Children’s Activities – January to June 2010
VanDusen has some exciting programming planned for our young visitors! Whether they are spending three days at our Snap, Splash, Grow! Camp Biodiversity spring break mini-camp, or coming with the whole family for one of our HSBC VanDusen Family Programs, there is sure to be an activity that will inspire your children to spend more time outdoors playing and learning about all the unique critters and plants there are in nature!
For more information contact the Education Assistant:
familyprograms@vandusen.org
summercamps@vandusen.org
Phone: 604.718.5898
Snap, Splash, Grow! Camp Biodiversity
March 9-11, Spring Break Mini-Camp
Ages 7-10
Hey kids! Get into the Garden during Spring Break! Camp Biodiversity will take you on an adventure to explore life on earth and how it is all connected. We will use microscopes, make terrariums, do the Animal Olympics, go bug hunting, play games, make cool crafts, and so much more! Camp will be a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, depending on the weather.
9:30am – 3:30pm (drop off available from 9:00am)
Members: $120 / Non-members: $140
A limited number of need-based bursaries are available.
Download Camp Biodiversity Registration Form (
PDF 84 kb)
To register: email summercamps@vandusen.org, or call 604-718-5898
HSBC VanDusen Family Program
Explore the amazing world of nature in our beautiful 55-acre garden and come face-to-face with a huge variety of plants and animals! Discover the natural world through plenty of outdoor hands-on practical explorations, games and crafts.
* Programs are designed for children ages 4-11yrs. Infants and toddlers under 4 years are welcome, but programs are not as suitable for them.*
Financial assistance for these programs is provided by HSBC Bank Canada
A limited number of need-based bursaries are available.
Download Family Program Registration Form (PDF)
Download Bursary Application Form (PDF)
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, January 31
Bundle up and join us for a wintery scavenger hunt around the Garden. Find what’s beautiful and exciting at VanDusen during the winter and make your unique nature-inspired work of art with natural treasures that you collect along the way!
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Member: $10, Non Member $15
Family Time at Seedy Saturday
Saturday, February 27
This free family event will have all sorts of seed inspired activities during our annual Seedy Saturday event.
10:00pm and 4:00pm Families may drop-in any time beetween these hours.
What’s that Bird?
Sunday, March 28
Take a walk around the Garden and learn all about the birds that make VanDusen their home. Build your own recycled bird feeder so you can have your own feathered friends visiting your home this spring! Fee includes supplies.
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Member: $15 / Non-member $20
I Heart Planet Earth!
Saturday, April 24
Celebrate Earth Day with the family at VanDusen by investigating the Garden and the importance of preserving our natural world. Propagate your own plant and make a special earth-friendly craft.
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Member: $15 / Non-member $20
*** Bring the whole family to VanDusen today! We have scheduled a Pre-Plant Sale tour to coincide with today’s programs. One adult goes on the Plant Tour while another enjoys Earth Day activities with the kids.
Tasty Plants
Sunday, May 16
Nothing compliments fresh summer eating better than fresh garden herbs. We’ll explore the different herbs grown at VanDusen, and plant a mini herb garden for participants to take home to watch it grow into tasty plants! One herb garden per family.
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Member: $15 / Non-member: $20
Splash! It’s Pond Season
Saturday, June 19
We know how much our young visitors love the ponds here at VanDusen. Join our program leaders for hands-on look at pond life. Collect some critters with our pond-dipping nets and check them out up-close with our microscopes back at the Education Centre classroom.
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Member: $10 / Non-member: $15
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