Home / Education & Programs

Learn About Our World
Through Our Garden

Join us and help build a community that understands and cares for nature's gifts

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

February

12

Paint your Partner Portrait Class w/ Karen Gillette Art

Join us for a fun evening with a friend, sibling, or partner and create one-of-a-kind portraits of each other in this “paint your partner” class! Karen Gillette will guide the intuitive painting experience for a workshop full of love, laughter,…

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Register

Stories from Our Visitors

This workshop was so much fun! Loved the chance to be creative and learn something new.

Workshop attendee summer 2023

We had a fun time in a relaxing environment. Facilitators were friendly and helpful.

Workshop attendee winter 2023

Thanks for all you do for Boise!

Class attendee fall 2023

The staff was great and so friendly, especially when my child was feeling shy to join the group. Expertise of the staff is impressive—my child was so happy to learn from ‘real scientists.’

STEAM Camp Parent summer 2023

My child has a new outlook for the Botanical Garden. We will definitely be back as a family so they can show us around with their new knowledge of the area. Thank you for putting on such a great camp!

STEAM Camp Parent summer 2023

This field trip was wonderful and our students had a great time! They came back excited to learn more and were eager to use what they had learned. The guides were patient and engaging. We could not be more impressed!

Elementary School Teacher after spring 2023 visit

I really liked that you sent me information before we can that I could share with my students and chaperones. The video we watched was perfect and the kids were excited to come visit the BG after watching the video!

Elementary School Teacher after spring 2023 visit

Youth Education & Camps

Pre-K Programs

Explore our two new pre-K programs, launched by our education team in partnership with local early learning centers. We’re excited for our community to experience our new “Seed to Plant” and “Five Senses Exploration” programs as we grow our educational options for early learners.

Check it out here

Youth Camps at the Idaho Botanical Garden

Our youth camps are the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and STEAM learning! Designed for kids who love to explore, create, and discover, these camps offer hands-on activities that spark creativity and problem-solving while connecting campers to the natural world. Whether your child is fascinated by science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, or simply enjoys the thrill of exploring nature, they’ll dive into the Treasure Valley’s unique environment through interactive, outdoor experiences. From experimenting in our living museum to embarking on nature adventures, every camp day is filled with discovery and fun!
Check it out here

NEW: IBG "No School Days"

School holidays and in-service days can still be full of educational fun with the Idaho Botanical Garden’s new youth programming, IBG “No School” Days! Your child has the opportunity to engage with activities that provide a perfect blend of fun and education. Learning at the Garden takes many enriching, interactive forms - from nature journaling to animal studies, these special day programs turn otherwise idle time into an exciting experience.

We are currently welcoming K – 3rd graders, from 8:30 am-4:30 pm, to join us here at the Idaho Botanical Garden. Registration is now open!

Register here

Adult Education and Workshops

Classes and Workshops

Are you a lifelong learner and curious adult? The Idaho Botanical Garden Education Team curates seasonal classes and workshops designed for you! Class and workshop experiences are led by our professional staff and external hosts including local artists, businesses, and nonprofits.

We hold over 20 classes and workshops annually on a wide variety of topics. Some past class topics have included how to grow vegetables, ways to support our local pollinators, how to care for houseplants, and basic gardening techniques. Hands-on workshop themes have included ways to promote soil health, reconnect with nature, craft a one-of-a-kind bouquet or terrarium, and more.

Check it out here Apply to Teach a Class

School Programming

Field Trips

These outdoor, interactive experiences at the Garden are lead by IBG Educators and designed to supplement school science curricula and align with Idaho Content Standards for K-3rd grade learners. Facilitated Field Trips are 90 minutes long and occur mid-April – May and in October.

Learn More

Experiential Learning Outdoors!

Field trip info & requests for spring 2025 will open on our website in January

Lunaria Grant Program

The Garden began the Lunaria Grant Program in 2012 with the goal to support education-based horticulture or botanical projects within the State of Idaho. Organizations may apply between April and September for grants ranging between $300 and $1,500. The grant process is competitive and limited to available funding. The Lunaria Grant committee evaluates each application based on the following criteria:

Potential for a high degree of positive impact within the community, state, or nation
Quality of the plan for collaborating with local groups
Internal and external organizational support for the project, including clarity and cost-effectiveness of budget
The overall quality of the submitted grant proposal
Examples of some recent projects funded by the Lunaria Grant include plant informational signage, demonstration gardens, grow tunnels, and support for gardening-specific camp projects.

The photo on the left depicts a project funded by the Lunaria Grant in 2022 that allowed the Driggs Elementary School PTO to begin a program that provides farm and garden education to students.

Garden Features

The Garden Offers Something for Everyone!

● 32 acres of gardens to explore
● Community events
● Concert series
● Classes and workshops
● Photography opportunities
● Memberships and volunteering

Donate Now

Learn About Our World Through Our Garden