduct experiments, interact with live insects, and explore habitats. Campers will learn all about the tiny creatures that rule the world.  

August 5-9 — Ecosystem Adventure
From rainforest to desert, and everything in between, the Garden has it all. In this immersive experience, campers will investigate different ecosystems, discover adaptations that plants and animals have developed to survive in them, and see if they have what it takes to succeed in an ecosystem adventure. 

 

For more information, email education@hbg.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend BotaniCamp?

BotaniCamp is open to students ages 5-12. While all campers will be dropped off together and have the opportunity to interact throughout the day, age groups of 5-6, 7-9, and 10-12 will work separately and have age-appropriate activities and curriculum. 

When is BotaniCamp?

BotaniCamp is a day camp that runs Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How early can I drop off my camper(s)?

Dropoff begins at 8:30 a.m. Campers are to be dropped off; parents are not expected to stay on-site.

What if I can’t pick up my camper(s) at 2 p.m.?

For an additional weekly fee, Garden After-Camp is available from 2-5 p.m. Since after camp is during the hottest part of the day, campers will mostly stay indoors and have the choice of viewing an age-appropriate movie or participating in games or passive activities that match the week’s theme.

How late can I pick up my camper(s)?

All campers must be picked up no later than 5 p.m.

What should my camper(s) wear?

Please send your child to camp in breathable, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. And, always send a refillable water bottle.

What does my camper(s) need to bring?

Parents are required to provide a sack lunch for campers daily.  Campers will be provided two snacks per regular camp day, and one for after camp. 

Where will my camper(s) spend time during BotaniCamp?

BotaniCamp is a nature camp, and we spend as much time as weather allows outdoors. We are always mindful of dangerous weather conditions, such as excessive heat or strong thunderstorms, and we adjust activities accordingly.